ESGO-ESMO-ESP consensus conference recommendations on ovarian cancer: pathology and molecular biology and early, advanced and recurrent disease

The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology, the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and the European Society of Pathology held a consensus conference (CC) on ovarian cancer on 15-16 June 2022 in Valencia, Spain. The CC panel included 44 experts in the management of ovarian cancer and pathology, an ESMO scientific advisor and a methodologist. The aim was to discuss new or contentious topics and develop recommendations to improve and harmonise the management of patients with ovarian cancer. Eighteen questions were identified for discussion under four main topics: (i) pathology and molecular biology, (ii) early-stage disease and pelvic mass in pregnancy, (iii) advanced stage (including older/frail patients) and (iv) recurrent disease. The panel was divided into four working groups (WGs) to each address questions relating to one of the four topics outlined above, based on their expertise. Relevant scientific literature was reviewed in advance. Recommendations were developed by the WGs and then presented to the entire panel for further discussion and amendment before voting. This manuscript focuses on the recommendation statements that reached a consensus, their voting results and a summary of evidence supporting each recommendation.

Imaging in gynecological disease (26): clinical and ultrasound characteristics of benign retroperitoneal pelvic peripheral-nerve-sheath tumors

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical and sonographic characteristics of benign, retroperitoneal, pelvic peripheral-nerve-sheath tumors (PNSTs).

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of patients with a benign, retroperitoneal, pelvic PNST who had undergone preoperative ultrasound examination at a single gynecologic oncology center between 1 January 2018 and 31 August 2022. All ultrasound images, videoclips and final histological specimens of benign PNSTs were reviewed side-by-side in order to: describe the ultrasound appearance of the tumors, using the terminology of the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA), Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment (MUSA) and Vulvar International Tumor Analysis (VITA) groups, following a predefined ultrasound assessment form; describe their origin in relation to nerves and pelvic anatomy; and assess the association between their ultrasound features and histotopography. A review of the literature reporting benign, retroperitoneal, pelvic PNSTs with preoperative ultrasound examination was performed.

RESULTS

Five women (mean age, 53 years) with a benign, retroperitoneal, pelvic PNST were identified, four with a schwannoma and one with a neurofibroma, of which all were sporadic and solitary. All patients had good-quality ultrasound images and videoclips and final biopsy of surgically excised tumors, except one patient managed conservatively who had only a core needle biopsy. In all cases, the findings were incidental. The five PNSTs ranged in maximum diameter from 31 to 50 mm. All five PNSTs were solid, moderately vascular tumors, with non-uniform echogenicity, well-circumscribed by hyperechogenic epineurium and with no acoustic shadowing. Most of the masses were round (n = 4 (80%)), and contained small, irregular, anechoic, cystic areas (n = 3 (60%)) and hyperechogenic foci (n = 5 (100%)). In the woman with a schwannoma in whom surgery was not performed, follow-up over a 3-year period showed minimal growth (1.5 mm/year) of the mass. We also summarize the findings of 47 cases of benign retroperitoneal schwannoma and neurofibroma identified in a literature search.

CONCLUSIONS

On ultrasound examination, no imaging characteristics differentiate reliably between benign schwannomas and neurofibromas. Moreover, benign PNSTs show some similar features to malignant retroperitoneal tumors. They are solid lesions with intralesional blood vessels and show degenerative changes such as cystic areas and hyperechogenic foci. Therefore, ultrasound-guided biopsy may play a pivotal role in their diagnosis. If confirmed to be benign PNSTs, these tumors can be managed conservatively, with ultrasound surveillance. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Unilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy in patients with early-stage vulvar squamous cell carcinoma and a unilateral metastatic sentinel lymph node is safe

OBJECTIVE

Optimal management of the contralateral groin in patients with early-stage vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) and a metastatic unilateral inguinal sentinel lymph node (SN) is unclear. We analyzed patients who participated in GROINSS-V I or II to determine whether treatment of the contralateral groin can safely be omitted in patients with a unilateral metastatic SN.

METHODS

We selected the patients with a unilateral metastatic SN from the GROINSS-V I and II databases. We determined the incidence of contralateral additional non-SN metastases in patients with unilateral SN-metastasis who underwent bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy (IFL). In those who underwent only ipsilateral groin treatment or no further treatment, we determined the incidence of contralateral groin recurrences during follow-up.

RESULTS

Of 1912 patients with early-stage VSCC, 366 had a unilateral metastatic SN. Subsequently, 244 had an IFL or no treatment of the contralateral groin. In seven patients (7/244; 2.9% [95% CI: 1.4%-5.8%]) disease was diagnosed in the contralateral groin: five had contralateral non-SN metastasis at IFL and two developed an isolated contralateral groin recurrence after no further treatment. Five of them had a primary tumor ≥30 mm. Bilateral radiotherapy was administered in 122 patients, of whom one (1/122; 0.8% [95% CI: 0.1%-4.5%]) had a contralateral groin recurrence.

CONCLUSION

The risk of contralateral lymph node metastases in patients with early-stage VSCC and a unilateral metastatic SN is low. It appears safe to limit groin treatment to unilateral IFL or inguinofemoral radiotherapy in these cases.

Quality of life after extended pelvic exenterations

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to compare health-related quality of life (QoL) and oncological outcome between gynaecological cancer patients undergoing pelvic exenteration (PE) and extended pelvic exenteration (EPE). EPEs were defined as extensive procedures including, in addition to standard PE extent, the resection of internal, external, or common iliac vessels; pelvic side-wall muscles; large pelvic nerves (sciatic or femoral); and/or pelvic bones.

METHODS

Data from 74 patients who underwent PE (42) or EPE (32) between 2004 and 2019 at a single tertiary gynae-oncology centre in Prague were analysed. QoL assessment was performed using EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC CX-24, and QOLPEX questionnaires specifically developed for patients after (E)PE.

RESULTS

No significant differences in survival were observed between the groups (P > 0.999), with median overall and disease-specific survival in the whole cohort of 45 and 49 months, respectively. Thirty-one survivors participated in the QoL surveys (20 PE, 11 EPE). No significant differences were observed in global health status (P = 0.951) or in any of the functional scales. The groups were not differing in therapy satisfaction (P = 0.502), and both expressed similar, high willingness to undergo treatment again if they were to decide again (P = 0.317).

CONCLUSIONS

EPEs had post-treatment QoL and oncological outcome comparable to traditional PE. These procedures offer a potentially curative treatment option for patients with persistent or recurrent pelvic tumour invading into pelvic wall structures without further compromise of patients´ QoL.

Preoperative staging of ovarian cancer: comparison between ultrasound, CT and whole-body diffusion-weighted MRI (ISAAC study)

OBJECTIVES

To compare the performance of transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasound with that of the first-line staging method (contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT)) and a novel technique, whole-body magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion-weighted sequence (WB-DWI/MRI), in the assessment of peritoneal involvement (carcinomatosis), lymph-node staging and prediction of non-resectability in patients with suspected ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Between March 2016 and October 2017, all consecutive patients with suspicion of ovarian cancer and surgery planned at a gynecological oncology center underwent preoperative staging and prediction of non-resectability with ultrasound, CT and WB-DWI/MRI. The evaluation followed a single, predefined protocol, assessing peritoneal spread at 19 sites and lymph-node metastasis at eight sites. The prediction of non-resectability was based on abdominal markers. Findings were compared to the reference standard (surgical findings and outcome and histopathological evaluation).

RESULTS

Sixty-seven patients with confirmed ovarian cancer were analyzed. Among them, 51 (76%) had advanced-stage and 16 (24%) had early-stage ovarian cancer. Diagnostic laparoscopy only was performed in 16% (11/67) of the cases and laparotomy in 84% (56/67), with no residual disease at the end of surgery in 68% (38/56), residual disease ≤ 1 cm in 16% (9/56) and residual disease > 1 cm in 16% (9/56). Ultrasound and WB-DWI/MRI performed better than did CT in the assessment of overall peritoneal carcinomatosis (area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve (AUC), 0.87, 0.86 and 0.77, respectively). Ultrasound was not inferior to CT (P = 0.002). For assessment of retroperitoneal lymph-node staging (AUC, 0.72-0.76) and prediction of non-resectability in the abdomen (AUC, 0.74-0.80), all three methods performed similarly. In general, ultrasound had higher or identical specificity to WB-DWI/MRI and CT at each of the 19 peritoneal sites evaluated, but lower or equal sensitivity in the abdomen. Compared with WB-DWI/MRI and CT, transvaginal ultrasound had higher accuracy (94% vs 91% and 85%, respectively) and sensitivity (94% vs 91% and 89%, respectively) in the detection of carcinomatosis in the pelvis. Better accuracy and sensitivity of ultrasound (93% and 100%) than WB-DWI/MRI (83% and 75%) and CT (84% and 88%) in the evaluation of deep rectosigmoid wall infiltration, in particular, supports the potential role of ultrasound in planning rectosigmoid resection. In contrast, for the bowel serosal and mesenterial assessment, abdominal ultrasound had the lowest accuracy (70%, 78% and 79%, respectively) and sensitivity (42%, 65% and 65%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first prospective study to document that, in experienced hands, ultrasound may be an alternative to WB-DWI/MRI and CT in ovarian cancer staging, including peritoneal and lymph-node evaluation and prediction of non-resectability based on abdominal markers of non-resectability. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

ESGO/ISUOG/IOTA/ESGE Consensus Statement on preoperative diagnosis of ovarian tumors

The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG), the International Ovarian Tumour Analysis (IOTA) group and the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE) jointly developed clinically relevant and evidence-based statements on the preoperative diagnosis of ovarian tumors, including imaging techniques, biomarkers and prediction models. ESGO/ISUOG/IOTA/ESGE nominated a multidisciplinary international group, including expert practising clinicians and researchers who have demonstrated leadership and expertise in the preoperative diagnosis of ovarian tumors and management of patients with ovarian cancer (19 experts across Europe). A patient representative was also included in the group. To ensure that the statements were evidence-based, the current literature was reviewed and critically appraised. Preliminary statements were drafted based on the review of the relevant literature. During a conference call, the whole group discussed each preliminary statement and a first round of voting was carried out. Statements were removed when consensus among group members was not obtained. The voters had the opportunity to provide comments/suggestions with their votes. The statements were then revised accordingly. Another round of voting was carried out according to the same rules to allow the whole group to evaluate the revised version of the statements. The group achieved consensus on 18 statements. This Consensus Statement presents these ESGO/ISUOG/IOTA/ESGE statements on the preoperative diagnosis of ovarian tumors and the assessment of carcinomatosis, together with a summary of the evidence supporting each statement.

ESGO/ISUOG/IOTA/ESGE Consensus Statement on preoperative diagnosis of ovarian tumours

The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG), the International Ovarian Tumour Analysis (IOTA) group and the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE) jointly developed clinically relevant and evidence-based statements on the preoperative diagnosis of ovarian tumours, including imaging techniques, biomarkers and prediction models.

ESGO/ISUOG/IOTA/ESGE nominated a multidisciplinary international group, including expert practising clinicians and researchers who have demonstrated leadership and expertise in the preoperative diagnosis of ovarian tumours and management of patients with ovarian cancer (19 experts across Europe). A patient representative was also included in the group. To ensure that the statements were evidence-based, the current literature was reviewed and critically appraised.

Preliminary statements were drafted based on the review of the relevant literature. During a conference call, the whole group discussed each preliminary statement and a first round of voting was carried out. Statements were removed when a consensus among group members was not obtained. The voters had the opportunity to provide comments/suggestions with their votes. The statements were then revised accordingly. Another round of voting was carried out according to the same rules to allow the whole group to evaluate the revised version of the statements. The group achieved consensus on 18 statements.

This Consensus Statement presents these ESGO/ISUOG/IOTA/ESGE statements on the preoperative diagnosis of ovarian tumours and the assessment of carcinomatosis, together with a summary of the evidence supporting each statement.

Terms, definitions and measurements to describe sonographic features of lymph nodes: consensus opinion from the Vulvar International Tumor Analysis (VITA) group

In centers with access to high-end ultrasound machines and expert sonologists, ultrasound is used to detect metastases in regional lymph nodes from melanoma, breast cancer and vulvar cancer. There is, as yet, no international consensus on ultrasound assessment of lymph nodes in any disease or medical condition. The lack of standardized ultrasound nomenclature to describe lymph nodes makes it difficult to compare results from different ultrasound studies and to find reliable ultrasound features for distinguishing non-infiltrated lymph nodes from lymph nodes infiltrated by cancer or lymphoma cells. The Vulvar International Tumor Analysis (VITA) collaborative group consists of gynecologists, gynecologic oncologists and radiologists with expertise in gynecologic cancer, particularly in the ultrasound staging and treatment of vulvar cancer. The work herein is a consensus opinion on terms, definitions and measurements which may be used to describe inguinal lymph nodes on grayscale and color/power Doppler ultrasound. The proposed nomenclature need not be limited to the description of inguinal lymph nodes as part of vulvar cancer staging; it can be used to describe peripheral lymph nodes in general, as well as non-peripheral (i.e. parietal or visceral) lymph nodes if these can be visualized clearly. The association between the ultrasound features described here and histopathological diagnosis has not yet been established. VITA terms and definitions lay the foundations for prospective studies aiming to identify ultrasound features typical of metastases and other pathology in lymph nodes and studies to elucidate the role of ultrasound in staging of vulvar and other malignancies. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Imaging in gynecological disease (19): clinical and ultrasound features of extragastrointestinal stromal tumors (eGIST)

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical and sonographic characteristics of extragastrointestinal stromal tumors (eGISTs).

METHODS

This was a retrospective multicenter study. The data of patients with a histological diagnosis of eGIST who had undergone preoperative ultrasound examination were retrieved from the databases of nine large European gynecologic oncology centers. One investigator from each center reviewed stored images and ultrasound reports, and described the lesions using the terminology of the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis and Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment groups, following a predefined ultrasound evaluation form. Clinical, surgical and pathological information was also recorded.

RESULTS

Thirty-five women with an eGIST were identified; in 17 cases, the findings were incidental, and 18 cases were symptomatic. Median age was 57 years (range, 21-85 years). Tumor marker CA 125 was available in 23 (65.7%) patients, with a median level of 23 U/mL (range, 7-403 U/mL). The vast majority of eGISTs were intraperitoneal lesions (n = 32 (91.4%)); the remaining lesions were retroperitoneal (n = 2 (5.7%)) or preperitoneal (n = 1 (2.9%)). The most common site of the tumor was the abdomen (n = 23 (65.7%)), and less frequently the pelvis (n = 12 (34.3%)). eGISTs were typically large (median largest diameter, 79 mm) solid (n = 31 (88.6%)) tumors, and were less frequently multilocular-solid tumors (n = 4 (11.4%)). The echogenicity of solid tumors was uniform in 8/31 (25.8%) cases, which were all hypoechogenic. Twenty-three solid eGISTs were non-uniform, either with mixed echogenicity (9/23 (39.1%)) or with cystic areas (14/23 (60.9%)). The tumor shape was mainly lobular (n = 19 (54.3%)) or irregular (n = 10 (28.6%)). Tumors were typically richly vascularized (color score of 3 or 4, n = 31 (88.6%)) with no shadowing (n = 31 (88.6%)). Based on pattern recognition, eGISTs were usually correctly classified as a malignant lesion in the ultrasound reports (n = 32 (91.4%)), and the specific diagnosis of eGIST was the most frequent differential diagnosis (n = 16 (45.7%)), followed by primary ovarian cancer (n = 5 (14.3%)), lymphoma (n = 2 (5.7%)) and pedunculated uterine fibroid (n = 2 (5.7%)).

CONCLUSIONS

On ultrasound, eGISTs were usually solid, non-uniform pelvic or abdominal lobular tumors of mixed echogenicity, with or without cystic areas, with rich vascularization and no shadowing. The presence of a tumor with these features, without connection to the bowel wall, and not originating from the uterus or adnexa, is highly suspicious for eGIST. Copyright © 2020 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasound and MRI in the Mapping of Deep Pelvic Endometriosis Using the International Deep Endometriosis Analysis (IDEA) Consensus

OBJECTIVES

The primary aim was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the mapping of deep pelvic endometriosis (DE) in a diseased population. The secondary aim was to offer first insights into the clinical applicability of the new International Deep Endometriosis Analysis group (IDEA) consensus for sonographic evaluation, which was also adapted for MRI and surgical reporting in this study.

METHODS

The study was a prospective observational cohort study. In this study, consecutive women planned for surgical treatment for DE underwent preoperative mapping of pelvic disease using TVS and MRI (index tests). The results were compared against the intraoperative findings with histopathological confirmation (reference standard). In case of disagreement between intraoperative and pathology findings, the latter was prioritised. Index tests and surgical findings were reported using a standardised protocol based on the IDEA consensus.

RESULTS

The study ran from 07/2016 to 02/2018. One-hundred and eleven women were approached, but 60 declined participation. Out of the 51 initially recruited women, two were excluded due to the missing reference standard. Both methods (TVS and MRI) had the same sensitivity and specificity in the detection of DE in the upper rectum (UpR) and rectosigmoid (RS) (UpR TVS and MRI sensitivity and specificity 100%; RS TVS and MRI sensitivity 94%; TVS and MRI specificity 84%). In the assessment of DE in the bladder (Bl), uterosacral ligaments (USL), vagina (V), rectovaginal septum (RVS), and overall pelvis (P), TVS had marginally higher specificity but lower sensitivity than MRI (Bl TVS sensitivity 89%, specificity 100%, MRI sensitivity 100%, specificity 95%; USL TVS sensitivity 74%, specificity 67%, MRI sensitivity 94%, specificity 60%; V TVS sensitivity 55%, specificity 100%, MRI sensitivity 73%, specificity 95%; RVS TVS sensitivity 67%, specificity 100%, MRI sensitivity 83%, specificity 93%; P TVS sensitivity 78%, specificity 97%, MRI sensitivity 91%, specificity 91%). No significant differences in diagnostic accuracy between TVS and MRI were observed except USL assessment (p=0.04) where MRI was significantly better and pouch of Douglas obliteration (p=0.04) where MRI was significantly better and pouch of Douglas obliteration (κ) = 0.727 [p=0.04) where MRI was significantly better and pouch of Douglas obliteration (κ) = 0.727 [p=0.04) where MRI was significantly better and pouch of Douglas obliteration (p=0.04) where MRI was significantly better and pouch of Douglas obliteration (.

CONCLUSION

We found that both imaging techniques had overall good agreement with the reference standard in the detection of deep pelvic endometriosis. This is the first study to date involving the IDEA consensus for ultrasound, its modified version for MRI, and intraoperative reporting of deep pelvic endometriosis in clinical practice.

Validation of ultrasound strategies to assess tumor extension and to predict high-risk endometrial cancer in women from the prospective IETA (International Endometrial Tumor Analysis)-4 cohort

OBJECTIVES

To compare the performance of ultrasound measurements and subjective ultrasound assessment (SA) in detecting deep myometrial invasion (MI) and cervical stromal invasion (CSI) in women with endometrial cancer, overall and according to whether they had low- or high-grade disease separately, and to validate published measurement cut-offs and prediction models to identify MI, CSI and high-risk disease (Grade-3 endometrioid or non-endometrioid cancer and/or deep MI and/or CSI).

METHODS

The study comprised 1538 patients with endometrial cancer from the International Endometrial Tumor Analysis (IETA)-4 prospective multicenter study, who underwent standardized expert transvaginal ultrasound examination. SA and ultrasound measurements were used to predict deep MI and CSI. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of the tumor/uterine anteroposterior (AP) diameter ratio for detecting deep MI and that of the distance from the lower margin of the tumor to the outer cervical os (Dist-OCO) for detecting CSI. We also validated two two-step strategies for the prediction of high-risk cancer; in the first step, biopsy-confirmed Grade-3 endometrioid or mucinous or non-endometrioid cancers were classified as high-risk cancer, while the second step encompassed the application of a mathematical model to classify the remaining tumors. The 'subjective prediction model' included biopsy grade (Grade 1 vs Grade 2) and subjective assessment of deep MI or CSI (presence or absence) as variables, while the 'objective prediction model' included biopsy grade (Grade 1 vs Grade 2) and minimal tumor-free margin. The predictive performance of the two two-step strategies was compared with that of simply classifying patients as high risk if either deep MI or CSI was suspected based on SA or if biopsy showed Grade-3 endometrioid or mucinous or non-endometrioid histotype (i.e. combining SA with biopsy grade). Histological assessment from hysterectomy was considered the reference standard.

RESULTS

In 1275 patients with measurable lesions, the sensitivity and specificity of SA for detecting deep MI was 70% and 80%, respectively, in patients with a Grade-1 or -2 endometrioid or mucinous tumor vs 76% and 64% in patients with a Grade-3 endometrioid or mucinous or a non-endometrioid tumor. The corresponding values for the detection of CSI were 51% and 94% vs 50% and 91%. Tumor AP diameter and tumor/uterine AP diameter ratio showed the best performance for predicting deep MI (area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve (AUC) of 0.76 and 0.77, respectively), and Dist-OCO had the best performance for predicting CSI (AUC, 0.72). The proportion of patients classified correctly as having high-risk cancer was 80% when simply combining SA with biopsy grade vs 80% and 74% when using the subjective and objective two-step strategies, respectively. The subjective and objective models had an AUC of 0.76 and 0.75, respectively, when applied to Grade-1 and -2 endometrioid tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

In the hands of experienced ultrasound examiners, SA was superior to ultrasound measurements for the prediction of deep MI and CSI of endometrial cancer, especially in patients with a Grade-1 or -2 tumor. The mathematical models for the prediction of high-risk cancer performed as expected. The best strategies for predicting high-risk endometrial cancer were combining SA with biopsy grade and the subjective two-step strategy, both having an accuracy of 80%. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The role of ultrasound in primary workup of cervical cancer staging (ESGO, ESTRO, ESP cervical cancer guidelines)

OBJECTIVE

In 2018 three European societies have joined to create clinically relevant guidelines on the diagnosis and management of cervical cancer. The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO), and the European Society of Pathology (ESP) agreed on diagnostic approaches in cervical cancer staging.

DESIGN

Review article.

SETTING

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague.

METHODS

A literature review of published data on cervical cancer staging.

RESULTS

Physical examination with biopsy still has its place in histological confirmation of malignancy but doesnt offer much information on the extent of the disease. It is historically the first time when transvaginal/transrectal ultrasound (TVS/TRS) is recommended as an alternative to the magnetic resonance (MRI) in a primary workup. Both imaging modalities offer excellent soft tissue contrast resolution, which is crucial in tumour detection and evaluation of local extent of tumour, including the depth of tumour infiltration in the bladder and rectal wall. These new advances in imaging rendered the use of cystoscopy and rectoscopy redundant. Similarly, with the implementation of modern imaging in pretreatment staging, intravenous urography has lost its role in the staging. Apart from the local extent of the disease, it is necessary to accurately evaluate the lymph node status in order to plan optimal treatment. The detection rate of imaging reflects the prevalence of lymph node metastases depending on tumor stage and size of metastasis. In the early stage disease (T1a, T1b1, T2a1) with negative lymph nodes on TVS/TRS or MRI, surgicopathological staging of pelvic lymph nodes is a method of choice for detection of small volume metastases. Both imaging modalities might not detect small metastatic lesions within non-enlarged lymph nodes, but by identifying the characteristic changes of the infiltrated lymph nodes they have very low rate of false positives. In locally advanced cervical cancer (T1b2 and higher, except T2a1) or early stages with positive lymph nodes detected on ultrasound or MRI, computed tomography (CT) or CT in combination with positron emission tomography (PET-CT) are recommended to assess distant spread including paraaortic lymph nodes and chest. PET-CT is the preferred option in cases indicated for primary chemoradiation. Unfortunatelly no imaging method is accurate enough to exclude small volume metastasis in paraaortic nodes. In the cases with negative paraaortic lymph nodes on CT or PET-CT, surgicopathological staging with dissection of the paraaortic lymph nodes may be considered. In order to reduce false positive findings by imaging methods, it is recomended to obtain an ultrasound or CT-guided tru-cut biopsy from any equivocal extrauterine lesion to avoid inappropriate treatment.

CONCLUSION

This review offers scientific evidence that led to the recent changes in the cervical cancer staging.

Accuracy of ultrasound in prediction of rectosigmoid infiltration in epithelial ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

To examine prospectively the accuracy of ultrasound in predicting rectosigmoid tumor infiltration in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Patients referred for a suspicious pelvic mass between 2012 and 2014 were examined by ultrasound following the standard protocol for assessment of tumor infiltration. Of the 245 patients examined, 191 had proven ovarian cancer and underwent primary surgery and were included in the analysis. Patients with apparently benign or inoperable disease were excluded. Rectosigmoid infiltration was evaluated by histopathology or according to perioperative findings. Clinical, pathological and laboratory parameters were analyzed as factors potentially affecting the sensitivity and specificity of sonography.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of ultrasound in detecting rectosigmoid infiltration in patients with ovarian cancer was 86.3%, with specificity of 95.8%, positive predictive value of 92.6%, negative predictive value of 91.9% and overall accuracy of 92.1%.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound is a highly accurate method for detecting rectosigmoid tumor infiltration in ovarian cancer patients, and thus, can be used for planning adequate management, including patient consultation, surgical team planning, suitable operating time and postoperative care. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Ultrasound in preoperative assessment of pelvic and abdominal spread in patients with ovarian cancer: a prospective study

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the accuracy of ultrasound in assessing pelvic and intra-abdominal spread in patients with ovarian cancer.

METHODS

This prospective study enrolled all consecutive patients referred to a single gynecological oncology center for suspected ovarian cancer. We analyzed only data from patients with histologically confirmed primary ovarian cancer who were evaluated following predefined preoperative ultrasound, intraoperative and pathology protocols. We evaluated the agreement of depth of infiltration of the rectosigmoid wall, tumor spread in different peritoneal compartments and presence of metastatic retroperitoneal and inguinal lymph nodes, as determined at ultrasound, with intraoperative and histopathological findings.

RESULTS

In total, 578 patients were enrolled between March 2008 and January 2013, of whom 394 met the study inclusion criteria and were analyzed; 74% of these suffered from advanced-stage cancer. Our results showed excellent agreement between ultrasound and histology in assessment of rectosigmoid wall infiltration (kappa value, 0.812; area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve, 0.898). The overall accuracy in evaluating different peritoneal compartments, retroperitoneal and inguinal lymph nodes and depth of rectosigmoid wall infiltration was 85.3%, 84.8%, 99.7% and 91.1%, respectively. Ultrasound showed high sensitivity only in the assessment of rectosigmoid wall infiltration (83.1%), peritoneal spread into the pelvis (81.4%) and omentum (67.3%), and inguinal metastatic lymph nodes (100%). The specificity of ultrasound in detection of all evaluated parameters was > 90%.

CONCLUSION

This is the largest imaging study to date on ovarian cancer staging. Ultrasound can be used as the method of choice to plan rectosigmoid wall resection and dissection of infiltrated inguinal lymph nodes. In assessing different peritoneal and retroperitoneal compartments, ultrasound was accurate and highly specific. However, similar to other modern imaging techniques, it had relatively low sensitivity, further supporting the role of comprehensive surgical staging. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Comparison of Plasma Osteopontin Levels between Patients with Borderline Ovarian Tumours and Serous Ovarian Carcinoma

Osteopontin (OPN) is a novel biomarker of various cancers including ovarian carcinoma. OPN is a promising adjunct to a major biomarker of ovarian cancer, CA125, in diagnosis, differential diagnosis and prognosis. The aim of our study was to measure the plasma level of OPN and CA125 in patients with borderline ovarian tumours (BOTs), serous ovarian carcinoma, and controls to determine its potential role in the differential diagnosis between serous ovarian carcinoma and BOT. The plasma samples of 66 women were analysed using Luminex technology, designed to simultaneously measure multiple specific protein targets. The mean OPN plasma level for the control group was 23.3 ng/ml; for BOT 26.3 ng/ml; and for patients with serous ovarian carcinoma 59.5 ng/ml. Specifically, there was a significant difference between the OPN levels in patients with ovarian carcinoma and BOT (P < 0.001) as well as controls (P < 0.001). There was no difference between the mean levels of OPN in patients with BOT and the control group (P = 0.286). Using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC), we determined the utility of OPN and CA125 to differentiate between BOT and serous ovarian carcinoma. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for OPN was 0.793 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.669-0.917, P < 0.001) and for CA125 0.766 (95% CI 0.626-0.907, P = 0.002). Based on our data, we suggest that OPN can be used as a possible differential diagnostic biomarker to distinguish between malignant serous ovarian carcinoma and BOT.

[Contribution of sentinel lymph-node biopsy to treatment of locally advanced stages of cervical cancers]

OBJECTIVE

Usage of sentinel lymph-node (SLN) concept in locally advanced cervical cancers might help to individualise management. According to SLN status could be patients refered to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with subsequent surgery or to primary chemoradiation. The aim of our study was to evaluate sensitivity of SLN detection in locally advanced cervical cancers and to assess the impact of NAC on frequency of their metastatic involvement.

DESIGN

Retrospective clinical study.

SETTING

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Faculty Hospital and 1st Medical Faculty, Charles University, Prague.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Included were patients with cervical cancer stages FIGO IB1 (> 3 cm), IB2, IIA2 and selected cases of stages IIB with incipient parametrial involvement. Patients were distributed into two different protocols - patients in group NAC-SLN were refered to radical hysterectomy with SLN biopsy after 3 cycles of NAC, other patients (group SLN) underwent SLN biopsy and NAC was administered only in SLN-negative cases.

RESULTS

Altogether 101 patients were included (group SLN = 62, group NAC-SLN = 39). Detection of SLN in whole cohort reached 90.1% per patient and 68.3% bilaterally. No differences were found between SLN group and NAC-SLN group in frequency of per patient SLN detection (90.3% vs 89.7%) and bilateral detection (69.4% vs 66.7%). Prevalence of macrometastases, micrometastases and ITC in the SLN group was 37.1% (23/62), 11.3% (7/62) and 8.1% (5/62), respectively. In the NAC-SLN group macrometastases in SLN were detected in 17.9% (7/39) patients, in 1 patient was detected micrometastis in SLN and no patient had ITC. Difference in frequency of metastases in SLN was significant (p = 0,013). No patient had progressed during NAC, complete response was seen in 15.1% (11/73) patients and reduction of tumour volume > 30% in 84.9% (62/73) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Detection of SLN in locally advanced cervical cancers reached comparable results to early stages. NAC did not influence frequency of SLN detection, but it significantly decreased prevalence of metastatic SLN involvement.

ESMO-ESGO-ESTRO Consensus Conference on Endometrial Cancer: diagnosis, treatment and follow-up

The first joint European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), European SocieTy for Radiotherapy & Oncology (ESTRO) and European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO) consensus conference on endometrial cancer was held on 11-13 December 2014 in Milan, Italy, and comprised a multidisciplinary panel of 40 leading experts in the management of endometrial cancer. Before the conference, the expert panel prepared three clinically relevant questions about endometrial cancer relating to the following four areas: prevention and screening, surgery, adjuvant treatment and advanced and recurrent disease. All relevant scientific literature, as identified by the experts, was reviewed in advance. During the consensus conference, the panel developed recommendations for each specific question and a consensus was reached. Results of this consensus conference, together with a summary of evidence supporting each recommendation, are detailed in this article. All participants have approved this final article.

Cancer incidence and mortality in the Czech Republic

BACKGROUND

The Czech Republic ranks among the countries with the highest cancer burden in Europe as well as worldwide. The purpose of this study is to summarize longterm trends in the cancer burden and to provide up-to-date estimates of incidence and mortality rates after 2011.

DATA AND METHODS

The Czech National Cancer Registry (CNCR) was instituted in 1977 and contains information collected over a 34-year period of standardized registration covering 100% of cancer diagnoses within the entire Czech population. The CNCR analysis is supported by demographic data and by the Death Records Database. An overview of the epidemiology of malignant tumors in the Czech population is available online at www.svod.cz.

RESULTS

All neoplasms, including nonmelanoma skin cancer, reached a crude incidence rate of almost 802 cases per 100,000 men and 681 cases per 100,000 women in 2011. The annual mortality rate exceeded 258 deaths per 100,000 individuals; in other words, more than 27,000 individuals die of cancer each year. The overall incidence of malignancies has increased with a growth index of +27.6% during the last decade (2001- 2011), while the mortality rate has been stabilized over the time span (growth index in 2001- 2011: - 5.0%). Consequently, the prevalence has significantly increased in the observed period and exceeded 475,000 cases in 2011. In addition to demographic aging of the Czech population, the cancer burden has also increased due to the growing incidence of multiple primary tumors (recently more than 15% of the total incidence). The most frequent diagnoses include colorectal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Although some neoplasms are increasingly diagnosed at an early stage (e. g. the proportion of stage I or II was 75.3% for female breast cancer and 84.2% for skin melanoma), the numbers of early diagnosed cases are generally insufficient, even in the case of highly prevalent cancers such as colorectal carcinoma (only 46.1% of incident cases are diagnosed at stage I or II, according to recent data).

CONCLUSION

Population-based data on malignant tumors are available in the Czech Republic. The data survey can help us define national cancer management priorities. The current priority is to achieve a sustained reduction of cases diagnosed at an advanced stage and reduction of the significant regional differences in diagnostic efficiency.

Impact of risk factors on prevalence of anal HPV infection in women with simultaneous cervical lesion

The aim of our study was to determine the risk factors associated with anal HPV infection in HIV-negative women with high-grade cervical lesion. The study group included 172 "high-risk" women who underwent conization for high-grade cervical intraepithelial lesion or microinvasive cervical cancer (CIN 2+). The control group consisted of 100 "low-risk" women with non-neoplastic gynecologic diseases. All participants completed a questionnaire detailing medical history and sexual risk factors and were subjected to anal and cervical HPV genotyping. Concurrent cervical and anal HPV infections were detected in 42.4% (73/172) women of the study group, and in 8.0% (8/100) of women in the control group, respectively. The subgroup with concurrent HPV infections (n=73) dominated women with CIN 3 and microinvasive cancer and anal HPV 16 infections (n=53). Women with concurrent infections more frequently reported any type of sexual contact with the anus including non-penetrative anal sex (OR 2.62, p=0.008). Reporting >5 lifetime sexual partners (OR 2.43, p=0.041), smoking > 60 cigarettes per week (OR 2.33, p=0.048), and a history of penetrative anal intercourse (OR 3.87, p=0.002) were observed as the significant risk factors in women with multiple concurrent HPV infections. Our data support anal HPV testing and anal Pap smear screening in all women with severe cervical lesions caused by HPV 16 and a history of any sexual contact with the anus, heavy smoking and/or more than 5 lifetime sexual partners.

KEYWORDS

anal cancer, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, HPV, risk factor.

Tailoring surgical treatment of cervical precancerosis

OBJECTIVE

To summarize new data which can help in decision on tailoring treatment of cervical precancerosis.

DESIGN

Review article.

SETTING

Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Hospital Na Bulovce in Prague; Oncogynaecological Center, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague.

RESULTS

Precancerous lesions of the cervix are represented by squamous cervical intraepithelial neoplasias (CIN) and glandular adenocarcinomas in situ (AIS). The usual treatment of cervical precancerosis is conisation. However, some complications, particularly subsequent adverse pregnancy outcomes, follow all surgical treat-ments of cervix. The treatment could be postponed in women who wish to conceive and who suffer from CIN with a low risk of transformation to invasive cancer. The presence of modifying factors can help to stratify CIN lesions according to their malignant potential. The determination of detected HPV genotypes may help in this decision, because the fate of CIN 2/3 depends on the genotype of associated HPV infection. Cervical lesions associated with HPV 16, 18 or 45 are at a much higher risk of rapid progression to invasive cancers than lesions associated with other HR HPV genotypes. Surgical treatment of CIN 2/3 in women with a desire for future child-bearing can be postponed in cases non-associated with HPV 16, 18 and 45, on a case by case basis. Attempts are made to improve evaluation of the lesions by using biological and molecular markers, especially p16INK4a staining. Younger age, ongoing pregnancy, favourable colposcopic findings, negative p16INK4a staining and immunocompetency are independent factors supporting the choice of conservative management. Adenocarcinoma in situ management substantially differs from the management of CIN.

CONCLUSION

It is important both to assess all modifying factors correctly and to minimize any harm from unnecessary surgical treatment or overtreatment of cervical precancer lesions.

KEYWORDS

cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, adenocarcinoma in situ, conisation, tailoring treatment, human papillomavirus genotype, p16.

Bone quality assessment in type 2 diabetes mellitus

The increased risk for fractures in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) despite higher average bone density is unexplained. This study assessed trabecular bone quality in T2DM using the trabecular bone score (TBS). The salient findings are that TBS is decreased in T2DM and low TBS associates with worse glycemic control.

INTRODUCTION

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for osteoporotic fractures despite high average bone mineral density (BMD). The aim of this study was to compare BMD with a noninvasive assessment of trabecular microarchitecture, TBS, in women with T2DM.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, trabecular microarchitecture was examined in 57 women with T2DM and 43 women without diabetes, ages 30 to 90 years. Lumbar spine BMD was measured by dual-emission x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and TBS was calculated by examining pixel variations within the DXA images utilizing TBS iNsight software.

RESULTS

Mean TBS was lower in T2DM (1.228 ± 0.140 vs. 1.298 ± 0.132, p = 0.013), irrespective of age. Mean BMD was higher in T2DM (1.150 ± 0.172 vs. 1.051 ± 0.125, p = 0.001). Within the T2DM group, TBS was higher (1.254 ± 0.148) in subjects with good glycemic control (A1c ≤ 7.5 %) compared to those (1.166 ± 0.094; p = 0.01) with poor glycemic control (A1c > 7.5 %).

CONCLUSION

In T2DM, TBS is lower and associated with poor glycemic control. Abnormal trabecular microarchitecture may help explain the paradox of increased fractures at a higher BMD in T2DM. Further studies are needed to better understand the relationship between glycemic control and trabecular bone quality.

Factors affecting sonographic preoperative local staging of endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVES

To identify major factors in the under- and overestimation of cervical and myometrial invasion by endometrial cancer at preoperative staging by ultrasound.

METHODS

This prospective study involved all patients with histologically confirmed endometrial cancer referred consecutively for surgical staging between January 2009 and December 2011. All patients underwent transvaginal ultrasound examination, obtaining metric and perfusion data, and the results were compared with final histology: myometrial invasion was defined at histology in the final pathology report as being either < or ≥ 50%, while cervical stromal invasion was reported as being either present or absent, and sonographic over-/underestimation was determined relative to these.

RESULTS

Enrolled prospectively into the study were 210 patients. The proportion of cases with sonographic underestimation, relative to final histology, of myometrial invasion (i.e. false-negative estimation of no or superficial invasion < 50%) and of cervical invasion (i.e. false-negative finding of absence of stromal invasion) was comparable: 8.6% (n = 18) and 10.5% (n = 22), respectively. Myometrial invasion was overestimated by ultrasound (i.e. false-positive estimation of deep invasion ≥ 50%) in 15.7% (n = 33) of cases, and cervical invasion was overestimated (i.e. false-positive finding of presence of stromal invasion) in 4.8% (n = 10) of cases. These outcomes correspond to positive and negative predictive values of 67.6% (95% CI, 57.7-76.6) and 83.3% (95% CI, 74.9-89.8), respectively, for the subjective assessment of myometrial invasion, and 60.0% (95% CI, 38.2-79.2) and 88.1% (95% CI, 82.5-92.4), respectively, for that of cervical stromal invasion. The staging error in subjective assessment was not related to body mass index (BMI), to the position of the uterus in the pelvis or to image quality. Cervical and myometrial invasion were more often underestimated in well-differentiated endometrial cancers that were smaller in size, with thick minimum tumor-free myometrium and lower perfusion, and more often overestimated in moderately and poorly differentiated cancers that were larger in size, with thin minimum tumor-free myometrium and richer perfusion.

CONCLUSION

The accuracy of subjective assessment of myometrial and cervical invasion by ultrasound was significantly influenced by tumor size, density of tumor vascularization, tumor vessel architecture and histological grading, while it was not significantly affected by BMI, uterine position and image quality.

Transrectal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of tumor size following neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer

OBJECTIVES

To assess the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) in the evaluation of tumor size and in the detection of residual tumor following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in patients with cervical cancer.

METHODS

This was a prospective study involving 42 women with locally advanced histologically confirmed cervical cancer referred for NACT. Clinical examination, TRUS and MRI were performed before and after NACT. The tumor volume was calculated using three standardized diameters (anteroposterior, laterolateral and craniocaudal) that were measured using both TRUS and MRI. Thereafter patients underwent surgical treatment and the same tumor measurements were taken by a pathologist using a fixed surgical specimen. Tumor volumes were calculated from tumor dimensions using the ellipsoid formula, and data obtained from both imaging methods were compared with pathological results as the gold standard.

RESULTS

Twelve cases were excluded from the study owing to disease progression (these patients were referred for primary radiotherapy) or inability to perform MRI, leaving data from 30 patients for the final analysis. On average, tumor volume decreased after NACT by 84.6 and 87.1% as measured by MRI and TRUS, respectively. The agreement between measurements obtained by MRI and histology did not reach significance (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.344 (95% CI, -0.013 to 0.610), P = 0.059), while agreement between TRUS and histology was statistically significant (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.795 (95% CI, 0.569-0.902), P < 0.001). The accuracy of residual tumor detection (for non-microscopic tumors > 5 mm3 in volume) reached 77% for both MRI and TRUS. The sensitivity of TRUS was, however, lower than that of MRI (83 vs. 96%). The positive predictive values were similar for the two methods.

CONCLUSIONS

TRUS should be considered as an accurate diagnostic method in the evaluation of tumor volume after NACT in patients with cervical cancer and may constitute a reliable alternative imaging method to MRI.

High false negative rate of frozen section examination of sentinel lymph nodes in patients with cervical cancer

OBJECTIVES

Metastatic involvement of the sentinel nodes (SN) is one of the main prognostic factors in cervical cancer which determines the disease management. The results of intra-operative SN examination would make it possible to triage patients in a one-step protocol. The studies carried out on the subject so far have, however, failed to demonstrate adequate accuracy of frozen section examination (FS) and, moreover, they only involved small cohorts.

METHODS

The study included 225 patients with cervical cancer FIGO IA2-IIB in whom at least one SN has been detected and intra-operatively processed. The prevalence of macrometastases, micrometastases and isolated tumour cells (ITC) in the SN was evaluated and the results of FS and final SN ultrastaging were compared.

RESULTS

Metastatic involvement of the SN was detected by pathologic ultrastaging in 73 cases (32.4%); macrometastases, micrometastases and ITC were found in 48, 17 and 8 patients, respectively. Intra-operative SN assessment established the SN status correctly in as few as 41 cases (56.2%), or in 49 cases (63%) if ITC had been excluded. Final ultrastaging of intra-operatively negative SN confirmed macrometastases, micrometastases, and ITC in additional 8, 18 and 8 patients, respectively. The false negative rate of FS was higher in bigger tumours (>20 cm3) and in the presence of LVSI.

CONCLUSIONS

Frozen section examination of SN is not sufficiently reliable; it has a high false negative rate mainly due to its limited ability to detect micrometastases. A possible solution would be a more detailed intra-operative pathologic processing or two-step surgical management.

[Laparoscopic lymph-node dissection in gynecological surgery]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze our experience with transperitoneal laparoscopic dissection of lymphatic nodes in women with gynecologic malignancies.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective clinical study.

SETTING

Center of gynecologic endoscopy and minimally invasive surgery; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Faculty Hospital and 1st Medical Faculty in Prague.

METHODS

Analysis of data from our laparoscopic procedures in the years 2006-2011. The following procedures have been included: systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLN), paraaortic lymphadenectomy (PALN), pelvic sentinel node excision, focused dissection of bulky lymphatic nodes from pelvis or paraaortic area.

RESULTS

We performed 177 primarily laparoscopic procedures pointed at dissection of pelvic and/or paraaortic lymph-nodes. The mean operating time and the mean number of lymph-nodes was 82 minutes and 26.5 nodes in patients with PLN, and 75 minutes and 12.5 nodes in patients with PALN. The overall rate of laparo-conversions was 4.5%; the incidence of major complications was 6.8% and of serious bleeding 5.6%. Laparoscopic lymphadenectomy could not be performed or completed in 2.3% of cases. Complications were more frequently associated with PALN than with PLN.

SUMMARY

Laparoscopic approach to PLN and PALN is feasible in vast majority of patients. It provides adequate earnings of the lymphatic nodes, tolerable operative time, and relatively low complication rate. The highly experienced operation team for especially high infrarenal PALN is necessary.

[The rational preoperative diagnosis of ovarian tumors - imaging techniques and tumor biomarkers (review)]

The majority of patients who suffer from an early-stage or advanced-stage of ovarian cancer complain about symptoms, mainly gastrointestinal ones. The pelvic examination in ovarian cancer detection is limited by the adnexal position in the pelvis and frequent extraovarian spread of disease. Recently, any reliable tumor biomarker (CA 125 and/or HE4), which can be used in differential diagnosis between benign and malignant ovarian tumors, does not exist. According the results of the largest multicenter International Ovarian Trial Analysis (IOTA), ultrasound if performed by an experienced sonologist is an ideal diagnostic method in differential diagnosis between benign and malignant ovarian tumors. The experienced examiner is also able to detect extraovarian tumor spread and to assess tumor operability. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used only to complement ultrasound in cases when high tissue resolution is needed. Computed tomography (CT) is a useful method for detection of extraovarian spread, especially in cases when an ultrasound examiner experienced in abdominal scanning is not available. Similarly, fusion of positron emission tomography with CT (PET/CT) is a highly accurate method for the detection of abdominal and extraabdominal tumor spread, but its use is limited by cost and the low availability of this method. On the other hand, PET/CT is not recommended for primary ovarian cancer detection because of its lower sensitivity in comparison to ultrasound and its high false positive rates as well.

Myxoid mixed low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma and smooth muscle tumor of the uterus. Case report

We report the case of a 73-year-old female with myxoid mixed low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma and smooth muscle tumor of the uterus. Grossly, the tumor sized 130 x 130 x 100 mm involved the uterine corpus almost in its entirety. Histologically, the tumor consisted of two cell types. In some areas, the tumor cells showed typical features of endometrial stromal tumors and resembled stromal cells of proliferative endometrium. In other areas, however, the tumor showed smooth muscle features and consisted of larger mostly epitheloid cells with a moderate amount of cytoplasm. In all areas, myxoid changes and multiple hyalinizing giant rosettes were present. The tumor infiltrated the myometrium in a pattern typical of low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells showed expression of vimentin, estrogen and progesterone receptors and variable expression of CD10, α-smooth muscle actin, desmin, h-caldesmon, and cytokeratin AE1/AE3. Other markers examined including CD99, α-inhibin, cytokeratin CAM5.2, S-100 protein, and HMB45 were negative. To the best of our knowledge, mixed low-grade endometrial stromal and smooth muscle tumor with myxoid changes has not been described to date.