Sentinel lymph node mapping versus sentinel lymph node mapping with systematic lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer: an open-label, non-inferiority, randomized trial (ALICE trial).

BACKGROUND: Growing evidence suggest that sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in endometrial cancer accurately detects lymph node metastasis. However, prospective randomized trials addressing the oncological outcomes of SLN biopsy in endometrial cancer without lymphadenectomy are lacking. PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to confirm that SLN biopsy without systematic node dissection does not negatively impact oncological outcomes. STUDY HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that there is no survival benefit in adding systematic lymphadenectomy to sentinel node mapping for endometrial cancer staging. Additionally, we aim to evaluate morbidity and impact in quality of life (QoL) after forgoing systematic lymphadenectomy. TRIAL DESIGN: This is a collaborative, multicenter, open-label, non-inferiority, randomized trial. After total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and SLN biopsy, patients will be randomized (1:1) into: (a) no further lymph node dissection or (b) systematic pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy. MAJOR INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Inclusion criteria are patients with high-grade histologies (endometrioid G3, serous, clear cell, and carcinosarcoma), endometrioid G1 or G2 with imaging concerning for myometrial invasion of ≥50% or cervical invasion, clinically suitable to undergo systematic lymphadenectomy. PRIMARY ENDPOINTS: The primary objective is to compare 3-year disease-free survival and the secondary objectives are 5-year overall survival, morbidity, incidence of lower limb lymphedema, and QoL after SLN mapping ± systematic lymphadenectomy in high-intermediate and high-risk endometrial cancer. SAMPLE SIZE: 178 participants will be randomized in this study with an estimated date for completing accrual of December 2024 and presenting results in 2027. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03366051.

Open Versus Minimally Invasive Radical Hysterectomy in Cervical Cancer: The CIRCOL Group Study.

PURPOSE: To analyze the survival outcomes of patients in a Brazilian cohort who underwent minimally invasive surgery (MIS) compared with open surgery for early stage cervical cancer. METHODS: A multicenter database was constructed, registering 1280 cervical cancer patients who had undergone radical hysterectomy from 2000 to 2019. For the final analysis, we included cases with a tumor ≤ 4 cm (stages Ia2 to Ib2, FIGO 2018) that underwent surgery from January 2007 to December 2017. Propensity score matching was also performed. RESULTS: A total of 776 cases were ultimately analyzed, 526 of which were included in the propensity score matching analysis (open, n = 263; MIS, n = 263). There were 52 recurrences (9.9%), 28 (10.6%) with MIS and 24 (9.1%) with open surgery (p = 0.55); and 34 deaths were recorded, 13 (4.9%) and 21 (8.0%), respectively (p = 0.15). We noted a 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate of 88.2% and 90.3% for those who received MIS and open surgery, respectively (HR 1.32; 95% CI: 0.76-2.29; p = 0.31) and a 5-year overall survival (OS) rate of 91.8% and 91.1%, respectively (HR 0.80; 95% CI: 0.40-1.61; p = 0.53). There was no difference in 3-year DFS rates between open surgery and MIS for tumors ≤ 2 cm (95.7% vs. 90.8%; p = 0.16) or > 2 cm (83.9% vs. 85.4%; p = 0.77). Also, the 5-year OS between open surgery and MIS did not differ for tumors ≤ 2 cm (93.1% vs. 93.6%; p = 0.82) or > 2 cm (88.9% vs. 89.8%; p = 0.35). CONCLUSIONS: Survival outcomes were similar between minimally invasive and open radical hysterectomy in this large retrospective multicenter cohort.

PROPER-PRehabilitatiOn Plus Enhanced Recovery after surgery versus enhanced recovery after surgery in gynecologic oncology: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Prehabilitation is a process that occurs before surgery and aims to improve patient functional capacity and enhance surgical recovery. This process includes medical, nutritional, physical, and psychological interventions that may reduce the duration of hospital stay and provide postoperative physical benefits. PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a prehabilitation program on postoperative recovery time for patients who will undergo gynecological surgery following the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) guidelines. STUDY HYPOTHESIS: A multidisciplinary, preoperative prehabilitation program for patients who will undergo gynecological surgery leads to a reduction in the length of hospital stay and improves patient functional capacity. TRIAL DESIGN: Prospective, interventionist, and randomized controlled trial in a 1:1 ratio, open to multidisciplinary team and patients, blinded to surgeons and anesthesiologists. The control group will undergo ERAS standard preoperative care while the intervention group will have ERAS standard preoperative care plus prehabilitation. MAJOR INCLUSION CRITERIA: Patients scheduled to undergo gynecologic surgery performed by laparotomy with a preoperative schedule that allows prehabilitation intervention for 2 to 3 weeks. PRIMARY ENDPOINT: To compare time between surgery and the day the patient is ready for discharge in patients who underwent the prehabilitation process versus those who did not. Readiness for discharge is defined as the ability to take care of one's-self, to walk alone, and to ingest at least 75% of daily recommended calorie intake. SAMPLE SIZE: 194 participants ESTIMATED DATES FOR COMPLETING ACCRUAL AND PRESENTING RESULTS: At present, 30 patients have been recruited. Accrual should be completed by 2023-24. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study is approved by the IBCC - São Camilo Oncologia ethics committee (reference number 4.256.553) and is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04596800).

Quality of life in a phase 2 trial of short-course hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) at interval debulking surgery for high tumor burden ovarian cancer.

INTRODUCTION: to evaluate the effect of short-course (i.e.: 30 minutes) HIPEC on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in our feasibility study; NCT02249013. METHODS: a prespecified secondary end-point of our open-label, multicenter, single-arm, phase 2 trial on safety and efficacy was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30, version 3.0). Patients were required to complete the HRQoL questionnaire at baseline, after HIPEC, and after the end of the treatment. Changes of HRQoL over time were assessed by median scores for each domain and analyzed by Friedman`s test at a significant two-sided level of 0.05. RESULTS: fifteen patients with high tumor burden EOC were recruited from our public health system between February 2015 and July 2019. A baseline EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire and at least one follow-up questionnaire was received from all of the patients. No significant difference over time in the QLQC30 summary scores was observed (p>0.05). The transitory impairment on patients HRQoL immediately after the short-course HIPEC trended to return to baseline at the end of the multimodal treatment. CONCLUSIONS: we found no significant impairment of short-course HIPEC on patients HRQoL into the context of our comprehensive treatment protocol.

Quality of life in a phase 2 trial of short-course hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) at interval debulking surgery for high tumor burden ovarian cancer / Avaliação da qualidade de vida em ensaio clínico de fase 2 envolvendo quimioterapia intraperitoneal hipertérmica (HIPEC) de curta duração no momento da citorredução de intervalo em pacientes com câncer de ovário de grande volume tumoral

ABSTRACT Introduction: to evaluate the effect of short-course (i.e.: 30 minutes) HIPEC on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in our feasibility study; NCT02249013. Methods: a prespecified secondary end-point of our open-label, multicenter, single-arm, phase 2 trial on safety and efficacy was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30, version 3.0). Patients were required to complete the HRQoL questionnaire at baseline, after HIPEC, and after the end of the treatment. Changes of HRQoL over time were assessed by median scores for each domain and analyzed by Friedman`s test at a significant two-sided level of 0.05. Results: fifteen patients with high tumor burden EOC were recruited from our public health system between February 2015 and July 2019. A baseline EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire and at least one follow-up questionnaire was received from all of the patients. No significant difference over time in the QLQC30 summary scores was observed (p>0.05). The transitory impairment on patients HRQoL immediately after the short-course HIPEC trended to return to baseline at the end of the multimodal treatment. Conclusions: we found no significant impairment of short-course HIPEC on patients HRQoL into the context of our comprehensive treatment protocol.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar o impacto da quimioterapia intraperitoneal hipertérmica (HIPEC) de curta duração (i.e.: 30 minutos) na qualidade de vida (QoL) relacionada à saúde (HRQoL) no contexto de ensaio clínico terapêutico piloto; NCT02249013. Métodos: avaliou-se o desfecho secundário predeterminado de HRQoL em ensaio clínico de fase 2 de segurança e eficácia, aberto, multicêntrico, de braço único, utilizando-se o questionário European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life (EORTC QLQ-C30, versão 3.0). As pacientes foram solicitadas a responder o questionário de HRQoL antes do tratamento, após a HIPEC, e ao fim do tratamento interdisciplinar. As variações da HRQoL ao longo do tempo foram avaliadas pelas medianas dos escores de cada domínio e analisadas pelo teste de Friedman, considerando-se nível de significância estatística bicaudal de 5%. Resultados: quinze pacientes com câncer de ovário de grande volume tumoral foram recrutadas do sistema de saúde pública (i.e.: SUS) entre fevereiro de 2015 e julho 2019. Um questionário basal e pelo menos um questionário de acompanhamento foram coletados de todas as pacientes. Não se observou diferença significativa ao longo do tempo na HRQoL em nenhum dos domínios ou sintomas estudados (p> 0,05). O comprometimento transitório da HRQoL imediatamente após a HIPEC de curta duração tendeu a retornar à linha de base ao final do tratamento multimodal. Conclusões: não se observou impacto significativo da HIPEC de curta duração sobre a HRQoL no contexto deste protocolo de tratamento interdisciplinar.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy as adjuvant for treating wound complications after extensive resection for vulvar malignancy.

INTRODUCTION: Necrosis, wound breakdown, and infection represent major complications associated with radical vulvectomy. We aimed to analyze the feasibility of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy as an adjunctive treatment for such complications. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the medical records, clinical charts, and operative records of vulvar cancer patients who underwent hyperbaric oxygen therapy after extensive surgical resection in our institute between 2012 and 2016, with a comparison of the clinical outcomes of patients with similar surgical procedures andsevere wound complications who did not undergo HBO2. RESULTS: A total of 16 patients were included in the study. In the subgroup treated with HBO2, seven patients were identified. Two patients had primary surgery, while five had recurrent surgery (of these, two had previously undergone radiation therapy). Six patients received reconstructive flaps (five myocutaneous and onefasciocutaneous), while one patient had primary suture. Dehiscence, ischemia and necrosis were estimated to cover 30%-80% of the surgical surface area. Surgical debridement was performed in six patients. Daily 90-minute sessions in the hyperbaric chamber were performed at a pressure of 2.2 atmospheres absolute, with partial oxygen pressure of 1672 mbar. Infection control and satisfactory healing were achieved using 10-61 sessions. All patients in the subgroup who did not receive HBO2 required surgical debridement due to partial or near-total flap necrosis, with two reconstructive interventions required. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was an efficient adjuvant for wound healing and infection control in managing wound complications after extensive vulvar resections.

Análise do conteúdo de DNA por Citometria de Fluxo em Carcinomas Invasivos do Colo Uterino / Analysis of DNA content by flow cytometry in Invasive Cervical Carcinomas

As alterações do conteúdo de DNA verificadas em carcinomas do colo uterino podem estar associadas à agressividade biológica e ao prognóstico destes tumores. Este estudo mostra os resultados da análise do conteúdo de DNA pela citometria de fluxo, realizada em material a fresco de biópsias de 80 carcinomas invasivos do colo uterino, estádios clínicos I-IV, e os compara, de forma univariada, com outros parâmetros prognósticos, como idade, estádio clínico, aspecto e tamanho do tumor, tipo histológico, tipo de célula, grau histológico, invasão vascular, invasão cervical, metástase linfonodal, e sobrevida. Os resultados levam à conclusão de que a análise de citometria de fluxo, em carcinomas cervicais invasivos, produz resultados objetivos e reprodutíveis, e revela aspectos subclínicos destes tumores de importância para o tratamento e o prognóstico