Outcomes of secondary cytoreductive surgery in patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer progressed after prior poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase inhibitors: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of previous poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor therapy on the effectiveness of secondary cytoreductive surgery (SCS) in patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer (PSROC).

METHODS

We identified patients with PSROC who underwent SCS at the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, between January 2010 and December 2022. Postoperative complications within 30 days were categorized using the Accordion Severity Grading System. The Kaplan‒Meier method was used to estimate both overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), and multivariate analysis was used to identify independent prognostic factors.

RESULTS

Of the 265 patients included, 39 received prior PARP inhibitor therapy (Group A), and 226 did not (Group B). The rates of complete resection after SCS did not significantly differ between the two groups (79.5 % for Group A vs. 81.0 % for Group B; p = 0.766). As of December 2023, Group A exhibited a significantly shorter median PFS (14.2 months) than Group B (22.5 months; p = 0.002). Furthermore, the 3-year OS rate was lower in Group A (72.5 %) than in Group B (82.7 %; p = 0.015). The incidence of severe postoperative complications was comparable between Groups A and B (7.7 % vs. 1.8 %; p = 0.061). Multivariate analysis revealed that prior PARP inhibitor therapy significantly reduced the median PFS (hazard ratio (HR) = 4.434; p = 0.021) and OS (HR = 2.076; p = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

SCS for PSROC demonstrated reduced efficacy in patients previously treated with PARP inhibitors compared to those without prior PARP inhibitor treatment.

Secondary cytoreductive surgery and oncologic outcomes in the era of targeted maintenance therapy for recurrent, platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVES

To compare oncologic outcomes of secondary cytoreductive surgery (SCS) before and after FDA approval of Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor (PARPi) and bevacizumab maintenance therapies for platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer (PS-ROC).

METHODS

Patients who underwent SCS for first recurrence of PS-ROC from 1/1/2013-1/1/2020 were identified. Exclusion criteria included prior chemotherapy for recurrence, bowel obstruction procedures, and palliative surgery. Data were dichotomized pre/post 1/2017, relative to FDA approval of PARPi and bevacizumab maintenance for ROC. Second progression-free survival (PFS2), the primary endpoint, was estimated using Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Overall, 245 patients underwent SCS-131 (53%) pre- and 114 (47%) post-approval. Most patients had high-grade serous tumors (83% and 90%, respectively; p = 0.13). Deleterious BRCA1/2 alterations were identified in 27% (32/120) and 28% (32/113) of tested patients, respectively (p = 0.88). Disease-free intervals pre- and post-approval were: 6-12 months, 16% and 18%; 12-30 months, 56% and 59%; and >30 months, 28% and 24%, respectively (p = 0.73). Overall, 85% and 86% of patients, respectively, achieved complete gross resection (CGR; p > 0.99). PARPi maintenance use increased from 3.8% to 27% (p < 0.001) following approval, and bevacizumab from 1.5% to 12% (p < 0.001). Median PFS2 was 19 and 20.1 months, respectively. In the post group, 1-year PFS2 rate was 84.5% (95% CI, 75.7-90.4%) for patients with CGR vs 56.2% (95% CI, 29.5-76.2%) for those with residual disease; 3-year PFS2 rates were 31.3% (95% CI, 21.6-41.4%) and 12.5% (95% CI, 2.1-32.8%), respectively (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

CGR during SCS is associated with improved PFS2 compared to suboptimal resection. Prospective randomized trials are warranted to elucidate the role of SCS as more therapeutics become available.

Cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy in recurrent ovarian cancer: 18 years of experience

AIM

To identify the clinical and pathological factors associated with relapse in women who had undergone secondary cytoreductive surgery due to locally advanced recurrent ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Women with locally advanced recurrent ovarian cancer who had undergone cytoreduction between 2000 and 2018 were included in this study. Demographic, clinical and biochemical intraoperative findings were recorded for each woman. All factors were assessed in order to identify which correlated with the outcomes of interest (i.e. disease relapse, mortality and morbidity).

RESULTS

In total, 181 women who had undergone secondary cytoreduction were analysed. The hospital mortality rate was 1.7 % (n = 3) and the morbidity rate was 32.1 % (n = 58). Recurrence was recorded in 101 (55.8 %) women. Infiltration of large bowel lymph nodes was a negative prognostic indicator of morbidity (p = 0.029). A prior surgical score of 1 (PSS-1) [odds ratio (OR) 0.465] and complete cytoreduction (OR 0.518) were found to be significant independent predictors for disease relapse. Median overall survival was greater for patients with PSS-1 (151.3 vs 59.4 vs 44.1 months; p = 0.049) and patients with complete cytoreduction (137.6 vs 36.2 vs 10.0 vs 27.4 months; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Complete cytoreduction and PSS-1 are associated with reduced disease relapse and increased overall survival. Infiltration of large bowel lymph nodes is associated with increased morbidity.

Secondary cytoreductive surgery in recurrent clear cell carcinoma of the endometrium: A case report

INTRODUCTION & IMPORTANCE

Endometrial cancer with high-risk histology is associated with a majority of recurrences and death. However, unlike other cancers, such as ovarian, there is a paucity of research demonstrating the benefits of secondary cytoreduction. In this case report we aim to aid in identifying individuals who may be ideal candidates for secondary cytoreduction surgery after minimally invasive hysterectomy and staging by a gynecologic oncologist at an academic institution and diagnosed with clear cell endometrial cancer.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 72 year-old female patient presented with postmenopausal bleeding and was subsequently diagnosed with Stage IIIC2 clear cell carcinoma of the endometrium. She represented 20 months after receiving initial staging and adjuvant chemotherapy with increasing CA-125 levels and radiographic evidence of left para-aortic lymph node oligo metastasis. She underwent secondary cytoreductive surgery via robotic-assisted laparoscopic para-aortic lymph node dissection and salvage chemotherapy. After 45 months of follow-up physical exam, CA-125 levels and CT of the abdomen and pelvis have remained without evidence of disease.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

We review the literature on secondary cytoreductive surgery (SCS) in endometrial cancer (EC) to identify factors associated with improved survival.

CONCLUSION

Secondary cytoreduction in endometrial cancer may lead to prolonged progression-free survival in well-selected patients.

Morbidity after secondary cytoreductive surgery with or without hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for ovarian cancer: An analysis of a randomized phase II trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess postoperative complications after secondary cytoreductive surgery (SCS) with or without hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), we conducted an exploratory analysis of patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer enrolled in a randomized phase II trial.

METHODS

Complications occurring within 30 days of surgery were graded using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0; only hemoglobin and platelet levels were assessed. Patients were grouped by CTCAE grade ≥ 3 and < 3 complications.

RESULTS

Among 83 eligible patients, 33 (40%) had grade ≥ 3 complications and 50 (60%) had grade < 3 complications; anemia and abdominal infections were the most common. There were no perioperative mortalities. Time to initiation of postoperative chemotherapy for patients with grade ≥ 3 and grade < 3 events was 34 days (range, 18-60) and 31 days (range, 21-43), respectively (P = .017). Median progression-free survival (PFS) did not significantly differ between patients with grade ≥ 3 and grade < 3 complications (11.2 months [95% CI: 9.3-14.4] vs 14.9 months [95% CI: 11.3-16.5], respectively; P = .186), nor did median overall survival (OS) (46.9 months [95% CI: 34-NE] vs 68.2 months [95% CI: 52.1-NE], respectively; P = .053).

CONCLUSION

Postoperative complications following SCS with or without HIPEC were associated with slight delays in chemotherapy initiation but did not significantly impact oncologic outcomes.

Laparoscopic management of isolated nodal recurrence in gynecological malignancies is safe and feasible even for large metastatic nodes up to 8 cm: A prospective case series

BACKGROUND

The surgical treatment of isolated lymph node recurrence (ILNR) of gynecological malignancies is still debated. The feasibility and effectiveness of minimally invasive lymphadenectomy have been reported by few studies; however, it remains unclear what the upper tumor size limit is for a minimally invasive approach. We prospectively analyzed cases of ILNR treated by laparoscopy in our unit while focusing on the safety and feasibility of resecting large tumors suspected of recurrence using a minimally invasive approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We carried out a prospective observational case-series study. We included all consecutive patients with ILNR from gynecological cancers who underwent minimally invasive lymphadenectomy at our unit from June 2013 to June 2021 to assess the safety and feasibility of such a surgical approach. We also evaluated the oncological outcome in terms of further recurrence, site of recurrence, and survival.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients with ILNR due to gynecological malignancies were included (ovarian cancer, 12; uterine malignancies, 12; cervical cancer, 3). Three had remarkably large LNs up to 8 cm: these emblematic cases have been reported in detail with accompanying videos of the surgical procedure. The most frequent site of ILNR was aortic (67%). Recurrent LNs were completely resected in all cases; none of the procedures was converted to open surgery. The median follow-up duration was 24 months. Ten patients (37%) had a new recurrence. To date five patients (18.5%) have succumbed, four (14.8%) are alive with evidence of disease, and 18 (66.7%) are alive with no evidence of disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive surgery for ILNR in gynecological malignancies may be an option feasible, safe, and effective in terms of oncological outcomes, even for large tumors. It also allows quicker recovery with early initiation of appropriate postoperative systemic chemotherapy, in the context of an optimal multimodal therapeutic approach.

The survival outcome and complication of secondary cytoreductive surgery plus chemotherapy in recurrent ovarian cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the effectiveness and safety of secondary cytoreductive surgery plus chemotherapy (SCS + CT) in recurrent ovarian cancer (ROC). Our secondary purpose was to analyze whether patients could benefit from complete resection.

Methods

We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, from inception to April 2021. We used appropriate scales to assess the risk of bias. Data from included studies that reported median PFS or OS were weighted by individual study sample size, and aggregated for meta-analysis. We calculated the pooled proportion of complications within 30 days after surgery.

Results

We identified 13 articles, including three RCTs and ten retrospective cohort studies. A total of 4572 patients were included, of which 916 patients achieved complete resection, and all patients were comparable at baseline. Compared with chemotherapy alone, SCS + CT significantly improved the PFS (HR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.43–0.67) and OS (HR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.44–0.81). Contrary to the results of cohort studies, the meta-analysis of RCTs showed that SCS + CT could not bring OS benefits (HR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.66–1.3). The subgroup analysis showed the prognostic importance of complete resection. Compared with chemotherapy alone, complete resection was associated with longer PFS (HR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.45–0.61) and OS (HR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.39–0.81), while incomplete resection had no survival benefit. Additionally, complete resection could maximize survival benefit compared with incomplete resection (HR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.46–0.69; HR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.50–0.75). The pooled proportion for complications at 30 days was 21% (95% CI: 0.12–0.30), and there was no statistical difference in chemotherapy toxicity between the two groups.

Conclusion

The review indicated that SCS + CT based regimens was correlated with better clinical prognosis for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer, but the interpretation of OS should be cautious. The meta-analysis emphasizes the importance of complete resection, suggesting that the potential benefits of prolonging survival may outweigh the disadvantages of any short-term complications associated with surgery.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13048-021-00842-9.

The role of surgery in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer: A call to the scientific community

In the last decade, a growing attention has been focused on identifying effective therapeutic strategies also in the orphan clinical setting of women with platinum-resistant disease. In this context, secondary cytoreductive surgery (SCS) remains a potential approach only in women with platinum sensitive relapse, but experimental data have been published supporting the role of SCS also in patients with platinum-resistant recurrence. In particular, surgery is emerging as a potential option in specific subgroups of women, such as those patients with low-grade serous histology, or low-volume relapse with disease located in the so-called pharmacological sanctuaries. Furthermore, contrasting evidences have suggested a potential role in this clinical setting of SCS combined with intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy. In this complex scenario we review here the available evidences regarding the role surgery in ovarian cancer patients with platinum resistant disease, trying also to understand which patients may benefit from this challenging, experimental approach.

Improved prognosis for recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer by early diagnosis and 125I seeds implantation during suboptimal secondary cytoreductive surgery: a case report and literature review

Background

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has the worst prognosis in all of gynecologic malignant tumors because of its high recurrence and eventually chemo-resistance. Early diagnosis of recurrence is crucial to avoid diffuse dissemination. Failure of traditional treatment in recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer remains a challenge for clinicians. On the other hand, ¹²⁵I brachytherapy has been accepted as a useful and hopeful treatment for multiple advanced cancers in recent years. However, its success in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer is limited. Here we report a case of recurrent ovarian cancer who had been early diagnosis of isolated recurrence and successfully treated with ¹²⁵I seeds implantation during suboptimal cytoreductive surgery.

Case presentation

A 59-year-old woman presented with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer who have had a history of ovarian cancer stage IIIB and an R0 resection had been achieved nearly 2 years before presented in our hospital. She underwent suboptimal secondary cytoreductive surgery after four cycles of chemotherapy with little effectiveness and severe chemotherapy-related side effects. Approximately 70% of the cancer-bulk was resected during surgery. For residual lesion which fixed around the right ureter and right external iliac vessel, ¹²⁵I seeds implantation was performed. Postoperatively, the patient was treated with two cycles of combination chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin. The patient was free of disease at 26 months’ follow-up period.

Conclusion

In recurrent EOC patients with unresectable isolated lesion, salvage 125I seeds implantation are feasible and may contribute to survival.

The value of secondary neoadjuvant chemotherapy in platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer: a case-control study post GOG-0213 trial

BACKGROUND

The prognostic value and optimal resection outcome related factors of the secondary cytoreduction surgery (SCR) in Platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer (PSOC) patients were still in doubt. The present retrospective study aims to determine the relationship between the objective response of secondary neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (SNAC) and the resection outcome of SCR.

METHODS

Data were reviewed from 142 type II PSOCs who underwent SCR in Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research between 1996 and 2016. Among them, 55 cases received preliminary Platinum based SNAC before SCR. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore optimal SCR related factors. Cox proportional hazards model and log-rank test were used to assess the associations between the survival durations and covariates.

RESULTS

Optimal initial CRS (p = 0.02), disappearance of ascites after SNAC (p = 0.04) recurrent status (p = 0.02) and longer Platinum-free interval (p = 0.01) were the independent indicators of optimal SCR. Optimal SCR was associated with time to progression (TTP) but not overall survival (OS) (p = 0.04 and p = 0.41). The TTP and OS of PSOCs underwent SNAC were similar to those patients underwent SCR (p = 0.71, and p = 0.77, respectively) directly.

CONCLUSIONS

SNAC might be another choice for PSOCs were not suitable for directly SCR. Optimal SCR had survival benefit in PSOCs whenever underwent SNAC or not.

[Follow-up of patients treated for an epithelial ovarian cancer, place of hormone replacement therapy and of contraception: Article drafted from the French Guidelines in oncology entitled "Initial management of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer" developed by FRANCOGYN, CNGOF, SFOG, GINECO-ARCAGY under the aegis of CNGOF and endorsed by INCa]

OBJECTIVES

To define follow-up modalities after an epithelial ovarian, tubal or primitive peritoneal cancer. To define possibilities of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and contraceptive use after treatment.

METHODS

Systematic review of the literature in French and English langage conducted on Pubmed/Medline and the Cochrane Library.

RESULTS

After the treatment of an epithelial ovarian, tubal or primitive peritoneal cancer, symptoms evaluation for follow-up is recommended at 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 24 months, and then yearly (Grade B). Only patients with an initial complete surgery (CC0, without any macroscopic signs of disease), and with a good general condition (ECOG 0) should be followed with paraclinic tests, with a serum HE4 or CA125 concentration measurement, from 6 months after the end of treatments (GradeC). Systematic follow-up with CT of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis is not recommended (GradeC). Imaging test is recommended in case of an increased serum concentration of HE4 or CA125 (Grade B). An HRT should be proposed to women younger than 45 after a non-conservative treatment for a high grade serous (GradeC) or for a mucinous (GradeC) ovarian, tubal or primitive peritoneal adenocarcinoma. HRT is not contra-indicated in women older than 45 presenting a climacteric syndrome after the treatment of a high grade serous (Grade B) or of a mucinous (GradeC) ovarian, tubal or primitive peritoneal adenocarcinoma.

Secondary cytoreductive surgery - viable treatment option in the management of platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the secondary cytoreductive surgery on survival parameters in women with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer who undergone secondary cytoreduction following chemotherapy compared to women who recieved chemotherapy alone.

STUDY DESIGN

In a retrospective study, data were rewieved from women who were diagnosed and treated with ovarian cancer and its primary platinum-sensitive recurrence at the University Hospital Brno in the Czech Republic between November 2009 and March 2016. Out of the total number of 62 patients with recurrence, 30 women underwent cytoreductive surgery plus chemotherapy and 32 were treated with chemotherapy alone. The good performance status expressed by ECOG score 0-1, the single site of recurrence regardless of platinum-free interval or multiple sites of recurrence but no carcinomatosis and platinum-free interval >12 months, and no or small-volume ascites (<500 ml) were considered inclusion criteria for cytoreductive surgery. Women not meeting these criteria were treated by chemotherapy alone. Descriptive statistics, Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Log-Rank test were used for statistical estimations.

RESULTS

The analysis confirmed more favorable prognosis in patient group treated with a combination secondary cytoreduction and chemotherapy. Mean disease-free survival (DFS) was 49.8 months (95% CI; 33.2-66.3) and mean overall survival (OS) stood at 54.0 months (95% CI; 39.4-68.6) in this patient cohort, while in patient group treated with chemotherapy alone it was found that mean DFS was 16.6 months (95% CI; 7.4-25.8) and mean OS stood at 26.2 months (95% CI; 16.6-35.8). When testing the difference between survival curves, statistically significant differences were observed in both DFS (p = 0.010) and OS (p = 0.007) rates between two treatment groups. Age < 60 years at the time of recurrence and zero macroscopic residual disease after secondary cytoreduction were identified as favorable prognostic factors for both DFS and OS in a multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Secondary cytoreductive surgery is acceptable as a viable treatment option for highly selected women with ovarian cancer recurrence. Complete resection is considered ultimate goal of secondary cytoreduction on condition that the balance between maximal survival gain and minimal operative morbidity will be kept.

A registry-based study

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to investigate whether secondary cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy improved survival among patients with recurrent, platinum-sensitive epithelial ovarian cancer compared with those who received platinum-based chemotherapy alone, and to identify possible predictors for selection to secondary cytoreductive surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We included 397 patients who had a primary diagnosis of FIGO stage I-IV epithelial ovarian cancer recorded in the Cancer Registry of Norway between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2012, received primary surgery with no residuals followed by platinum-based chemotherapy, had first recurrence six or more months after completion of primary platinum-based chemotherapy, and received secondary treatment with either secondary cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy (secondary cytoreductive surgery+platinum-based chemotherapy group) or platinum-based chemotherapy alone (platinum-based chemotherapy group). Outcomes were progression-free survival to second recurrence or death and overall survival. Hazard ratios were estimated using multivariable Cox regression.

RESULTS

There were 75 patients in the secondary cytoreductive surgery+platinum-based chemotherapy group in whom complete resection was achieved for 60 (80%), and 322 patients in the platinum-based chemotherapy group. Both progression-free survival (hazard ratio 0.45, 95% confidence interval 0.32-0.62) and overall survival (hazard ratio 0.50, 95% confidence interval 0.32-0.70) were improved in the secondary cytoreductive surgery+platinum-based chemotherapy compared with the platinum-based chemotherapy group. A survival benefit was only seen in patients with no residuals at secondary cytoreductive surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

In selected epithelial ovarian cancer patients with no residuals after primary surgery and a recurrent, platinum-sensitive tumor, the complete resection of recurrent tumor at secondary cytoreductive surgery improves progression-free survival and overall survival. Our results suggest that a long treatment-free interval and non-disseminated lesions (three or fewer lesions) on radiological images could be useful predictors for complete resection at secondary cytoreductive surgery.

Secondary cytoreductive surgery in recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer: A prognostic analysis with 103 cases

BACKGROUND

Due to satisfactory cytoreductive surgery combined with platinum-based chemotherapy in epithelial ovarian cancer has improved greatly, however, the relapse rate also high. In current study, we analyzed prognostic factors related to secondary cytoreductive surgery in patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Clinical and follow-up data from 103 patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer who received secondary cytoreductive surgery and were admitted to our hospital between January 2000 and December 2008 were analyzed.

RESULTS

Median survival after recurrence (RS) after the first relapse for the 103 patients was 36 months, and median overall survival (OS) was 60 months. Patients without visible residual tumors after secondary cytoreductive surgery had longer RS and OS compared to those with residual tumors ≥1 cm. The RS and OS of patients without visible residual tumors after secondary cytoreductive surgery were not significantly different compared to those with residual tumors between 0.1 and 1 cm. Patients with disease free interval (DFI) ≥ 12 months at secondary cytoreductive surgery had longer RS and OS compared to those with DFI < 12 months. Patients with one recurrent lesion had longer RS and OS compared to those with more than one lesion.

CONCLUSIONS

Residual tumor at secondary cytoreductive surgery, DFI and number of lesions were independent prognostic factors for secondary cytoreductive surgery in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. Patients with DFI ≥12 months and a single lesion had better prognosis for achieving satisfactory cytoreduction, especially the absence of visible residual tumors.

Impact of bevacizumab containing first line chemotherapy on recurrent disease in epithelial ovarian cancer: A case-control study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the timing and pattern of relapse, and duration of response to second line chemotherapy in advanced ovarian cancer (AOC) patients treated with first line carboplatin-paclitaxel chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a case-control study including 222 AOC patients. Seventy-four women treated with first line carboplatin-paclitaxel-bevacizumab chemotherapy (Cases) were matched based on laparoscopic predictive index value, and residual tumor at first surgery with 148 AOC patients treated with carboplatin-paclitaxel. Distribution of pattern of relapse, and response to second line chemotherapy was compared between the two groups. Time to Progression (TTP) for second line chemotherapy was also analyzed for study purpose.

RESULTS

Median platinum-free interval (PFI) was 16months (range 2-65) in Cases, compared with 9months (1-83) in Controls (p-value=0.001). Twenty patients (51.3%) among Cases showed recurrence in multiple anatomic sites, compared with 31 (31.9%) in the Control group (p-value=0.035). Peritoneal recurrence occurred as diffuse in 30 Cases (96.8%), and 60 Controls (82.2%; p-value=0.046). Secondary cytoreductive surgery (SCS) was successfully completed in 53.5% of Controls compared to 10.0% of Cases (p-value=0.016). In women with fully platinum-sensitive relapse, response rate to second line chemotherapy was 85.2% in Controls, compared to 38.4% in Cases (p-value=0.002). Finally, Cases showed a shorter TTP, compared to Controls (5months vs 8months; p-value=0.041).

CONCLUSIONS

Incorporation of bevacizumab into upfront regimens prolongs PFI in AOC patients, but is associated with wider presentation of relapse, lower rate of complete SCS, and shorter TTP to second line chemotherapy in women with platinum-sensitive disease.

Proposal for selection criteria of secondary cytoreductive surgery in recurrent epithelial ovarian, tubal, and peritoneal cancers

BACKGROUND

The selection criteria for secondary cytoreductive surgery (SCS) in recurrent ovarian cancer are yet to be defined. The aim of this study was to propose the selection criteria through identifying predictive factors for successful SCS.

METHODS

All patients who underwent SCS for recurrent epithelial ovarian, tubal, and peritoneal cancers between 1982 and 2012 at our institution were identified through our database. Potential prognostic factors were evaluated in univariate and multivariate analyses. Survival after SCS was examined by the grouping model based on the number of prognostic factors.

RESULTS

We performed SCS in 80 consecutive patients, 48 (60 %) of whom achieved complete resection. Complete/incomplete resection significantly influenced survival (median 65 vs. 26 months; p = 0.0005). Among favorable prognostic factors determined before SCS, treatment-free interval >12 months, absent distant metastasis, solitary disease, and performance status 0 were independently associated with better survival (p = 0.0009, 0.00003, 0.0004, and 0.015, respectively). Patients with 3-4 of those factors had better survival than those with 2 or 0-1 factors (median 79, 26, and 19 months; p < 0.00001 and <0.0000000001, respectively). Complete resection of visible tumors was achieved in 79 % of patients with 3-4 factors, in 40 % of those with 2 factors, and in 33 % of those with 0-1 factor. Importantly, even when tumor removal was incomplete at SCS, median survival of patients with 3-4 factors was still quite favorable (83 vs. 67.5 months for complete/incomplete resection, respectively), while those of patients with 2 factors (41 vs. 25 months) and 0-1 factor (19 vs. 19 months) were not.

CONCLUSION

We strongly recommend SCS for patients with 3-4 of the above favorable factors at recurrence. As for patients with 2 factors, SCS may be considered if complete resection is expected to be achieved. Prospective studies are warranted to validate our proposal.

Secondary cytoreductive surgery in patients with isolated platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer: a retrospective analysis

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the impact of secondary cytoreductive surgery (SCS) on survival outcome in a retrospective series of isolated platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer.

METHODS

We evaluate a consecutive series of 268 ovarian cancer patients with platinum-resistant relapse. Isolated recurrence was defined as the presence of a single nodule, in a single anatomic site, and was observed in 27 cases (10.1%). In all women the presence of isolated relapse was assessed at radiological evaluation, and surgically confirmed in the SCS group.

RESULTS

Among the 27 patients with isolated recurrence, 16 (59.3%) received chemotherapy alone, and 11 (40.7%) complete SCS followed by non-platinum based chemotherapy. No significant differences were observed in the distribution of baseline clinico-pathological characteristics, pattern of recurrent disease, duration of PFI, and type of salvage chemotherapy between the two groups. In the SCS group, 6 patients (54.5%) showed isolated peritoneal relapse and 5 women (45.4%) showed isolated lymph nodal recurrence, and were treated with peritonectomy and lymphadenectomy, according with site of relapse. Two post-operative complications (18.2%) occurred: asymptomatic lymphocele and groin wound dehiscence. SCS significantly prolonged median time to first progression (12 months vs 3 months; p-value=0.016), median time to second progression (8 months vs 3 months; p-value=0.037), and post-relapse survival (PRS) (32 months vs 8 months; p-value=0.002). Residual tumor at 1st surgery (X(2)=5.690; p-value=0.017), duration of PFI (X(2)=5.401; p-value=0.020), and complete SCS (X(2)=4.250; p-value=0.039) retains independent prognostic role for PRS in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

SCS prolongs PRS compared to chemotherapy alone in isolated platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer.

Recurrent ovarian cancer with multiple lymph nodes metastases successfully treated with lymphadenectomy as secondary cytoreductive surgery: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Occasionally, lymph node metastases represent the only component at the time of recurrence of ovarian cancer. Here we report the case of a 78-year-old Japanese female who underwent successful surgery for recurrent ovarian cancer with multiple lymph node metastases.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

The patient was referred to our institution with recurrent disease accompanied by chemoresistant multiple retroperitoneal lymph node metastases five years after the initial therapy for stage IIIc serous adenocarcinoma of the ovary. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) revealed the involvement of two para-aortic nodes and two pelvic nodes, with no other positive site. The patient underwent systematic para-aortic and pelvic lymphadenectomy, and the metastatic nodes were completely resected. Histopathological examination revealed metastatic high-grade adenocarcinoma in four of 63 dissected lymph node specimens. The patient has been in clinical remission for over four years without any further additional therapies.

DISCUSSION

In our case, the metastatic nodes predicted by PET/CT completely corresponded to the actual metastatic nodes; however, PET/CT often fails to identify microscopic disease in pathological positive nodes. We cannot reliably predict whether lymph node metastasis will persist in the limited range. Therefore, systematic lymphadenectomy with therapeutic intent should be performed, although it does not always mean that we remove all cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

The findings from this case suggest that, even if used as secondary cytoreductive surgery in the context of a recurrent disease, systematic aortic and pelvic node dissection might sometimes contribute to the control if not cure of ovarian cancer.

Prognostic factors of secondary cytoreductive surgery for patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to identify the prognostic factors of secondary cytoreductive surgery on survival in patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer.

METHODS

The medical records of all patients who underwent secondary cytoreductive surgery between May 2001 and October 2007 at the National Cancer Center, Korea were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were executed to evaluate the potential variables for overall survival.

RESULTS

In total, 54 patients met the inclusion criteria. Optimal cytoreduction to <0.5 cm residual disease was achieved in 87% of patients who had received secondary cytoreductive surgery. Univariate analysis revealed that site of recurrence (median survival, 53 months for the largest tumors in the pelvis vs. 24 months for the largest tumors except for the pelvis; p=0.007), progression free survival (PFS) (median survival, 43 months for PFS>/=12 months vs. 24 months for PFS<12 months; p=0.036), and number of recurrence sites (median survival, 49 months for single recurred tumor vs 29 months for multiple recurred tumors; p=0.036) were significantly associated with overall survival. On multivariate analysis, prognostic factors that correlated with improved survival were site of recurrence (p=0.013), and PFS (p=0.043).

CONCLUSION

In the author's analysis, a significant survival benefit was identified for the recurred largest tumors within the pelvis and PFS>/=12 months. Secondary cytoreductive surgery should be offered in selected patients and large prospective studies are needed to define the selection criteria for secondary cytoreductive surgery.