Identification of Novel Fusion Transcripts in High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer

Fusion genes are structural chromosomal rearrangements resulting in the exchange of DNA sequences between genes. This results in the formation of a new combined gene. They have been implicated in carcinogenesis in a number of different cancers, though they have been understudied in high grade serous ovarian cancer. This study used high throughput tools to compare the transcriptome of high grade serous ovarian cancer and normal fallopian tubes in the interest of identifying unique fusion transcripts within each group. Indeed, we found that there were significantly more fusion transcripts in the cancer samples relative to the normal fallopian tubes. Following this, the role of fusion transcripts in chemo-response and overall survival was investigated. This led to the identification of fusion transcripts significantly associated with overall survival. Validation was performed with different analytical platforms and different algorithms to find fusion transcripts.

[BORDERLINE OVARIAN TUMORS: CURRENT ISSUES AND REHABILITATION PROBLEMS]

Objective of the review - to demonstrate the topicality of borderline ovarian tumors; to analyze the current state of the rehabilitation in patients who undergo specific antitumor treatment. Borderline ovarian tumors (BOT) more frequently occur in young patients (below age 40 years); herewith five-year survival rate exceeds 95%. The cumulative data on pathogenesis, clinical progression, therapy and rehabilitation possibilities together with epidemiological features gave an opportunity to take a fresh look not only at the disease itself but at the necessity of rehabilitation of patients and quality of their life. The problem of complex rehabilitation programs implementation is being thoroughly discussed. Among the important features of such programs are sufficient duration, personalized approach, continuity in the management of oncogynecological patients by various medical specialists, the complexity with the compulsive psychotherapeutic assistance. Index of the successful rehabilitation measures implementation is the recovery of the biological, psychophysiological and social functions. The dynamic conduct of rehabilitation programs will give the opportunity to improve medical state not only of the concrete woman but the state of the whole nation.

[Diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cysts]

Incidental cystic lesions of the pancreas are often detected due to the increased use of cross-sectional imaging. Since mucinous cysts have a malignant potential, whereas pseudocysts and serous cystadenomas are benign, the distinction is of key clinical importance. Current recommendations advocate the use of multiple imaging modalities (CT/MRI/endoscopic US/endoscopic US & fine-needle aspiration) during evaluation and follow-up. This review describes the most frequent cystic lesions of the pancreas and suggests a simple investigation and treatment algorithm.

[Diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cysts]

Incidental cystic lesions of the pancreas are often detected due to the increased use of cross-sectional imaging. Since mucinous cysts have a malignant potential, whereas pseudocysts and serous cystadenomas are benign, the distinction is of key clinical importance. Current recommendations advocate the use of multiple imaging modalities (CT/MRI/endoscopic US/endoscopic US & fine-needle aspiration) during evaluation and follow-up. This review describes the most frequent cystic lesions of the pancreas and suggests a simple investigation and treatment algorithm.

[Borderline ovarian tumors and global radiation in relation with climate change impact]

There is limited information on borderline ovarian tumor detected intra-surgically and its most favorable treatment in relation with global radiation and climate changes.

AIM

To study the pre-surgery and intra-surgery differentiation criteria of borderline ovarian tumors from invasive carcinoma, and to make a very complex analysis of the frequency, distribution, and variation in time of global radiation, temperature, and precipitation in North-East Romania.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The 54 patients (age range 20-78 years, mean age 46 years) included in this study had borderline ovarian tumors surgically treated during the last 22 years (January 1988 - December 2009) at the 4th Gynecological Clinic at Iaşi, and representing 4.87% of the total 1107 ovarian tumors detected and treated during this interval. The histological types were: serous (18 cases), mucinous (27 cases), mixed (8 cases), and Brenner tumor (1 case). In order to analyze the impact of climate changes on borderline ovarian tumors a thorough study on the frequency of global radiation in relation with climate changes based on data recorded in the last 55 years was also carried out.

RESULTS

The distribution of these cases depending on when surgery was performed was analyzed. In our study the frequency of ovarian borderline tumors (4.87%) is lower than in similar reports in the literature being due, in our opinion, to the influence of global radiation in relation with climate changes.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study global radiation is probably responsible for a progression to invasive carcinoma in 0.7% of the borderline ovarian tumors.

[Ovarian tumors of low malignant potential (borderline ovarian tumors)]

Ovarian borderline tumors are rare, their good prognosis depending on their stage at the time of diagnosis, and the presence of invasive implants. There is little information on tumor type identified intra-surgically, as well as on the most favorable treatment in borderline ovarian tumors.

AIM

To determine the criteria of identification and presurgery and intra-surgery differentiation of the ovarian borderline tumors from the invasive carcinoma and benign ovarian tumors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study included 54 patients with TPMS (ovarian borderline tumors) surgically treated in the past 22 years (January 1988-December 2009) at the 4th Gynecological Clinic of the lasi "Gr. T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy. In this interval 1,107 ovarian tumors: 575 benign, 478 malignant, and 54 TPMS (4.87%) were recorded. The age of the patients with borderline tumors ranged between 20 and 78 years, mean age 46 years, and the histological types were: mucinous (27 cases), serous (18 cases), mixed (8 cases), and Brenner tumor (1 case).

RESULTS

We have analyzed the distribution of these cases according to the time when surgical treatment was performed. The frequency of borderline ovarian tumors in our study is 4.87%, lower than in the literature. We believe that this low percentage in our study is due to missing the microscopic data in some macroscopic benign tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

By this research we aimed at elaborating a therapeutic strategy for each case using with discernment the modern treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy), as well as new chemical drugs with the goal of obtaining better results and longer survival. There are no tumor markers which could predict the progression of a borderline ovarian tumor to invasive tumors, but the invasive course is only 0.7%.

A study of ovarian cyst in a tertiary hospital of Kathmandu valley

Ovarian cysts are an extremely common gynecological problem. Majority of ovarian cysts are benign with few cases being malignant. This is a retrospective study of all the cases of ovarian cysts operated in a tertiary hospital (Kathmandu Medical College, KMC) from January 2006 to December 2008. In this 3 years duration, 102 cases (2.0%) were of ovarian cyst out of the total histopathological specimen processed in pathology department. The mean age of presentation was 38years. Ovarian cysts (27.5%) were more commonly seen in the age group 21- 30 years. Bilateral ovaries were involved in 19 cases (18.6%). Among these ovarian cysts, 89 cases (87.3%) were benign and 13 cases (12.7%) were malignant. The most common type of ovarian cyst was serous cystadenoma (40.2%) followed by mature cystic teratoma (15.7%). Metastasis to ovary was seen in 6.9% (7 cases). The most common metastasis was adeno carcinoma from gastro intestinal tract (4 cases). Other metastases to ovary were 2 cases from endometrioid adeno carcinoma of endometrium and 1 case from Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma of small intestine.

Active and passive tobacco smoking and the risk of borderline and invasive ovarian cancer (United States)

OBJECTIVE

A population-based case-control study was conducted to examine the hypothesis that active and passive tobacco smoking were associated with the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer.

METHODS

In-person interviews were obtained from 558 women with epithelial ovarian cancer (431 invasive, 127 borderline) and 607 population controls regarding active lifetime tobacco smoking, environmental tobacco smoke exposure in utero and during childhood, and other factors that may be related to the development of ovarian cancer.

RESULTS

No significant associations of ever or former tobacco smoking with the risk of invasive or borderline ovarian cancer were found, although long-term ex-smokers of 20 years or more were at significantly reduced risk of invasive cancer. Significant, positive dose-response relations of the number of cigarettes smoked per day and pack-years with the odds ratios for borderline cancer were evident. No association of active tobacco smoking with risk was found by histologic subtype of invasive ovarian cancer. Smokers were at significantly increased risk for borderline serous cystadenoma (OR: 1.91; 95% confidence intervals, CI: 1.09-3.34), but not for borderline mucinous cystadenoma. When we limited the analyses to current smokers, age-started smoking was significantly inversely related to the risk of invasive, but not borderline ovarian cancer. We found no association of gestational or childhood environmental tobacco smoke exposure with the risk of invasive or borderline ovarian cancer among never smokers.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings do not support an association of active tobacco smoking with the risk of invasive ovarian cancer. An increased risk of borderline serous cystadenoma among smokers must be viewed with caution.

Epithelial ovarian tumors in children: a retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Epithelial tumors of the ovary account for about 15% of pediatric ovarian masses. The authors reviewed a 14-year experience with ovarian masses to understand the spectrum of pathology, presentation, and outcome of children with epithelial lesions.

METHODS

All ovarian masses resected or biopsied at the authors' institution from 1988 to the present were reviewed retrospectively. Patient age, presenting symptoms, operative procedures, postoperative treatment, and outcome were obtained from the medical record.

RESULTS

A total of 240 cases were identified. A total of 123 (51.2%) were nonneoplastic in nature. Of the 117 neoplastic masses, 79 (67.5%) were germ cell tumors and nineteen (16.2%) were epithelial-derived tumors. Patients with epithelial tumors had a mean age of 13.9 +/- 4 years. Ten patients (52.6%) presented with abdominal pain, and 9 (47.4%) presented with an asymptomatic mass. Eleven underwent oophorectomy, 6 underwent cystectomy, and 2 had biopsy alone. Four patients (21%) had ascites, and 1 (5.3%) had a pleural effusion. The histopathologic diagnoses for the epithelial tumors included 9 serous cystadenomas (47%) and 3 mucinous cystadenomas (16%), 3 mucinous cystadenocarcinomas (16%), and 4 serous tumors of borderline malignancy (21%). Two patients (11%) had bilateral disease. Four patients (21%) underwent a subsequent laparotomy for either staging or recurrence, and 2 patients (11%) required chemotherapy. One patient (5.3%) died of ovarian adenocarcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Epithelial tumors comprise a small but significant proportion of pediatric ovarian masses. The pediatric surgeon must understand the biologic characteristics, operative management, and follow-up treatment of these tumors, and how these differ from germ cell lesions.

Histology of cystic tumors of the pancreas

The cystic tumors of the pancreas constitute a considerable diagnostic challenge because of their overlapping clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features. They may be difficult to differentiate from one another and from benign lesions such as pseudocysts. Because many of the tumors in this group are potentially curable, correct diagnosis is essential for proper patient management. Even when correctly diagnosed, thorough microscopic evaluation is required for the mucin-producing tumors to correctly determine their degree of malignant progression in any given case. Most recently, molecular analysis of these tumors has demonstrated definitively that the serous and mucinous types of cystic neoplasms of the pancreas are unrelated pathogenetically. Conversely, molecular data indicate similarities between the mucinous types of cystic tumors and ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, but the essential molecular differences that underlie the differences in biological behavior are as yet undetermined.

Surgery of cystic neoplasms

Neoplastic cysts of the pancreas have been recognized since the nineteenth century, and although differences between neoplastic and proliferative cysts were acknowledged, they were treated similarly, first by marsupialization and later by internal drainage. Increased awareness of the malignant potential of neoplastic cysts, as well as advances in surgical techniques, made excision the preferred treatment for these lesions as early as the 1940s, but errors in diagnosis were frequent, and even to this date, continue to account for cases of pancreatic cystic tumors treated by drainage.

Nonmucinous cystic pancreatic neoplasms

This article discusses serous cystadenomas, the most common of the nonmucinous cystic lesions of the pancreas. These microcystic lesions were previously known as "glycogen-rich" cystadenomas because of the presence of glycogen within the cyst epithelium. A small percentage of these lesions are macrocystic, and it may be difficult to differentiate them from mucinous lesions; however, endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration can provide diagnostic material from the cyst fluid. The second most common nonmucinous cyst, the islet cell tumor, is also discussed. These rare cystic tumors may or may not be accompanied by excess hormone production. The prognosis for the rare cystic tumors is good if they are resected successfully.

Macrocystic serous cystadenoma of the pancreas: importance of co-existent tiny cysts depicted by EUS

The case of a 38-year-old man with an unusual type of serous cystadenoma of the pancreas is reported. A multilocular cystic tumor in the head of the pancreas was detected on abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography. On endoscopic ultrasonography, the major cysts ranged from 2.0 to 4.5 cm in size. In addition to these large cysts, a few small cysts were detected. Based on these findings, this tumor was diagnosed as a macrocystic type serous cystadenoma. Because endoscopic retrograde pancreatogram showed a compression of the main pancreatic duct around the tumor, and because the size of the tumor had been increasing over a 3-year period, surgical intervention was performed. The resected tumor consisted of macrocysts, with a few small cysts, and was histologically diagnosed as serous cystadenoma. Endoscopic ultrasonography appears to provide an excellent inside image of this unusual tumor, and because of its ability to detect small cystic lesions clearly, it could be useful in the diagnosis of macrocystic serous cystadenoma.

The increasing problem of unusual pancreatic tumors

HYPOTHESIS

Patients presenting with a pancreatic mass often have a curable lesion rather than the more common adenocarcinoma. Greater awareness of this among nonsurgeons is necessary.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

SETTING

Tertiary care referral hospital.

PATIENTS

All patients who presented with a pancreatic mass during the 8 years from 1990 to 1998 were studied. Patients with a history of chronic pancreatitis, a functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, or pancreatic adenocarcinoma were excluded. Forty patients were identified, demographic and clinical characteristics recorded, and long-term follow-up obtained.

INTERVENTIONS

Therapy included either a Whipple procedure or distal pancreatectomy. Two patients underwent a biliary bypass.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Tumor histology, morbidity, and survival.

RESULTS

Three hundred thirty-six patients with a pancreatic mass were treated during this 8-year period. Two hundred ninety-six of these had pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Forty (11.9%) of the 336 patients had other types of pancreatic tumors. Two thirds of these patients were female, with an average age of 57 years. Seventy-five percent of these tumors were either malignant or potentially malignant. In several instances, cystic tumors were diagnosed as inflammatory pseudocysts and managed accordingly. Fourteen (35%) of 40 patients had no symptoms and their tumor was found on a computed tomographic scan performed for another indication. Percutaneous biopsy was performed in 9 patients, of whom 5 were assigned an incorrect diagnosis. There were no operative deaths, although the postoperative complication rate was 23%.

CONCLUSIONS

In this series, nearly 12% of patients presenting with a pancreatic mass did not have pancreatic adenocarcinoma, but rather more favorable lesions amenable to operation. Preoperative biopsy should not be carried out. Curative procedures can be safely performed in centers seeing a large number of patients with pancreatic tumors, and the long-term results of extirpation are excellent.

Epidemiologic differences between women with borderline ovarian tumors and women with epithelial ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to study the relationship between borderline ovarian tumors (BLOT) and epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) by comparing the epidemiologic features of women with BLOT with those of women with EOC of similar histology.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The epidemiologic features of 32 women with serous and mucinous BLOT were compared with those of 273 women with primary serous or mucinous EOC. We included all women with the documented respective histologic diagnoses admitted to Roswell Park Cancer Institute between 1982 and 1996 who returned a self-administered epidemiologic questionnaire which contained 44 items pertaining to reproductive, contraceptive, medical, social, dietary, occupational, and family histories of cancer. Individual variables between both groups were compared using the Student t test, chi2 analysis, the Mantel-Haenszel test, and the Wilcoxon nonparametric test. Two-tailed P < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

The response rate to the questionnaire was 63% in the BLOT group and 60% in the EOC group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in geographic location, race, education, income, smoking, marital status, age at first pregnancy, age at first birth, history of hysterectomy, history of infertility, history of tubal surgery, use of hormone replacement therapy, or history of diaphragm or intrauterine contraceptive device use. There were no significant differences in family history of malignancy between women with BLOT and those with EOC. Women with BLOT were significantly younger than those with EOC (mean age 47 +/- 14.0 versus 56 +/- 13.7, P < 0.01). There was an apparent difference in oral contraceptive pill use between both groups. However, when we adjusted for age by stratification this difference was not significant (P = 0.089).

CONCLUSIONS

The epidemiologic features of women with BLOT are similar to those of women with EOC with the exception of an earlier age of onset. These findings might be consistent with one etiology for both conditions.

Simple cyst in the postmenopausal patient: detection and management

The aims of our study were to determine the prevalence of simple ovarian cysts in asymptomatic postmenopausal patients and to investigate the natural history of these cysts by ultrasonographic follow-up examinations. Three thousand five hundred and eighty-five women participated in the volunteer pelvic cancer screening program. Entry criteria were as follows: postmenopausal, no clinical symptoms, and no previous gynecologic pathology. An anechoic, small cyst less than 5 cm in greatest diameter was classified as a simple ovarian cyst. A scoring system to determine malignant potential had been established previously. All simple cysts had a score of 2 or less and had a morphology typical of benign lesions. In the case of a positive finding, the patient would be seen at 3 to 6 month intervals. The decision for surgical intervention was made by a private gynecologist or patient or if an interval change was noted. One thousand seven hundred and sixty-nine postmenopausal women (49.34% of all patients from the screening program) participated in this study. One hundred and sixteen simple cysts were found, with a prevalence of 6.6% in our population. Among those patients, 27 (23.28%) simple cysts resolved spontaneously, 69 (59.48%) have persisted, and 20 (17.24%) have been lost to follow-up study. Eighteen women (26.09%) with persistent simple ovarian cyst underwent surgery. No malignant ovarian conditions were identified. In conclusion, simple ovarian cysts are more common in postmenopausal women than previously was thought. This condition is very unlikely to be malignant and can be followed conservatively.