Investigation of resistin 420 and 62 gene polymorphism in patients with endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess resistin gene polymorphisms, namely 420C > G and 62G > A and their effect on the risk of endometrial cancer (EC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2012 and January 2015, of the total of 183 patients diagnosed with EC, 94 patients were enrolled into the study. Patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension and history of any other cancer were excluded. To identify the importance of nucleotide polymorphism including 420C > G and 62G > A in the resistin gene, 94 healthy volunteers were included as the control group. RESULTS: Among the Resistin 420 gene polymorphism profiles, 420 GC (47.9%) was the most common gene polymorphism in the EC group. Also, the polymorphism of 420 CC (57.7%, p: 0.002) lead the list in the control group followed by the 420GC (37.5%) polymorphism. Resistin 62 gene polymorphism analysis demonstrated that the 62GC polymorphism was significantly more common in the EC group (p < 0.01), while 62 AG (52.9%) was observed most frequently in the control group bringing about a reduction in the risk of EC (p < 0.01, Odds Ratio:0.37). Additionally, the alleles of 420G+ and 62A + were significantly more common in the EC group and the control group, respectively (p:0.02 and p<:0.01). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the presence of 420G + allele increased the EC risk 1.99 fold while the presence of 62A + allele was shown to decrease the risk of EC (p<:0.01 Odds Ratio:0.038). CONCLUSION: Our study for the first time had demonstrated that Resistin 420G > C and 62G > A gene polymorphisms play a role in EC development.

Tertiary Cytoreduction for Recurrent Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: a Multicenter Study in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the benefit of tertiary cytoreductive surgery (TC) for secondary recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), focusing on whether optimal cytoreduction has an impact on disease-free survival, and whether certain patient characteristics could identify ideal candidates for TC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of secondary recurrent EOC patients undergoing TC at three Turkish tertiary institutions from May 1997 to July 2014 was performed. All patients had previously received primary cytoreduction followed by intravenous platinum-based chemotherapy and secondary cytoreduction for first recurrence. Clinical and pathological data were obtained from the patients' medical records. Survival analysis was caried out using the Kaplan Meier method. Actuarial curves were compared by the two tailed Logrank test with a statistical significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: Median age of the patients was 49.6 years (range, 30-67) and thirty-eight (72%) had stage III-IV disease at initial diagnosis. Twenty six (49%) had optimal and 27 (51%) suboptimal cytoreduction during tertiary debulking surgery . Optimal initial cytoreduction, time to first recurrence, optimal secondary cytoreduction, time interval between secondary cytoreduction and secondary recurrence, size of recurrence, disease status at last follow-up were found to be significant risk factors to predict optimal TC. Optimal cytoreduction in initial and tertiary surgery and serum CA-125 level prior to TC were independent prognostic factors on univariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results and a literature review clearly showed that maximal surgical effort should be made in TC, since patients undergoing optimal TC have a better survival. Thus, patients with secondary recurrent EOC in whom optimal cytoreduction can be achieved should be actively selected.

Surgical Treatment of Metastatic Ovarian Tumors From Extragenital Primary Sites.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcomes and prognostic factors of metastasectomy in patients with metastatic ovarian tumors from extragenital primary sites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with pathologically confirmed metastatic ovarian tumors between January 1997 and June 2015 were included in this study. A total of 131 patients were identified. The data were obtained from the patients' medical records. Clinicopathological features were evaluated by both univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: The primary sites were colorectal region (53.4%), stomach (26%), and breast (13%). Preoperative serum CA 125 and CA 19-9 levels were elevated in 29.4% and 39.8% of the patients, respectively. Cytoreductive surgery was performed in 41.2% of the patients. Seventy-three (55.7%) patients had no residual disease after surgery. Sixty-six (49.6%) patients had combined metastases at the time of the surgery to sites including the liver, pancreas, lung, bone, lymph nodes, bladder, or the intestine. With a median follow-up of 33 months, the median survival time was 22 months. The estimated 5-year survival probability is 0.26. On univariate analysis, primary cancer site, combined metastasis outside the ovaries, residual disease, preoperative serum CA 125 and CA 19-9 levels, and histologic type were significant parameters for overall survival. Furthermore, residual disease, preoperative serum CA 19-9 level, and primary cancer site were found to be independent prognostic factors on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The most common primary sites for ovarian metastasis are gastrointestinal tract. Metastasectomy may have beneficial effects on survival, especially if the residual disease is less than 5 mm. Prospective studies warranted to evaluate the value of metastasectomy in patients with ovarian metastasis.

Clinicopathologic and survival analyses of synchronous primary endometrial and epithelial ovarian cancers.

AIM: The aim of the study was to describe clinicopathologic characteristics, survival outcomes and the factors associated with recurrence in patients diagnosed with synchronous primary endometrial and epithelial ovarian cancers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 50 patients who were diagnosed with synchronous primary endometrial and epithelial ovarian cancers and underwent surgery between 1998 and 2010 were reviewed. RESULTS: In our study, the median age at the time of diagnosis was 53 years (range 28-79). The most common presenting symptom was abnormal uterine bleeding with a ratio of 36%. Fifty-four percent of the patients had endometrioid type endometrial cancer and endometrioid type ovarian cancer. All patients were surgically staged and the majority of the patients were in stage I for both endometrial cancer (58%) and ovarian cancer (60%). Nearly one-third (32%) of the patients had a recurrence during the follow-up period and by Cox regression analysis the level of cancer antigen 125 (P = 0.023) at diagnosis, serous or clear-cell histopathologic type ovarian cancer (P = 0.029) and stage of endometrial cancer above I (P = 0.048) were found to be independent risk factors associated with development of recurrence. Patients with endometrioid type endometrium histology and endometrioid type ovarian histology had favorable prognosis with 120.00 months mean disease-free survival and 92% disease-free survival rate at 36 months. CONCLUSION: In our cohort, we found that endometrioid/endometrioid type synchronous primary endometrial and ovarian cancer had different clinical histopathologic characteristics and favorable prognosis compared to the other histologic types of these cancers. Histopathologic type of the ovarian cancer component, stage of endometrial cancer and level of cancer antigen 125 at diagnosis were observed to have a great influence on the development of recurrence and survival of synchronous primary carcinomas of the endometrium and ovary.

Efficacy of endocervical curettage and CA-125 measurement in endometrial serous carcinoma: A case series and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: This is a case series and literature review of patients with endometrial serous carcinoma (ESC) in which endocervical curettage (ECC) and CA-125 measurement were utilized as a diagnostic procedure in preoperative staging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients were treated in the gynecologic oncology clinic of Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine between January 2005, and January 2015. A total of 37 patients were included in the final analysis. RESULTS: ECC accurately predicted ESC in 22 patients (59.5%). The mean pre-operative serum CA-125 level was 73.24±3.30 IU/mL; pre-operative serum CA-125 levels were elevated above 35 IU/mL in 25 patients (69%). CONCLUSION: ECC is an acceptable diagnostic tool to predict the presence or absence of cervical involvement in endometrial cancer. On the other hand, its accuracy in specific subgroups requires further analysis in carefully designed prospective studies. Furthermore, pre-operative serum CA-125 levels may be important for management and counseling in the subgroup of women with ESC.

The diagnostic role of human epididymis protein 4 and serum amyloid-A in early-stage endometrial cancer patients.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic and predictive efficacy of the human epididymis secretory protein 4 (HE4) and serum amyloid-A (S-AA) together with the other tumor markers (CA 125, CA 15-3, CEA, and CA 19-9) in endometrial cancer patients. The study group consisted of 64 patients with defined stage and grade of endometrial cancer and 60 women with benign uterine diseases. Thirty-four healthy women were defined as the control group. Fasting blood samples were collected prior to surgery and tumor marker levels were determined in blood samples by E170 autoanalyzer. S-AA concentrations were measured by particle-enhanced immunonephelometry. Preoperative serum HE4 and S-AA levels were significantly higher in endometrial cancer patients than in controls, whereas the other measured parameters were not significantly different. Serum levels of HE4 were related to both the stage and grade of tumor. The best cutoff point for HE4 was determined to be 59.7 pmol/L; with 75 % sensitivity and 65.5 % specificity. For S-AA, the cutoff point was 8.8 U/mL, with 68.7 % sensitivity and 58.6 % specificity. The combination of HE4, CA 125, CEA, and S-AA raised the sensitivity to 84 %. Preoperative measurement of serum HE4 and S-AA may be of help in early detection of endometrial cancer. Preoperative screening with these markers may provide important information about the patient's outcome and prognosis.

Microarray detection of human papilloma virus genotypes among Turkish women with abnormal cytology at a colposcopy unit.

OBJECTIVE: There is a well-known association between human papilloma virus (HPV) and cervical neoplasia. The aim of this study was to investigate the types of HPV DNA and to compare the results with colposcopic findings among women with abnormal cytology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A series of 76 consecutive women attending the clinic with the usual referral indications (ASC-US or higher in Pap) were examined by the conventional diagnostic tools (PAP smear, colposcopy,punch biopsy) and subjected to HPV testing. For HPV genotyping, we used a commercially avaliable HPV DNA chip (Genomica-CLART) which is a PCR based microarray system.The HPV test detected 35types of HPV (HPV-6/-11/-16/-18/-26/-31/-33/-35/-39/-40/-42/-43/-44/-45/-51/-52/-53/-54/-56/-58/-59/-61/-62/-66/-70/-71/-72/-73/-81/-83/84/-85/-89). RESULTS: Overall, 44.7% of all patients were HPV positive. HPV was positive in 35%, 51.9%, 77.7% of the ASCUS, LSIL and HSIL groups respectively and HPV 16 was the most prevalent type in all groups. 6 %of patients had mutiple infections. 57.8% of biopsy proven SIL's were HPV positive. The most prevalent HPV type was HPV 16 (54.5%).Colposcopic assessment revealed pathologic findings in 94.7% of biopsy proven SIL cases. CONCLUSION: Although it has been reported that the prevalence of HPV in the general population is lower than Western countries, and the prevalence and distribution of genotypes are smilar in patients with abnormal cytology. Further population based studies are needed to determine the prevalance and type distribution of HPV with normal and abnormal cytology in Turkish women. Despite the new technological progress in HPV virion, colposcopy is still very important diagnostic tool in the management of abnormal smears.

The roles of surgery and EMA/CO chemotherapy regimen in primary refractory and non-refractory gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.

PURPOSE: To determine the characteristics and outcome of patients with refractory gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) after primary chemotherapy (CTx). METHODS: The outcome of low- and high-risk patients with refractory GTN (n = 14, 37%) was compared to those with non-refractory GTN (n = 24, 63%). Methotrexate treatment was used for patients with low-risk disease and EMA/CO for patients with high-risk disease. RESULTS: Median follow-up time was 53 months (range 1-173 months). All non-refractory patients and 11 refractory patients (79%) survived (p = 0.015). Factors related to resistance to primary CTx was age (p = 0.012), duration between causal pregnancy and initial treatment (p = 0.003), surgery (p = 0.014), hCG level before CTx (p = 0.09) and half-life of hCG (p = 0.061). Six out of 10 low-risk refractory patients treated with EMA/CO regimen in the second-line setting had been followed by no evidence of disease. Nine of 38 (24%) patients underwent surgery (TAH ± BSO) for GTN. All of the patients treated with surgery were in the non-refractory group, but none of refractory patients underwent surgery (p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Surgery and EMA/CO regimen are one of the main factors that play a role in the management of refractory low-risk GTN.

Aggressive angiomyxoma of the pelviperineum: surgical treatment through a perineal incision.

Aggressive angiomyxoma is a rare benign tumor of the pelvic soft tissue in women of reproductive age. The tumor is locally infiltrative and tends to recur. Herein is presented a case report of aggressive angiomyxoma that was totally excised using a transperineal approach. A 35-year-old woman had an aggressive angiomyxoma of the vulva and pelvis, with swelling of the right labium majus pudendi. Three years previously, she had undergone incomplete excision of the same type of pelviperineal mass via the transabdominal route. After a complete workup, a transperineal minimally invasive approach was used to excise the 20-cm mass filling the right side of the pelvis. Histopathologic findings were consistent with a diagnosis of aggressive angiomyxoma. Although often misdiagnosed as various other benign genital disorders, angiomyxoma usually is manifested as a soft nontender mass. After a thorough examination and full radiologic workup, a small transperineal incision may be sufficient for complete removal of the tumor.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in endometrial cancer: description of the technique and preliminary results.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the feasibility of sentinel lymph node technique in endometrial cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was designed as a prospective non-randomized case-control trial. Between 2010-2011, in Istanbul University, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Gynecologic Oncology department, 26 patients who were preoperatively evaluated as endometrial cancer enrolled in the study. Patients' detailed informed consent and ethics committee approval were obtained. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection rate was determined as the primary outcome. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and particularly false negative results were determined as secondary outcomes. As a technique of SLN, injection of methylene blue to the subserosal myometrium of the uterine fundus via 5 cc syringe following peritoneal aspiration cytology procedure was obtained. Surgery was made after injection for an average of 5 minutes due to the physiological spread of the blue dye. Then, the standard protocol of hysterectomy was performed and the retroperitoneum was opened to perform lymphadenectomy. The presence of lymph node regions, and presence of a sentinel node was recorded on the trial record form. Positive staining nodes were sent separately for pathological examination. In the course of the study due to insufficient rate of staining, the technique has been changed to cervical and multiple uterine injections. RESULTS: As the primary outcome, an SLN positivity rate of 23% in 6 patients with a total of 8 lymph nodes were found. The remarkable finding was that in the first technique, the rate was 1/16 (6%), while the second technique, 5/10 (50%), respectively. The difference is statistically significant (p=0.001). In endometrial cancer stage I and II, secondary outcomes for sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value were 23%, 0%, 100%, 43%, respectively. Because there were no metastatic lymph nodes found, false negative rate was 0%. CONCLUSION: SLN approach is not valuable enough to eliminate the need for lymphadenectomy. On the other hand, it facilitates scanning micrometastases and ultrastaging, while its clinical value has not yet been established. However, according to the recent pilot studies, it provides a means for assessing micrometastases for the medium-risk group for local recurrence.

Determination of serum CRP, VEGF, Leptin, CK-MB, CA-15-3 and IL-6 levels for malignancy prediction in adnexal masses.

OBJECTIVE: Investigation of serum markers which could be used in the malignancy prediction of adnexal masses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin 6 (IL-6), leptin, C-reactive protein (CRP), creatine-kinase-MB (CK-MB) and cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) levels were determined prospectively in serum samples that were obtained from patients who underwent surgery for an adnexal mass and who were referred to Istanbul University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, between 2009 and 2011, and then were compared with the serum samples of completely healthy outpatient patients as a control group. Based onto the ovarian cancer status, cases were divided into four groups: 13 patients were included in the early-stage malignant group, 12 patients were included in the advanced-stage malignant group, 25 in the benign group and 19 in the healthy control group. Patients with only epithelial ovarian cancer were included into the cancer group. Ethics Commitee approval was obtained for this study. The budget was supported by the Istanbul University Scientific Research Projects Unit. RESULTS: RESULTS RELATED WITH SENSITIVITY, SPECIFICITY, POSITIVE PREDICTIVE VALUE (PPV), NEGATIVE PREDICTIVE VALUE (NPV) AND ODDS RATIO (OR), RESPECTIVELY, AND THE FOLLOWING VALUES WERE CALCULATED: 48%, 95%, 92%, 59% and +OR 9.6 -OR 0.5 for CA; 15-3; 52%, 75%, 72%, 55%, +OR 2.08 -OR 0.64 for leptin; 72%, 70%, 75%, 66% 2.4-0.5 for IL-6; 24%, 80%, 60%, 45%, 1.2-0.92 for VEGF; 68%, 30%, 55%, 43%, 0.97-1.06 for CRP; and 8%, 70%, 25%, 38%, 026-1.31 for CK-MB. CONCLUSION: CA 15-3, IL-6, Leptin, VEGF and CRP were effective in the prediction of benign and malignant masses; however they may be more suitable in selected cases as they have a limited use because of their inadequate potential regarding sensitivity and specificity.

Factors related to recurrence after pathological complete response to postoperative chemotherapy in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: It has been appreciated for some time that the lack of detection of ovarian cancer at clinical and pathological (second-look laparotomy) evaluation is not synonymous with cure. The goal of this study was to define clinical risk factors for recurrence after complete pathological response to postoperative chemotherapy in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients who met the inclusion criteria of our study were evaluated. The characteristics (age, menopausal status, histological subtype, tumor grade, presence of ascites at diagnosis, type of omentectomy, FIGO stage, and residual tumor volume after primary surgery) of patients with and those without tumor recurrence were compared. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 52 months (range, 15-142 months). The overall survival rates of the patients were 100%, 96%, and 87% at 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively. At the time of the study analysis, 21 of 57 (37%) patients had recurrent disease. The median time to recurrence was 16 months. Recurrences were most frequent in the pelvis and abdominal cavity (38%). Age, menopausal status, stage at diagnosis, and residual tumor volume after initial surgery were significantly related to the risk of recurrence in univariate analysis (P = 0.039, 0.038, 0.004, and 0.000, respectively). Residual tumor volume after initial surgery was found to be the only significant independent prognostic factor (P = 0.049, HR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.02-0.99). CONCLUSION: We believe it is necessary to conduct randomized studies on this issue because insight into predictors of recurrence after pathological complete response to postoperative chemotherapy could be used to select patients for trials of consolidation therapy.

Investigation of PON1 192 and PON1 55 polymorphisms in ovarian cancer patients in Turkish population.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death due to gynecological malignancies among women. Oxidative stress is potentially harmful to cells and reactive oxygen species are known to be involved in the initiation and progression of cancer. Paraoxonase (PON1) is an antioxidative enzyme, which eliminates lipid peroxides. PON1 has two common polymorphisms (M/L55 and A/B192) that influence PON1 concentration and activity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Whether or not the M/L55 or A/B192 genotype relates with ovarian cancer was studied in 51 patients and 54 controls. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), and agarose gel electrophoresis techniques were used to determine these polymorphisms. RESULTS: The proportion of smokers was significantly higher in the patients than the controls (26.9% vs. 7%; Chi-square: 7.81, p:0.005; Odds ratio (OR): 4.88 95% CI: 1.49-15.99). The frequencies of the PON1 192 AA, BB and AB genotypes among the patients were 0.76, 0.12 and 0.12 and among the control subjects, 0.33, 0.11 and 0.56, respectively. The AA genotype frequency was significantly higher in the patients than the controls (Chi-square: 19.242, p=0.000; OR: 2.80 95% CI:1.653-4.757). The frequencies of the PON1 55 LL, MM and LM genotypes among the patients were 0.53, 0.10 and 0.37 and among the control subjects there were 0.46, 0.04 and 0.50, respectively. The MM genotype frequency was higher in the patients than the controls, but not statistically significantly (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The two polymorphisms were associated with the age of onset of ovarian cancer, which increased in the genotype order AB

Estrogen replacement therapy among postmenopausal women and its effects on signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders.

The prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is about two to five times higher in females than in males. Data for the higher prevalence of TMD in women and prevalence rates peak during the reproductive years and decrease after menopause. This indicated that female sex hormones may play a role in the etiology or maintenance of TMD. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between postmenopausal hormone use and TMD in Turkish postmenopausal women. One hundred-eighty (180), postmenopausal women, aged 42-72 years, were examined both clinically and by questionnaire with regard to the signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders, general health status and use of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy in the preceding year. Ninety-one (91) postmenopausal women (50.6%) were on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The remaining 89 (49.4%) postmenopausal women were not on hormone replacement therapy. There was no significant difference found in the signs and symptoms of TMD between postmenopausal women using hormone therapy and those not using postmenopausal hormones. There was no association between the use of postmenopausal hormones and the signs and symptoms of TMD in this study.

Leptomeningeal dissemination of ovarian carcinoma through a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

BACKGROUND: Dissemination of ovarian cancer occurs mainly within the peritoneal cavity and central nervous system involvement (CNS) is encountered rarely. This report describes an unusual case with iatrogenic leptomeningeal metastasis from ovarian carcinoma. CASE: 36 year-old lady diagnosed with ovarian carcinoma develops neurologic symptoms 10 months following primary treatment. Medical history reveals a venticuloperitoneal shunt placement 16 years ago for non-communicating hydrocephalus. She undergoes surgery for obstruction of the VP catheter and pathologic evaluation reveals metastatic carcinoma consistent with the primary diagnosis. With subsequent systemic chemotherapy, the patient remains alive for 2 years. CONCLUSION: This report describes a unique patient with ovarian cancer, who developed iatrogenic leptomeningeal involvement of the lateral ventricule through an indwelling ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

Fas-1377A/G and FasL-844 T/C gene polymorphisms and epithelial ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: The Fas receptor is known to be widely expressed in various tissues and FasL is highly expressed on cells of the immune system and also on cells of immune-privileged areas such as the eyes and brain. Ovarian cells are known to exhibit marked FasL immunoreactivity throughout follicular development; there may also be a relationship between Fas and FasL polymorphisms and the immune privileges of the epithelial ovarian cells. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 47 epithelial ovarian carcinoma patients and 41 healthy subjects. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction endonucleases were used to determine the polymorphic Fas and FasL genes. RESULTS: The FasL CC genotype was found to increase the risk of ovarian carcinoma and a protective effect of the GGCT genotype was observed. CONCLUSION: Because of the expressional aspects of the FasL-844T --> C polymorphism, individuals carrying the FasL-844C allele would be expected to have higher FasL expression on tumour cells compared with those carrying the FasL-844T allele. People with such a genotype show a tendency to develop various tumours.

The expression of Ki-67, p53, estrogen and progesterone receptors affecting survival in uterine leiomyosarcomas. A clinicopathologic study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the level of expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), p53 and Ki-67 in patients with leiomyosarcoma and to investigate the effect of these and to identify the clinical parameters on prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients operated for LMS of uterine origin between 1994 and 2003 at Istanbul Medical School, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Division of Gynecologic Oncology constituted our study group. The data of all patients were updated via mail or phone. The effects of stage, grade, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, number of mitoses, presence of necrosis, Ki-67 and p53 expression, presence of estrogen and progesterone receptors on survival were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period of patients is 30.42 +/- 25.15 months. The mean overall survival for all LMS patients was estimated to be 48.4 +/- 10.38 months. The cumulative survival ratio in the 33rd month was 33.08. Age, menopausal status, history of prior radiotherapy, number of mitoses had no statistically significant effect on overall survival in our study although stage had a significant effect. Finding of greater than 10% steroid receptor expression has a positive effect on survival ([ER P = 0.019; log rank = 5.49] and [PR P = 0.023; log rank = 5.14]). The median value of Ki-67 was calculated to be 30. There was a survival advantage in patients with Ki-67 expression (P = 0.034; log rank = 4.49) below the median value. p53 levels had no significant effect on survival (P = 0.336; log rank = 0.92). CONCLUSION: Surgical staging is an important prognostic factor in LMS patients, while number of mitoses and grade of the tumor also seem to affect prognosis. Contrary to the current literature, our findings suggest that estrogen and progesterone receptor positivity greater than 10% may be associated with a better prognosis.

Evolutive peritoneal disease after conservative management and the use of infertility drugs in a patient with stage IIIC borderline micro-papillary serous carcinoma (MPSC) of the ovary: case report.

A young nulliparous woman with stage IIIC bilateral borderline micro-papillary serous carcinoma (MPSC) of the ovary underwent conservative surgery with optimal preservation of future fertility. The left ovary and a substantial portion of the right ovary were removed. The patient became pregnant at the first IVF cycle attempted after conservative management. A Cesarean section was performed in the 37th week of pregnancy and combined with very precise exploration; there were multiple non-invasive implants on the peritoneal surface and liver, and contra-lateral ovarian tissue was of normal appearance. Abdominal hysterectomy and right oophorectomy were done as a definitive treatment 3 months after the Caesarean section. The patient showed a rapid progression to invasive ovarian carcinoma in this period of time. MPSC has the greatest risk of malignant transformation among the advanced stage serous borderline tumours. Fertility-sparing surgery is an option for young, childless women who would like to preserve their fertility. However, the treatment must be taken very cautiously and requires rigorous surveillance.

Efficacy of intraperitoneal cisplatin as consolidation therapy in patients with pathologic complete remission following front-line therapy for epithelial ovarian cancer. Consolidative intraperitoneal cisplatin in ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of intraperitoneal cisplatin as consolidation treatment in epithelian ovarian cancer patients with complete pathologic response following front-line platin-based chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty patients who had no evidence of disease as assessed by second-look laparotomy following chemotherapy for stage III epithelial ovarian cancer were given three courses of intraperitoneal cisplatin (100 mg/m(2)) with three weekly intervals as consolidation therapy. RESULTS: Median age was 50 years. After a median follow-up period of 37 months, 16 patients are being followed with no evidence of disease. Eleven patients developed recurrent disease. Median disease-free survival was 50 months. Median overall survival is not reached. WHO grades 3-4 toxicity criteria were emesis in 19 patients (63.3%), abdominal pain in 5 (16.7%) and nephrotoxicity in 2 (6.7%) patients. Catheter-related complications were infection/peritonitis in one and catheter malfunction in one patient. There were no serious hematologic side effects that required transfusions or caused treatment delays. None of the patients developed serious neurologic toxicity. Treatment had to be stopped early in four patients who refused further treatment due to abdominal pain, nausea ::and vomiting. Dose reductions were required in five patients. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that intraperitoneal cisplatin is a feasible regimen that may provide a favorable outcome in terms of progression-free survival in patients with a complete pathologic response following front-line treatment for ovarian cancer. Further randomized trials are required to evaluate the role of consolidation treatment in this setting.