Epidemiology of Breast, Corpus Uteri, and Ovarian Cancers in Lebanon With Emphasis on Breast Cancer Incidence Trends and Risk Factors Compared to Regional and Global Rates.

OBJECTIVES: This study explores the incidence and trends of breast (Bca), corpus uteri (CUca), and ovarian (Oca) cancer in Lebanon, a Middle Eastern country. It compares the Bca rates to regional and global ones and discusses Bca risk factors in Lebanon. INTRODUCTION: Globally, Bca is the premier cause of cancer morbidity and mortality in women. METHODS: Data on female Bca, CUca, and Oca published by the Lebanese national cancer registry were obtained (ie, for the years of 2005 to 2016). The age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRw) and age-specific rates per 100,000 female population were computed. RESULTS: From 2005 to 2016, Bca, Oca, and CUca ranked first, sixth, and seventh, respectively, for cancer incidence among women in Lebanon. Bca alone accounted for 39.4% of all new female cancer cases. The ASIRw increased significantly for Bca and CUca (APC: 3.60 and 3.73, P < .05) but not for Oca (APC: 1.27, P > .05). The Bca ASIRw (per 100,000) increased significantly from 71.0 in 2005 to 115.6 in 2013 (P < .05), then decreased steadily but non-significantly to reach 96.8 in 2016 (P > .05). Lebanon's Bca ASIRw is comparable to developed countries. This may reflect altered sociological and reproductive patterns as the country transitions from regional to global trends. The five-year age-specific rates analysis revealed that Bca rates rose steeply from 35-39 to 50-54, dropped slightly between 55 and 64, then rose till 75+. The five-year age-specific rates between 35 and 54 among Lebanese women were amongst the highest worldwide from 2008 to 2012, even higher than the rates in Belgium, which had the highest ASIRw of Bca worldwide in 2020. CONCLUSION: Lebanon's Bca ASIRw is among the highest globally. It's important to investigate the contributing factors and develop a national Bca control strategy. This study supports the national recommendation in initiating Bca screening at age 40 for women.

How do university students perceive the educational transition in the COVID-19 era: A cross-sectional study from 15 Arab countries.

Background and Aims: The viral agent of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to spread worldwide, leading to a global pandemic. this may negatively affect students' mental health who have to maintain their learning efforts. Therefore, we aimed to assess students' perceptions of the online learning programs designed for university students in Arab countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on university students using a self-administered online questionnaire in 15 Arab countries, including 6779 participants. The actual sample size was calculated using the EpiInfo program calculator. The validated, piloted questionnaire assessed the effectiveness of internet-based distance learning applications used in these countries during the pandemic. The SPSS version 22 was used. Results: Among the 6779 participants, 26.2% believed that their teachers diversify learning methods, 22.0% thought that their teachers were able to treat the weakness the students have, and 30.7% agreed that their teachers efficiently communicate with them through COVID-19 internet-based learning process. Around 33% of students participated in lectures effectively, 47.4% submitted their homework within accepted deadlines, and 28.6% thought that their colleagues did not cheat during exams and homework. Around 31.3% of students believed that online-based learning had a role in directing them towards research, and 29.9% and 28.9%, respectively, believed that online learning had a role in developing analytical thinking and synthesis skills. Participants reported many suggestions to enhance the process of internet-based distance learning in the future. Conclusion: Our study suggests that online-based distance learning in Arab countries still needs more improvement as students still are more inclined toward face-to-face teaching. However, exploring the factors that influence students' perceptions of e-learning is vital for improving the quality of online-based distance learning. We recommend exploring the perceptions of educators regarding their experience towards online-based distance learning during COVID-19 lockdown.

Consensus on the management of platinum-sensitive high-grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer in Lebanon.

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic cancer. The high grade serous epithelial (HGSE) subtype is the most aggressive and it often presents at advanced stages, while screening programs have not proven beneficial. Management of the advanced stages (FIGO III and IV), which constitute the majority of diagnoses, usually consists of platinum-based chemotherapy and cytoreductive surgery (primary or interval) followed by maintenance therapy. Currently, the standard-of-care for advanced newly diagnosed HGSE ovarian cancer, as per international medical societies, starts with upfront cytoreductive surgery, followed by platinum-based chemotherapy (mostly carboplatin and paclitaxel) and/or anti-angiogenic agent bevacizumab, then maintenance therapy with a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor with/without/or bevacizumab (continued). PARP inhibitor use depends on the patient's genetic signature, mainly the breast cancer gene (BRCA) mutation and the homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) status. Therefore, genetic testing is recommended at diagnosis to inform treatment and prognosis. In line with the evolving standard-of-care for ovarian cancer, a panel of experts in treating advanced ovarian cancer convened to lay down practical recommendations on the management of advanced ovarian cancer in Lebanon; since the currently applicable guidelines by the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health for cancer treatment have not been updated yet to reflect the treatment paradigm shift brought upon by the development and approval of PARP inhibitors. The current work reviews the leading clinical trials on PARP inhibitors (as maintenance for newly diagnosed advanced and platinum-sensitive relapsed ovarian cancer), presents international recommendations, and proposes treatment algorithms for optimal local practice.

Borderline ovarian tumors: a retrospective cohort study on single institution experience, practice patterns and outcomes.

Borderline ovarian tumours (BOTs) commonly affect young nulliparous women, thus making fertility-preserving approaches more desirable. Women who opt for conservative management should be counselled about disease recurrence. In this retrospective study, the medical records of 57 women with BOT treated at the American University of Beirut Medical Centre between January 1986 and May 2018 were reviewed. Clinical, pathologic, and demographic data were collected and analysed to identify variables associated with poor clinical outcomes including advanced disease and risk of recurrence. Younger and nulliparous women were more likely to undergo fertility-sparing surgery. The open approach was adopted for women with larger adnexal masses and was associated with more blood loss with a mean difference of 172 mL (95% CI [110-235], p-value < .001) but no significant difference in operative time and length of hospital stay compared to the laparoscopic approach. CA-125 correlated with an advanced International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage (p = .004). The recurrence rate was found to be 7% with a median recurrence time of 41.5 months.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? BOTs are common in young nulliparous women who often desire fertility-sparing procedures. Prognostic factors associated with disease severity and recurrence remain controversial.What do the results of this study add? This study presents an opportunity to understand the disease behaviour and compare local practices and outcomes to what was reported in the literature. CA-125 appears to be a useful marker in predicting the stage of BOT.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Future research should focus on exploring whether BOTs with micropapillary features represent an aggressive histologic subtype more prone to recurrence.

The accuracy and clinical impact of intraoperative frozen section in determining the extent of surgical intervention in patients with early stage endometrial cancer.

The aim of this study was to compare intraoperative frozen section (FS) with the final pathology (FP), and determine its clinical impact in clinically apparent early stage endometrial cancer (EC) at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC). Data for patients 18 years or older, with clinically apparent early stage, grade 1 or 2, endometrioid EC, who underwent hysterectomy ± lymph node dissection (LND) at AUBMC between January 1st 1996 and June 30th 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. 70 patients were included. The overall concordance between FS and FP was 92.3% for histological subtype, 77% for tumour grade, 82% for Myometrial invasion (MI) and 100% for tumour size. At a median follow up of 30 months, 8 recurrences (11.4%) were noted, with a 5-year PFS and OS of 76 and 84% respectively, with a trend towards lower recurrence and improved survival in patients who underwent FS or LND.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is the standard surgery for stage I endometrial cancer (EC). Intraoperative frozen section (FS) facilitates the decision on performing lymph node dissection (LND). However, its accuracy and clinical impact have been questioned.What do the results of this study add? Our objective is to compare FS with the final pathology (FP), and determine its clinical impact in clinically apparent early stage EC at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC). There is a lack of standardisation regarding FS use and reporting at AUBMC.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The strong correlation between FS and FP can serve as a tool to guide decision to perform LND in patients with apparent early stage disease, where use of sentinel LN biopsy technique is not available.

Cervix Uteri Cancer in Lebanon: Incidence, Temporal Trends, and Comparison to Countries From Different Regions in the World.

BACKGROUND: Invasive cervix uteri cancer is the fourth most common malignancy in women globally. This study investigates the incidence and trends of cervix uteri cancer in Lebanon, a country in the Middle East, and compares these rates to regional and global ones. METHODS: Data on cervix uteri were obtained from the Lebanese national cancer registry for the currently available years 2005 to 2016. The calculated age-standardized incidence and age-specific rates were expressed as per 100,000 population. RESULTS: From 2005 to 2016, cervix uteri cancer was the tenth most common cancer among women. Its age-standardized incidence rate fluctuated narrowly between 3.5 and 5.7 per 100,000, with the lowest rate in 2013 and the highest rate in 2012. The age-specific incidence rate had 2 peaks, the highest peak at age group 70-74 years and the second at age group 50-59 years. The annual percent change (+.05%) showed a non-statistically significant trend of increase. The age-standardized incidence rate of cervix uteri cancer in Lebanon was comparable to that of the Western Asia region that has the lowest incidence rate worldwide. The rate was intermediate as compared to other countries in the Middle East and North Africa Region and relatively similar to the ones in Australia, North America, and some Western European countries. CONCLUSION: The incidence rates of invasive cervix uteri are low in Lebanon. This could be attributed to the low prevalence of human papilloma virus infection and other sexually transmitted infections among Lebanese women, and the opportunistic screening practices. It is important to adopt a comprehensive approach to decrease the potential burden of cervix uteri, especially with the rising patterns of risky sexual behaviors. This includes improving awareness, enhancing access to preventive services, developing clinical guidelines, and training health care providers on these guidelines.

Primary vulvar Ewing sarcoma/peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor with pelvic lymph nodes metastasis: A case report and review of literature.

Ewing sarcoma (ES) and peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors (pPNET) are soft tissue tumors that generally affect the bones. Extraosseous ES/pPNET has been rarely reported. Our patient presented with a 6 × 4 cm right subcutaneous solid vulvar lesion causing pain and discomfort. Pathology and immunohistochemistry staining showed strong positivity for CD99 and vimentin, favoring the diagnosis of ES/pPNET. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a 6-cm lesion in the right vulvar region with enlarged bilateral inguinal and right iliac lymph nodes. Fluorescence in situ hybridization test for translocation t(11;22)(q24;q12) was positive, confirming the diagnosis. The patient received three cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with vincristine, adriamycin, cyclophosphamide alternating with ifosfamide and etoposide with complete response. The patient underwent vulvar radical local excision. Residual tumor measured 1.6 cm with free margins. She received four additional cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy and 30 sessions radiotherapy. She is currently disease free after 37 months. No ES/pPNET cases with pelvic lymph nodes metastasis were ever reported.

Treatment of cervical cancer metastatic to the abdominal wall with reconstruction using a composite myocutaneous flap: A case report.

A 43-year-old woman treated with radical hysterectomy 1 year ago for cervical cancer presented with a suprapubic abdominal mass. A 15 cm necrotic mass from the abdominal wall along with 2 small bowel loops and the dome of the bladder were resected. The peritoneal defect was reconstructed with a pedicled anterolateral thigh and Vastus Lateralis muscle composite flap. Pathology showed invasive non-keratinizing moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, consistent with metastatic cervical cancer, involving urinary bladder, bowel and soft tissue. With advancement in reconstructive surgery, extensive resection with defect closure in properly selected cases of metastatic cervical cancer to the abdominal wall may be considered in an attempt at improving quality of life and overall survival.

Gene Expression Signature-Based Prediction of Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients With Endometrioid Endometrial Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a prediction model for lymph node metastasis using a gene expression signature in patients with endometrioid-type endometrial cancer. METHODS: Newly diagnosed endometrioid-type endometrial cancer cases in which the patients had undergone lymphadenectomy during a surgical staging procedure were identified from a national dataset (N = 330). Clinical and pathologic data were extracted from patient medical records, and gene expression datasets of their tumors were used to create a 12-gene predictive model for lymph node metastasis. We used principal components analysis on a training set (n = 110) to develop multivariate logistic models to predict low-risk patients having a probability of lymph node metastasis of less than 4%. The model with the highest prediction performance was selected for an evaluation set (n = 112), which, in turn, was validated in an independent validation set (n = 108). RESULTS: The model applied to the evaluation set showed 100% sensitivity (90% confidence interval [CI], 74%-100%) and 42% specificity (90% CI, 34%-51%), which resulted in 100% negative predictive value (90% CI, 89%-100%). In the validation set, we confirmed that the model consistently showed 100% sensitivity (90% CI, 88%-100%), 42% specificity (90% CI, 32%-50%), and 100% negative predictive value (90% CI, 88%-100%). CONCLUSIONS: Our 12-gene signature model is a useful tool for the identification of patients with endometrioid-type endometrial cancer at low risk of lymph node metastasis, particularly given that it can be used to analyze histologic tissue before surgery and used to tailor surgical options.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Individuals Presenting for Care at a Comprehensive Cancer Center.

PURPOSE: To define the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in individuals presenting for care at a comprehensive cancer center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 17 639 individuals presenting to an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center (and consortium sites) completed a questionnaire regarding CAM use. Data were analyzed using the univariate χ2 test to assess CAM use associated with a number of variables, including cancer status, age, gender, marital status, ethnicity, race, employment, and education level. RESULTS: Eighty-seven percent of individuals who completed the CAM survey acknowledged CAM therapy use within the previous 12 months. Of the 5 broad categories of CAM, the most commonly used were biologically based approaches (14 759/17 639 [83.67%]), mind-body interventions (4624/17 485 [26.45%]), manipulative and body-based therapies (3957/17 537 [22.56%]), alternative medical systems (429/15 952 [2.69%]), and energy therapies (270/15 872 [1.7%]). CAM use was more prevalent among women, non-Hispanics, Caucasians, patients 60 to 69 years of age, and those who are married, have a higher level of education, and are employed ( P < .005). CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest report of CAM use in individuals presenting for care at a comprehensive cancer center. Our analysis revealed that a very high percentage of patients utilize CAM. Because many of these CAM interventions are not studied in oncology patients, additional research on safety, efficacy, and mechanisms of action are essential. Furthermore, it is important that oncologists understand CAM modalities and counsel their patients about their use.

Primary peritoneal carcinoma presenting as a Sister Mary Joseph's nodule: A case report and review of the literature.

Sister Mary Joseph's nodule is sometimes the first sign of an internal malignancy, including gastrointestinal, gynecological, or malignancy of unknown primary. It is rarely the sole presentation of a primary peritoneal cancer. In this report, we present the case of a 70-year-old female with umbilical drainage and a computed tomography scan consistent with solitary umbilical nodule. Excision of the nodule revealed adenocarcinoma of likely müllerian origin. Surgical staging did not show any evidence of malignancy with the exception of pelvic washings. She was considered to have primary peritoneal adenocarcinoma and was treated with adjuvant chemotherapy.

Therapeutic Dilemma: Prognostic Factors and Outcome for Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Cervix.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to review treatment and outcomes for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the cervix at a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data for women with NET of the cervix treated at our institution, since 1999, were collected. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed with respect to age, tumor size, tobacco use, lymph node status, stage of disease, and type of treatment. RESULTS: Among 18 patients (median age, 44 years), 9 (50%) had tumors larger than 5 cm and advanced-stage disease (IB2-IV). Seven recurrences were noted (39%). Median PFS was not reached, and median OS was 72.2 months. Surgery was the only factor significantly associated with both PFS and OS (3-year PFS, 90% vs 30%, P = 0.01; 3-year OS: 89% vs 18%, P = 0.019). Age 40 years or younger and absence of lymph node metastases correlated significantly with PFS, with a trend toward improved OS. Recurrences were less likely with stage IA to IB1 compared with stages IB2 to IVA and IVB (hazards ratio, 0.33; P = 0.054), with median OS of 72.2, 19.2, and 7.4 months, respectively (P = 0.002). Although patients with tumors 4 cm or smaller had better outcomes, this factor did not reach statistical significance. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and tobacco use were not associated with survival. CONCLUSIONS: Neuroendocrine tumors of the cervix present at a relatively young age, with bulky tumors and advanced-stage disease. Surgery, younger age, smaller tumor size, early stage, and absence of lymph node involvement seem to be associated with improved survival. Nonetheless, optimal management is yet to be determined, and multimodality treatment is advocated.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Women With Gynecologic Malignancy Presenting for Care at a Comprehensive Cancer Center.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices among women presenting to a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center with a gynecologic malignancy. METHODS: Women with a gynecologic malignancy who had consented to enrollment in our institutional prospective clinical registry between January 2003 and January 2014 and who had completed a questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, medical histories, quality of life, and CAM use were considered for analysis. RESULTS: Among the 2508 women identified, responses to questions on CAM use were provided by 534 (21.3%). The majority of CAM question respondents were white (93.5%) and older than 50 years (76%). Overall, 464 women (87% of CAM question respondents) used at least 1 CAM therapy during the previous 12 months. The most commonly used CAM categories were biologically based approaches (83.5%), mind and body interventions (30.6%), and manipulative and body-based therapies (18.8%). The most commonly used individual CAM therapies were vitamins and minerals (78%), herbal supplements (27.9%), spiritual healing and prayer (15.1%), and deep breathing relaxation exercises (13.1%). Complementary and alternative medicine use was greatest in age groups 20 to 30 years and older than 65 years and was more prevalent among those who were widowed (P < 0.005), retired (P = 0.02), and with a higher level of education (P < 0.01). There was no association with cancer type, race, or ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: Complementary and alternative medicine use is common among women being treated for gynecologic malignancy. Given the potential interactions of some CAM modalities with conventional treatment and the possible benefits in controlling symptoms and improving quality of life, providers should discuss CAM with their patients.

Prediction of Optimal Cytoreductive Surgery of Serous Ovarian Cancer With Gene Expression Data.

OBJECTIVES: Cytoreductive surgery is the cornerstone of ovarian cancer (OVCA) treatment. Detractors of initial maximal surgical effort argue that aggressive tumor biology will dictate survival, not the surgical effort. We investigated the role of biology in achieving optimal cytoreduction in serous OVCA using microarray gene expression analysis. METHODS: For the initial model, we used a gene expression signature from a microarray expression analysis of 124 women with serous OVCA, defining optimal cytoreduction as removal of all disease greater than 1 cm (with 64 women having optimal and 60 suboptimal cytoreduction). We then applied this model to 2 independent data sets: the Australian Ovarian Cancer Study (AOCS; 190 samples) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA; 468 samples). We performed a second analysis, defining optimal cytoreduction as removal of all disease to microscopic residual, using data from AOCS to create the gene signature and validating results in TCGA data set. RESULTS: Of the 12,718 genes included in the initial analysis, 58 predicted accuracy of cytoreductive surgery 69% of the time (P = 0.005). The performance of this classifier, measured by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, was 73%. When applied to TCGA and AOCS, accuracy was 56% (P = 0.16) and 62% (P = 0.01), respectively, with performance at 57% and 65%, respectively. In the second analysis, 220 genes predicted accuracy of cytoreductive surgery in the AOCS set 74% of the time, with performance of 73%. When these results were validated in TCGA set, accuracy was 57% (P = 0.31) and performance was at 62%. CONCLUSION: Gene expression data, used as a proxy of tumor biology, do not predict accurately nor consistently the ability to perform optimal cytoreductive surgery. Other factors, including surgical effort, may also explain part of the model. Additional studies integrating more biological and clinical data may improve the prediction model.