A Call for New Communication Channels for Gynecological Oncology Trainees: A Survey on Social Media Use and Educational Needs by the European Network of Young Gynecological Oncologists.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess patterns in the use of social media (SM) platforms and to identify the training needs among European gynecologic oncology trainees. METHODS: In 2014, a web-based survey was sent to 633 trainees from the European Network of Young Gynaecological Oncologists (ENYGO) database. The 14-item questionnaire (partially using a 1- to 5-point Likert scale) assessed respondents' use of SM and preference for workshop content and organization. Descriptive analysis was used to describe the mean scores reported for different items, and the internal reliability of the questionnaire was assessed by Cronbach α. RESULTS: In total, 170 ENYGO members (27%) responded to the survey. Of those, 91% said that they use SM platforms, mostly for private purposes. Twenty-three percent used SM professionally and 43% indicated that they would consider SM to be a clinical discussion forum. The respondents said that they would like updates on conferences and professional activities to be shared on SM platforms. Complication management, surgical anatomy, and state of the art in gynecologic oncology were identified as preferred workshops topics. The most frequently indicated hands-on workshops were laparoscopic techniques and surgical anatomy. Consultants attached a higher level of importance to palliative care education and communication training than trainees. The mean duration of the workshop preferred was 2 days. CONCLUSIONS: This report highlights the significance of ENYGO trainees' attachment to SM platforms. Most respondents expect ENYGO to use these online channels for promoting educational activities and other updates. Using SM for clinical discussion will require specific guidelines to secure professional and also consumer integrity. This survey confirms surgical management and the state of the art as important knowledge gaps, and ENYGO has tailored its activities according to these results. Future activities will further direct attention and resources to education in palliative care and molecular tumor biology.

Evaluation and Selection of Quality Indicators for the Management of Endometrial Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate 36 quality indicators (QIs) for monitoring the quality of care of uterine cancer to be implemented in the EFFECT (effectiveness of endometrial cancer treatment) project. METHODS: The 36 QIs were evaluated in the first 10 patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer and managed in 14 French hospitals in 2011. To assess the status of each QI, a questionnaire detailing the 36 QIs was sent to each hospital, and the information was cross-checked with information from the multidisciplinary staff meeting, surgical reports, and pathological reports. The QIs were evaluated in terms of measurability and improvability. The remaining QIs were evaluated with a multiple correspondence analysis to highlight the interrelationships between qualitative variables describing a population. RESULTS: Thirteen of the 14 institutions responded to the survey for a total of 130 patients. Twenty-five of the 36 QIs affected less than 80% of the patients. Thirteen QIs were found not to be improvable because they reached more than 95% of the theoretical target. Finally, 5 QIs concerning more than 80% of the patients were found to be improvable. The multiple correspondence analysis finally identified 3 dimensions-outcome, safety, and perioperative management-that included the 5 QIs. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, 5 of the 36 QIs suggested by the EFFECT project seem to be sufficient to report on the quality of endometrial cancer management. Further studies are needed to correlate the information provided by those 5 questions and the relevant outcomes reflecting quality of care in endometrial cancer.

Prognostic factors for ovarian epithelial cancer in the elderly: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of mortality by gynecologic cancers in Western countries. Many publications have suggested that age may be an independent prognostic factor in ovarian carcinoma. There are only few data concerning the impact of treatments and geriatric features within the elderly population. METHODS/MATERIALS: We collected data of older (≥ 70 years old) patients treated in our institution for an invasive ovarian carcinoma between 1995 and 2011. First we described usual clinical and pathological features for these patients, as well as their outcome. We compared these parameters with that of young (<70 years old) patients treated during the same period. We then observed geriatric features in our set: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, number of medications, Charlson index, body mass index, hemoglobin, and glomerular filtration rate. We finally looked for prognostic factors specific of the elderly population. RESULTS: One hundred nine elderly patients were identified and compared with 488 younger cases. There was no difference concerning clinicopathologic data. Surgery was more frequently complete in young women (58% vs 41.7%), and older patients received less chemotherapy courses and less taxanes (38.4% vs 67.1%). Young patients had a longer overall survival (median, 65.2 vs 26.2 months, P = 8.5E-10, log-rank test). Multivariate analyses confirmed that age was an independent prognostic factor and that within the elderly set the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, surgery results, number of chemotherapy cycles administered and performance status had a significant prognostic value. No clear correlation could be observed between geriatric characteristics and treatments administration. CONCLUSIONS: Ovarian cancer prognosis is poorer for older women, but they are more frequently suboptimally treated. No correlation could be observed between geriatric factors and surgery or chemotherapy achievement. Treatment decision should be based on objective geriatric assessment in order to improve outcome in this population.

CA125 kinetic parameters predict optimal cytoreduction in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the different kinetic parameters of serum CA125 during neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) to predict optimal interval debulking surgery (IDS). METHODS: The present retrospective multicenter study included patients with advanced ovarian cancer treated with neoadjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy followed by IDS between 2002 and 2009. Demographic data, CA125 levels, radiographic data, chemotherapy and surgical-pathologic information were obtained. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate variables associated with complete IDS. ROC analysis was used to determine potential cut-off values to predict the likelihood of complete cytoreduction via IDS. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-eight patients met the study criteria. Ninety-three patients (62.8%) had optimal cytoreduction with no residual macroscopic disease (CC-0) after IDS. In multivariate analyses, the CA125 level after the 3rd NAC was an independent predictor for optimal cytoreduction (odds ratio: 0.98 [0.97-0.99], p=0.04). The area under the ROC curve was 0.73. A threshold of 75 UI/ml displayed the most predictive power. The odds ratio to predict complete cytoreduction was 3.29 [1.56-7.10] (p=0.0008). CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that for advanced ovarian cancer, a CA125 level less than 75 UI/ml after the 3rd NAC was an independent predictor factor for complete IDS.

Secondary complete cytoreduction in recurrent ovarian cancer: benefit of optimal patient selection using scoring system.

OBJECTIVE: Complete tumor cytoreduction seems to be beneficial for patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer (REOC). The challenge is to identify patients eligible for such surgery. Several scores based on simple clinical parameters have attempted to predict resectability and help in patient selection for surgery in REOC.The aims of this study were to assess the performance of these models in an independent population and to evaluate the impact of complete resection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 194 patients with REOC between January 2000 and December 2010 were included in 2 French centers. Two scores were used: the AGO DESKTOP OVAR trial score and a score from Tian et al.The performance (sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values) of these scores was evaluated in our population. Survival curves were constructed to evaluate the survival impact of surgery on recurrence. RESULTS: Positive predictive values for complete resection were 80.6% and 74.0% for the DESKTOP trial score and the Tian score, respectively. The false-negative rate was high for both models (65.4% and 71.4%, respectively). We found a significantly higher survival in the patients with complete resection (59.4 vs 17.9 months, P < 0.01) even after adjustment for the confounding variables (hazard ratio [HR], 2.53; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-6.3; P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: In REOC, surgery seems to have a positive impact on survival, if complete surgery can be achieved. However, factors predicting complete resection are not yet clearly defined. Recurrence-free interval and initial resection seem to be the most relevant factors. Laparoscopic evaluation could help to clarify the indications for surgery.

Multigene assays and molecular markers in breast cancer: systematic review of health economic analyses.

Breast cancer is the most common female cancer and is associated with a significant clinical and economic burden. Multigene assays and molecular markers represent an opportunity to direct chemotherapy only to patients likely to have significant benefit. This systematic review examines published health economic analyses to assess the support for adjuvant therapy decision making. Literature searches of PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and congress databases were carried out to identify economic evaluations of multigene assays and molecular markers published between 2002 and 2012. After screening and data extraction, study quality was assessed using the Quality of Health Economic Studies instrument. The review identified 29 publications that reported evaluations of two assays: Oncotype DX(®) and MammaPrint. Studies of both tests provided evidence that their routine use was cost saving or cost-effective versus conventional approaches. Benefits were driven by optimal allocation of adjuvant chemotherapy and reduction in chemotherapy utilization. Findings were sensitive to variation in the frequency of chemotherapy prescription, chemotherapy costs, and patients' risk profiles. Evidence suggests that multigene assays are likely cost saving or cost-effective relative to current approaches to adjuvant therapy. They should benefit decision making in early-stage breast cancer in a variety of settings worldwide.

Sentinel node biopsy upstages patients with presumed low- and intermediate-risk endometrial cancer: results of a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: There is some controversy about the relevance of lymphadenectomy in patients with early stage endometrial cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in staging patients with presumed low- and intermediate-risk endometrial cancer. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study was conducted from July 2007 to December 2011 including 103 patients with presumed low- or intermediate-risk endometrial cancer who had undergone SLN biopsy. Concordance between preoperative staging and definitive histology as well as contribution of SLN biopsy and ultrastaging to upstage patients were assessed. RESULTS: SLNs were detected in 89 patients (86.4 %), 56 (62.9 %) of whom had presumed low-risk and 33 (37.1 %) intermediate-risk endometrial cancer. Of the 89 patients, 14 (15.7 %) had positive SLNs. Twelve (21.4 %) of the 56 patients with presumed low-risk disease were upstaged by definitive histology, among whom 3 (25 %) had pelvic positive SLNs. Seven (21.2 %) of the 33 patients with intermediate-risk disease were upstaged by definitive histology, 1 (14.3 %) of whom had positive SLNs. Ultrastaging detected metastases undiagnosed by conventional histology in 6 (42.8 %) of 14 of patients with positive SLNs. CONCLUSIONS: SLN biopsy associated with ultrastaging is relevant to stage low- or intermediate-risk endometrial cancer and could help guide adjuvant therapies.

Morbidity of surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy including bevacizumab for advanced ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval debulking surgery is an alternative for the management of advanced ovarian cancer (AOC). Owing to unresectable disease at initial evaluation, some patients received bevacizumab in addition to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and postoperative course of patients who had received bevacizumab before debulking surgery for AOC. METHODS: In 2012, we identified all patients with AOC who had received neoadjuvant bevacizumab before debulking surgery. We recorded patients' characteristics, surgical course, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Five patients were identified, of whom 80% were International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage 4 at diagnosis. All patients underwent surgery after 6 courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with carboplatin, paclitaxel, and bevacizumab. The median number of bevacizumab injections was 3 (3-4), and the median time between the last injection of bevacizumab and surgery was 54 days (34-110 days). One patient had a grade 3 complication (lymphocyst with puncture under computed tomographic scans). CONCLUSION: In this preliminary study, debulking surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy that included bevacizumab did not increase the rate of postoperative complications when there was a reasonable interval between the last bevacizumab injection and surgery. Larger studies are warranted to assess surgical safety after antiangiogenic treatment in the neoadjuvant setting for advanced ovarian cancer.

Comparison of single-port laparoscopy and conventional laparoscopy for extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy (PAL) is used to treat gynecological cancers. This laparoscopic approach was first described using a multiport technique, and more recently, a single-port technique was developed. Our aim was to experimentally compare both approaches-conventional laparoscopy (CL) and single-port laparoscopy (SPL)-via the extraperitoneal laparoscopic approach. METHODS: From November 2006 to July 2012, extraperitoneal PAL was performed by CL or SPL using the GelPOINT device (Applied Medical). The surgical outcomes of the 2 groups were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The study involved 69 patients; 36 underwent PAL with CL, and 33 patients underwent PAL with SPL. The mean operative times were 211.2 (range, 132-390) min and 159.6 (range, 120-255) min for the CL and SPL groups, respectively. The mean blood loss was not significantly different between the CL (52.5 mL; range, 0-100 mL) and SPL (40.5 mL; range, 0-100 mL, p = 0.62) groups. The average lymph node count was lower in the CL group (11.1; range, 4-29) compared to the SPL group (15; range, 3-19) (p = 0.03). However, this difference was not confirmed in the multivariate analysis (p = 0.16). The mean hospital stay was lower for the SPL group (2.2 days; range, 1-8 days) than the CL group (3.1 days; range, 1-5 days). In this case, the significant difference found in the univariate analysis (p = 0.02) was confirmed by the multivariate analysis (p = 0.0003). There were no conversions to open technique and no major complications. CONCLUSIONS: The SPL method appears to be a feasible approach, with surgical outcomes that are not statistically different from the CL method. The cosmetic aspect, the role of SPL in decreasing postoperative pain, and its impact on hospital stay must be confirmed prospectively in larger series.

Partial colpectomy is a risk factor for urologic complications of colorectal resection for endometriosis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate urologic complications after colorectal resection for endometriosis. DESIGN: Cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Tertiary referral university hospital and expert center in endometriosis. PATIENTS: One hundred sixty-six women with colorectal endometriosis proven by transvaginal sonography and magnetic resonance imaging. INTERVENTION: Open or laparoscopic colorectal resection for endometriosis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Forty-four patients (26.5%) experienced at least 1 urologic complication, including infection. Eight patients (4.8%) experienced postoperative symptomatic hydronephrosis requiring ureteral stent in 3 cases, a percutaneous nephrostomy in 1 case, and expectant management for the last 4. Urologic fistulas occurred in 5 patients (3%). Postoperative voiding dysfunction requiring self-catheterization was observed in 48 patients (28.9%). With univariate analysis, a relationship was found between voiding dysfunction and partial colpectomy (p = .001) and American Society of Reproductive Medicine total score (p = .02), and between the occurrence of urinary fistula and the use of prophylactic ureteral catheterization (p = .015) and parametrectomy (p = .02). A relationship was found between postoperative symptomatic hydronephrosis and the use of prophylactic ureteral catheterization (p = .003). CONCLUSION: Colorectal resection for endometriosis can lead to urologic complications, particularly for patients requiring partial colpectomy, of which patients need to be informed.

Comparison of two nomograms to predict pathologic complete responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer: evidence that HER2-positive tumors need specific predictors.

The aim of this study is to compare two published nomograms, the "Institut Gustave Roussy/M.D. Anderson Cancer Center" (IGR/MDACC) and the Colleoni nomograms, in predicting pathologic complete responses (pCR) to preoperative chemotherapy in an independent cohort and to assess the impact of HER2 status. Data from 200 patients with breast carcinoma treated with preoperative chemotherapy were collected. We calculated pCR rate predictions with the two nomograms and compared the predictions with the outcomes. Sixty percent of the patients with HER2-positive tumors received trastuzumab concomitantly with taxanes. Model performances were quantified with respect to discrimination and calibration. In the whole population, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for the IGR/MDACC nomogram and the Colleoni nomogram were 0.74 and 0.75, respectively. Both of them underestimated the pCR rate (P = 0.026 and 0.0005). When patients treated with trastuzumab were excluded, the AUC were excellent: 0.78 for both nomograms with no significant difference between the predicted and the observed pCR (P = 0.14 and 0.15). When the specific population treated with trastuzumab preoperatively was analyzed, the AUC for the IGR/MDACC nomogram and the Colleoni nomogram were poor, 0.52 and 0.53, respectively. The IGR/MDACC and the Colleoni nomograms were accurate in predicting the probability of pCR after preoperative chemotherapy in the HER2-negative population but did not correctly predict pCR in the HER2-positive patients who received trastuzumab. This suggests that responses to preoperative chemotherapy, including trastuzumab, are biologically driven and that a specific nomogram or predictor for HER2-positive patients has to be developed.

Effects of pelvic organ prolapse repair on urinary symptoms: a comparative study between the laparoscopic and vaginal approach.

OBJECTIVE: To compare changes in urinary symptoms before and after pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery, using either laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) or transvaginal porcine dermis hammock placement with sacrospinous ligament suspension (VS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were prospectively collected from all women undergoing POP surgery between May 2001 and October 2009. Pre- and postoperative urinary symptoms, Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI), and Urinary Impact Questionnaires (UIQ) scores were compared within and between groups. A generalized linear model was used for multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Out of the 151 patients included, 87 patients underwent LSC, and 64 VS. Overall, after a median follow-up of 32.4 months, POP surgery improved urinary frequency (P = 0.006), voiding difficulty (P = 0.001), stress urinary incontinence (SUI) (P = 0.001), but not urgency (P = 0.29). VS was more effective in treating SUI (P < 0.001 vs. 0.52) while LSC more effective on voiding difficulty (P = 0.01 vs. 0.08). Postoperative de novo symptoms were observed in 35.8% of patients with no difference between the groups (P = 0.06). UDI (P = 0.04) and UIQ (P = 0.01) scores were significantly lower after surgery. However, LSC significantly improved UDI (P = 0.03) with no effect on UIQ (P = 0.29) scores while VS significantly improved both scores (P = 0.02 and 0.001, respectively). Upon multivariate analysis, only the improvement in the impact of urinary symptoms on daily living was independently associated to VS (OR = 5.45 [95% confidence interval 2.20-13.44], P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Most preoperative urinary symptoms decreased after POP surgery with equivalent proportion of de novo symptoms after vaginal and laparoscopic approaches.

Comparison of morbidity and survival between primary and interval cytoreductive surgery in patients after modified posterior pelvic exenteration for advanced ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical management of advanced ovarian cancer often requires low modified posterior pelvic exenteration (MPE) to achieved complete resection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morbidity of MPE at the time of primary cytoreductive surgery (PCS) and interval cytoreductive surgery (ICS) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2001 to 2009, 63 patients underwent MPE for advanced ovarian cancer. We analyzed and compared surgical characteristics and postoperative courses between PCS and ICS. RESULTS: Modified posterior pelvic exenteration was performed during PCS for 50 patients (79%) and during ICS for 13 patients (21%). Complete cytoreduction was achieved in 80% of patients (84% in the PCS group and 69% in the ICS group; ns). There was no significant difference between the PCS and ICS groups in the type and the rate of standards or radical surgical procedures. Patients with ICS had a shorter length of stay in the intensive care unit (0.9 vs 2.7 days; P = 0.009), but there was no difference in the total length of hospitalization (P = 0.94). The global rate of postoperative complications was 76%. No differences were found between the 2 groups in digestive or extradigestive complications, iterative surgery, or interventional radiology procedures. The median overall survival was 49.4 months in the PCS group and 27.1 months in the ICS group (P = 0.27), and the median progression-free survival time in both groups was 20 months. CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in the occurrence of postoperative complications between PCS and ICS, especially in morbidity related to MPE. The specific morbidity of this surgical procedure remained low compared with the overall morbidity in cases of extensive surgery.

Maximal cytoreduction in patients with FIGO stage IIIC to stage IV ovarian, fallopian, and peritoneal cancer in day-to-day practice: a Retrospective French Multicentric Study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcome of maximal cytoreductive surgery in patients with stage IIIC to stage IV ovarian, tubal, and peritoneal cancer regarding overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five hundred twenty-seven patients with stage IIIC (peritoneal) and stage IV (pleural) ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal carcinoma underwent surgery between January 2003 and December 2007 in 7 gynecologic oncology centers in France. Patients undergoing primary and interval debulking surgery were included, whichever the number of chemotherapy cycles. The extent of disease, type of surgical procedure, and amount of residual disease were recorded. A multivariate analysis of the outcome was performed, taking into account the stage, grade, and timing of surgery. RESULTS: Median DFS was 17.9 months, but median OS was not reached at the time of analysis. Complete cytoreductive surgery, without evident residual tumor at the end of the procedure, was obtained in 71% of all patients (primary surgery, 33%). After neoadjuvant therapy, the rate of complete debulking surgery was higher (74%) compared to primary cytoreductive surgery (65%). Twenty-three percent of patients needed "ultra radical surgery" to achieve this goal. The most significant predictive factor for DFS and OS was complete cytoreductive surgery compared to any amount, even minimal (1-10 mm), of residual disease. In the group of patients with complete cytoreductive surgery, the patients undergoing surgery before chemotherapy showed better DFS than those having first chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: The findings confirm that complete cytoreduction is the criterion standard of surgery in the management of advanced ovarian, peritoneal, and fallopian tube cancer, whatever the timing of surgery. With experienced teams, surgery was completed, without evident residual tumor in 71% of the cases.

Anorectal symptoms before and after laparoscopic sacrocolpoperineopexy for pelvic organ prolapse.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate changes in anorectal symptoms before and after pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery, using laparoscopic sacrocolpoperineopexy. METHODS: Preoperative and postoperative anorectal symptoms, colorectal-anal distress inventory (CRADI) and colorectal-anal impact questionnaire (CRAIQ) scores were prospectively compared from 90 consecutive women undergoing laparoscopic sacrocolpoperineopexy. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 30.7 months, laparoscopic surgery significantly worsened CRADI (p = 0.02) with no effect on CRAIQ (p = 0.37) scores. Post-operative and de novo straining (27%) and the need for digital assistance (17%) were the most frequent anorectal symptoms. No correlation was found between laparoscopic surgery and anorectal symptoms after multivariate analysis (OR = 2.45[95% confidence interval 0.99-6.05], p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Anorectal symptoms are not improved after POP surgery by laparoscopic sacrocolpoperineopexy.

Potential relevance of pre-operative quality of life questionnaires to identify candidates for surgical treatment of genital prolapse: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate prolapse-related symptoms, quality of life and sexuality of patients with validated questionnaires before and after surgery for genital prolapse and assess relevance of such an evaluation to select women for surgery. METHODS: From November 2009 to April 2010, 16 patients operated on for genital prolapse of grade greater than or equal to 2 (POP-Q classification) were evaluated prospectively by three questionnaires of quality of life Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20), Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7) and Pelvic Organ Prolaps/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12). Data were collected the day before surgery and 6 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: Eleven patients had laparoscopic surgery and five vaginal surgery. There was a significant decrease in pelvic heaviness, vaginal discomfort and urinary symptoms after surgery. The score of symptoms of prolapse, the PFDI-20 score was 98.5 preoperatively and 31.8 postoperatively (p < 0.0001). The score for quality of life, the PFIQ-7 score was 54.5 preoperatively and 7.4 postoperatively (p = 0.001). The score of sexuality, the PISQ-12 score was 35.3 preoperatively and 37.5 postoperatively (p = 0.1). Two of the 3 patients with a PFIQ 7 under or equal to 20 were not improved while all the women with a preoperative PFIQ-7 over 20 were improved after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that surgery improves quality of life of patients with genital prolapse. Quality of life questionnaires could help select good candidates for surgery. Further studies are required to determine threshold to standardize indications of surgery.

Urinary dysfunction after colorectal resection for endometriosis: results of a prospective randomized trial comparing laparoscopy to open surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate urinary symptoms before and after colorectal resection for endometriosis using validated questionnaires. STUDY DESIGN: We randomly assigned 52 patients with colorectal endometriosis to undergo laparoscopically assisted or open colorectal resection. The median follow-up was 19 months. Urinary symptoms were evaluated using the International Prostate Score Symptom and the Bristol Female Low Urinary Tract Symptoms questionnaires. RESULTS: Dysuria was observed in 29% of cases postoperatively. Using Bristol Female Low Urinary Tract Symptoms and International Prostate Score Symptom scores, an alteration was observed for voiding symptoms (P = .01 and P = .006, respectively). No difference was observed between the laparoscopy and the open surgery group. An alteration of the International Prostate Score Symptom voiding symptoms was observed in the group that did not undergo nerve sparing surgery (P = .048). An alteration of the International Prostate Score Symptom voiding symptoms was observed for patients who underwent vaginal resection (P = .01) and parametrial resection (P = .02). CONCLUSION: Our findings confirm that colorectal resection for endometriosis is a source of urinary dysfunction whatever the surgical route.

[Somatostatin in breast cancer]. / La somatostatine dans le cancer du sein.

In man, somatostatin is a hormone mostly produced by hypothalamus. It plays different parts in hormonal regulation through many specific receptors in human body. It has also two interesting actions such as an anti-secretory activity, mostly on the gastrointestinal system and an antiproliferative action on tumor cells. Many synthetic somatostatin analogues, more stable than the natural one, have been developed and are already used in digestive surgery to treat postoperative digestive fistula. Also, the development of specific polyclonal antibodies allowed the identification of five specific somatostatin receptors and their localization in different cell species. The presence of the five receptors in breast cancer cells has than been demonstrated. The purpose of this literature review is to clarify the potential antitumor effect of somatastatin analogues in breast cancer; its use as a preventive agent on lymphorrhea after breast surgery and its employment in imaging for early breast cancer detection.

Borderline ovarian tumors: French guidelines from the CNGOF. Part 1. Epidemiology, biopathology, imaging and biomarkers.

The incidence (rate per 100 000) of borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) increases progressively with age, starting at 15-19 years and peaking at around 4.5 cases per 100 000 at an age of 55-59 years (LE3) with a median age of 46 years. The five year survival for FIGO stages I, II, III and IV is 99.7 % (95 % CI: 96.2-100 %), 99.6 % (95 % CI: 92.6-100 %), 95.3 % (95 % CI: 91.8-97.4 %) and 77.1 % (95 % CI: 58.0-88.3 %), respectively (LE3). An epidemiological association exists between the individual risk of BOT and family history of BOT and certain other cancers (pancreatic, lung, bone, leukemia) (LE3), a personal history of benign ovarian cyst (LE2), a personal history of tubo-ovarian infection (LE3), the use of a levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LE3), oral contraceptive use (LE3), multiparity (LE3), Hormonal replacement therapy (LE3), high consumption of Coumestrol (LE4), medical treatment for infertility with progesterone (LE3) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use (LE3). Screening for BOTs is not recommended for patients (Grade C). The overall risk of recurrence of BOTs varies between 2% and 24 %, with an overall survival greater than 94 % at 10 years, and the risk of an invasive recurrence of a BOT ranges from 0.5 % to 3.8 %. The use of scores and nomograms can be useful in assessing the risk of recurrence, and providing patients with information (Grade C). The WHO classification is recommended for classifying BOTs. It is recommended that the presence of a microinvasive focus (<5 mm) and microinvasive carcinoma (<5 mm with an atypical nuclei and a desmoplastic stroma reaction) within a BOT be reported. In cases of serous BOT, it is recommended to specify the classic histological subtype or micropapillary / cribriform type (Grade C). When confronted with a BOT, it is recommended that the invasive or non-invasive nature of peritoneal implants can be investigated based solely on the invasion and destruction of underlying adipose or peritoneal tissue which has a desmoplastic stromal reaction where in contact with the invasive clusters (Grade B). For bilateral mucinous BOTs and / or in cases with peritoneal implants or peritoneal pseudomyxoma, it is recommended to also look for a primitive digestive or pancreato-biliary cancer (Grade C). It is recommended to sample ovarian tumors suspected of being BOTs by focusing samples on vegetations and solid components, with at least 1 sample per cm in tumors with a size less than 10 cm and 2 samples per cm in tumors with a size greater than 10 cm (Grade C). In cases of BOTs and in the absence of macroscopic omental involvement after careful macroscopic examination, it is recommended to perform at least 4-6 systematic sampling blocks and to include all peritoneal implants (Grade C). It is recommended to consult an expert pathologist in gynecology when a BOT suspicion requires intraoperative extemporaneous histology (grade C). Endo-vaginal and suprapubic ultrasonography are recommended for the analysis of an ovarian mass (Grade A). In case of an undetermined ovarian lesion on ultrasonography, it is recommended that a pelvic MRI be performed (Grade A). To analyze an adnexal mass with MRI, it is recommended to use an MRI protocol with T2, T1, T1 Fat Sat, dynamic and diffusion sequences as well as gadolinium injection (Grade B). To characterize an adnexal mass with MRI, it is recommended to include a score system for malignancy (ADNEX MR/O-RADS) (Grade C) in the report and to formulate a histological hypothesis (Grade C). Pelvic MRI is recommended to characterize a tumor suspected of being a BOT (Grade C). Macroscopic MRI features should be analyzed to differentiate BOT subtypes (Grade C). Pelvic ultrasound is the first-line examination for the detection and characterization of adnexal masses during pregnancy (Grade C). Pelvic MRI is recommended from 12 weeks of gestation in case of an indeterminate adnexal mass and should provide a diagnostic score (Grade C). Gadolinium injection must be minimized as fetal impairment has been proven (Grade C). It is recommended that serum levels of HE4 and CA125 be evaluated and that the ROMA score for the diagnosis of an indeterminate ovarian mass on imaging be used (grade A). In case of suspicion of a mucinous BOT on imaging, dosage of serum levels of CA 19-9 can be considered (Grade C). If the determination of tumor markers is normal preoperatively, routine dosage of tumor markers in BOT follow-up is not recommended (Grade C). In case of preoperative elevation in tumor markers, the determination of serum CA 125 levels is recommended in the follow-up of BOT (Grade B). When conservative treatment of a BOT has been adopted, the use of endovaginal and transabdominal ultrasonography is recommended during follow-up (Grade B).

Does the use of the 2009 FIGO classification of endometrial cancer impact on indications of the sentinel node biopsy?

BACKGROUND: Lymphadenectomy is debated in early stages endometrial cancer. Moreover, a new FIGO classification of endometrial cancer, merging stages IA and IB has been recently published. Therefore, the aims of the present study was to evaluate the relevance of the sentinel node (SN) procedure in women with endometrial cancer and to discuss whether the use of the 2009 FIGO classification could modify the indications for SN procedure. METHODS: Eighty-five patients with endometrial cancer underwent the SN procedure followed by pelvic lymphadenectomy. SNs were detected with a dual or single labelling method in 74 and 11 cases, respectively. All SNs were analysed by both H&E staining and immunohistochemistry. Presumed stage before surgery was assessed for all patients based on MR imaging features using the 1988 FIGO classification and the 2009 FIGO classification. RESULTS: An SN was detected in 88.2% of cases (75/85 women). Among the fourteen patients with lymph node metastases one-half were detected by serial sectioning and immunohistochemical analysis. There were no false negative case. Using the 1988 FIGO classification and the 2009 FIGO classification, the correlation between preoperative MRI staging and final histology was moderate with Kappa = 0.24 and Kappa = 0.45, respectively. None of the patients with grade 1 endometrioid carcinoma on biopsy and IA 2009 FIGO stage on MR imaging exhibited positive SN. In patients with grade 2-3 endometrioid carcinoma and stage IA on MR imaging, the rate of positive SN reached 16.6% with an incidence of micrometastases of 50%. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that sentinel node biopsy is an adequate technique to evaluate lymph node status. The use of the 2009 FIGO classification increases the accuracy of MR imaging to stage patients with early stages of endometrial cancer and contributes to clarify the indication of SN biopsy according to tumour grade and histological type.