Multicenter Clinicopathological Study of High-Grade Serous Carcinoma Presenting as Primary Peritoneal Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: We conducted a multicenter clinicopathological study to characterize patients with high-grade serous carcinoma presenting as primary peritoneal carcinoma (clinical PPC). METHODS: At 9 sites in Japan, patients with clinical PPC diagnosed according to Gynecologic Oncology Group criteria were enrolled retrospectively. The Gynecologic Oncology Group criteria allow for minor ovarian involvement by high-grade serous carcinoma. There was no systematic detailed histopathological review of the fallopian tubes to determine whether they were involved by serous carcinoma. RESULTS: There were 139 patients and 64% were aged 60 years or older. Median pretreatment serum CA-125 was 1653.5 IU/mL. Pretreatment performance status was poor in more than 50%, endometrial cytology was positive in 40.3%, and the preoperative clinical diagnosis was correct in 72.7%. Primary debulking surgery was performed in 36% of patients, whereas 64% underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with interval debulking surgery (IDS). The main tumor sites were the upper abdomen (greater omentum), extrapelvic peritoneum, mesentery, and diaphragm. Lymph node metastasis was found in 46.8% of patients undergoing systematic retroperitoneal node dissection. The optimal surgery rate was 32.0% with primary debulking surgery versus 53.9% with NAC and IDS (P = 0.0139). The response rate was 82.0% with NAC and 80.6% with postoperative chemotherapy. Median progression-free survival was 19.0 months and median overall survival was 41.0 months. Multivariate analysis showed that prognostic factors for progression-free survival were NAC and residual tumor diameter after debulking surgery, whereas the only prognostic factor for overall survival was the residual tumor diameter. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified various characteristics of clinical PPC. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with IDS is a reasonable treatment strategy, and complete debulking surgery is optimum.

Utility of Pipet Curet Cytology and Biopsy as a Diagnostic Method for Endometrial Endometrioid Carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to determine the utility of Pipet Curet cytology (PCC) and Pipet Curet biopsy (PCB) for diagnosing uterine endometrial endometrioid carcinoma (EEC). METHODS: We divided 77 patients with EEC into two groups per Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) grades: G1 (n = 44) and G2/3 (n = 33) and compared the diagnostic sensitivity of PCC, PCB, and PCC and PCB combined, retrospectively. Next, we investigated any diagnostic discordance between PCC-based and PCB-based diagnoses per FIGO grade group. RESULTS: The diagnostic sensitivity of PCC, PCB, and the two modalities combined was significantly higher for G2/3 EECs than for G1 EECs (72.7% vs. 45.5%, p = 0.0209; 84.8% vs. 63.6%, p = 0.0434; and 93.9% vs. 65.9%, p = 0.0046, respectively), likely due to more friable cancer cells in higher grade EEC cases. Among our 77 EEC patients, there were 4 patients (5.19%) with PCC-based concordant but PCB-based discordant results against EEC, in the G2/3 group predominantly. Diagnostic sensitivity of all cases increased from 72.7% (56/77) by PCB alone to 77.9% (60/77) by use of both modalities combined. CONCLUSION: Cytologic evaluation can reduce the number of false-negative histologic diagnoses. By providing complementary information, the two modalities combined from the Pipet Curet procedure would be valuable as a diagnostic method for EEC.

Glycan profiling of endometrial cancers using lectin microarray.

Cell surface glycans change during the process of malignant transformation. To characterize and distinguish endometrial cancer and endometrium, we performed glycan profiling using an emerging modern technology, lectin microarray analysis. The three cell lines, two from endometrial cancers [well-differentiated type (G1) and poorly differentiated type (G3)] and one from normal endometrium, were successfully categorized into three independent groups by 45 lectins. Furthermore, in cancer cells, a clear difference between G1 and G3 type was observed for the glycans recognized with six lectins, Ulex europaeus agglutinin I (UEA-I), Sambucus sieboldiana agglutinin (SSA), Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA), Trichosanthes japonica agglutinin I (TJA-I), Amaranthus caudatus agglutinin (ACA), and Bauhinia purpurea lectin (BPL). The lectin microarray analysis using G3 type tissues demonstrated that stage I and stage III or IV were distinguished depending on signal pattern of three lectins, Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA), BPL, and ACA. In addition, the analysis of the glycans on the ovarian cancer cells showed that only anticancer drug-sensitive cell lines had almost no activities to specific three lectins. Glycan profiling by the lectin microarray may be used to assess the characteristics of tumors and potentially to predict the success of chemotherapy treatment.

Enhanced expression of sulfatide, a sulfated glycolipid, in well-differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: It is well known that a poorly differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma shows more rapid progression and a worse response to therapy than a well-differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma. Qualitative and quantitative changes of cell surface glycolipids occur during neoplastic transformation. Sulfatide is one of the sulfated glycolipids in the cell membrane that may have an important role in various functions such as cell adhesion. To examine the molecular background of the morphological and biological features of well-differentiated and poorly differentiated cancer, we measured the levels of lipids, especially glycolipids, in tumor tissues from patients with endometrial carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We determined the composition of lipids and glycolipids in tumor tissues, investigated glycosyltransferase messenger RNA expression by the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and assessed the localization of galactosylceramide sulfotransferase (an enzyme involved in sulfatide biosynthesis) by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between well-differentiated and poorly differentiated cancer with respect to the levels of cholesterol ester, cholesterol, phospholipids, cholesterol sulfate, ceramides, neutral glycolipids of the globo series, and GM3 ganglioside. However, the amount of sulfatides in well-differentiated tumors was significantly greater than that in poorly differentiated tumors, which was confirmed by thin-layer chromatography and immunostaining with a monoclonal antisulfatide antibody. Altered expression of sulfatide was found to be secondary to a change of galactosylceramide sulfotransferase messenger RNA expression. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that galactosylceramide sulfotransferase expression was characteristically observed in glandular areas but not in solid areas. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that sulfatide contributes to the well-differentiated phenotype of endometrial adenocarcinoma and that it is being expressed in normal uterine endometrium at sites of gland formation during the luteal phase, as we have previously reported.

Tips and Techniques for Laparoscopic Tubal Reanastomosis: A Case Report.

Tubal reanastomosis or tubal reversal, a surgical method used to reverse tubal sterilization, may be an option for women who for various reasons wish to reestablish their fertility. A 38-year-old Chinese woman, gravida 2, para 2 (both delivered through cesarean section) presented to our outpatient gynecology clinic requesting bilateral tubal recanalization. After other causes of infertility were excluded, laparoscopic tubal reanastomosis was performed. Here, we present our tips and techniques for laparoscopic tubal reanastomosis that rapidly resulted in an intrauterine pregnancy, which delivered at term. Laparoscopic tubal reanastomosis is a well-established procedure with good prognosis, as reported in the literature. For women who wish to become pregnant after tubal sterilization, it is necessary to present the option of surgery as well as in vitro fertilization.

Clear cell adenocarcinoma arising from adenomyosis.

A 73-year-old postmenopausal Japanese woman presented with a complaint of slight fever and weight loss. An elevated level of CA125 in the blood favored a diagnosis of malignant uterine body tumor, but was not confirmed by endometrial cytology and biopsy. Resection of the uterus revealed a solid whitish tumor in the myometrium that was diagnosed as clear cell adenocarcinoma (CCA) arising from adenomyosis. There were transitions between endometrial epithelium of adenomyosis, noninvasive CCA, and invasive CCA. Immunohistochemical expression of hepatocyte nuclear factor-1beta supported the diagnosis of CCA. Only one other English language document pertaining to CCA arising from adenomyosis exists. Malignant tumor arising from adenomyosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis when the serum level of tumor markers such as CA125 is high and when the tumor is intramyometrial.

Retrospective Study of Collection Methods in Laparoscopic Myomectomy.

INTRODUCTION: After a FDA recommendation in April 2014, power morcellation (PM) in laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) has become less common. We now collect a myoma using manual morcellation (MM) from a wound in the umbilical region. In this study, we compared the PM and MM methods. METHODS: The subjects were 69 patients who underwent LM from April 2013 to March 2016 using PM (n = 37) or MM (n = 32). With PM, the myoma was collected using a 4-hole 12-mm parallel trocar in the left lower abdomen. Using MM, an EZ ACCESSTM (2-cm skin incision) was placed on the umbilical region, and the myoma was put in a collection purse and guided into the access hole for MM using scissors under direct vision. RESULTS: None required allogeneic transfusion or a transition to open surgery, and had surgical or post surgical complications. At multiple linear regression analysis, which was adjusted by age, body mass index, and intraoperative blood loss, significant difference was not observed in operation time between the PM and MM groups. CONCLUSION: Manual morcellation was found to be a safe method for collection of myoma that prevents scattering of tissues and does not prolong the operation time.

Exome and copy number variation analyses of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster- Hauser syndrome.

Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is characterized by congenital absence of the vagina and uterus. We conducted genome-wide SNP analyses and exome sequencing to detect the causes of MRKH syndrome. We identified de novo variants of MYCBP2, NAV3, and PTPN3 in three families and a variant of MYCBP2 in a sporadic case. Here, we demonstrated the partial genetic makeup of Japanese MRKH syndrome.

Laparoscopic Davydov Procedure for the Creation of a Neovagina in Patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome: Analysis of 7 Cases.

OBJECTIVE: Several surgical techniques have been described for creating a neovagina in patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, however as yet there is no standardized treatment. The aim of this report is to assess anatomic and functional outcomes after the laparoscopic Davydov procedure for the creation of a neovagina in patients with MRKH syndrome. METHODS: Seven patients with MRKH syndrome underwent the laparoscopic Davydov technique from January 2005 to August 2010. The anatomic and functional results were evaluated after 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months. RESULTS: The surgical procedure was performed with no major complications except in one case in which an intraoperative bladder injury occurred and was successfully corrected. The mean duration of surgery was 162.9 minutes (range, 120-230 min). Mean lengths/widths (cm) of the neovagina were 6.4/2.6, 6.5/2.5, 6.5/2.8, 6.4/2.8, 7.1/2.8, and 7.2/2.8 at 3, 6,12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 postoperative months, respectively. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic Davydov procedure seems to be a safe and effective surgical treatment for patients with MRKH syndrome if postoperative intermittent self dilation was done.

Successful term delivery after laparoscopic resection of a non-communicating rudimentary horn in a patient with a unicornuate uterus: a case report.

Unicornuate uterus accompanied by a non-communicating rudimentary horn is a rare uterine malformation. If a embryo is implanted into the rudimentary horn, continuation of pregnancy is difficult due to the risk of uterine rupture. We recently performed laparoscopic resection of the right rudimentary horn after two right rudimentary horn pregnancies in a woman, in whom a normal pregnancy occurred in the left unicornuate uterus, leading to successful delivery of a baby. This case is presented herein. The diagnostic procedures leading to identification of this rare malformation were prompted by inability to remove uterine contents during surgery performed after a diagnosis of missed abortion. A right rudimentary horn pregnancy, which had occurred twice, was treated with methotrexate. To prevent further pregnancy in the right rudimentary horn, resection of this rudimentary horn was planned and successfully implemented under laparoscopic guidance. This surgical procedure is usually difficult, but fertility could be preserved by employing minimally invasive surgery, involving the use of a LigaSureTM Vessel Sealing System to avoid ligation and assure virtually no bleeding. Soon after surgery, a natural pregnancy in the left unicornuate uterus was confirmed. Intrauterine fetal growth was normal, and transvaginal delivery at term was possible.

Uterine rupture at 26 weeks of pregnancy following laparoscopic salpingectomy with resection of the interstitial portion: a case report.

Uterine rupture in pregnancy can occur in patients with a history of uterine surgery such as myomectomy and Cesarean section. Here, we report a case of spontaneous uterine rupture that occurred in the early third trimester in a pregnant woman who had previously undergone laparoscopic removal of the right fallopian tube and interstitial portion for treatment of interstitial pregnancy. The patient presented with sudden onset of abdominal pain at 26 weeks of gestation. Detailed ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging led to diagnosis of uterine rupture. In emergency laparotomy, the fetus was delivered by Cesarean section, the placenta and membranes were removed, and the uterus was preserved with closure of the rupture and wound. This case highlights the importance of close follow-up of a pregnant patient who has previously had a uterine incision. The case also raises the question of whether the prevalence of uterine rupture may increase as more patients are treated with laparoscopic surgery of the uterus.

Induction of the differentiation of cultured endometrial carcinoma cells by type I collagen: Relevance of sulfolipids.

This study aimed to promote gland formation in cells derived from endometrial cancer, and assess the relevance of sulfolipids by performing culture with type I collagen. Tumors were developed in nude mice using cultured cell lines, gland formation was induced by culture with type I collagen and the composition of tumor cell sulfolipids was analyzed. Results showed that after culturing the cells on type I collagen gel, the gel was floated. Another layer of gel was placed on top so that the cells were sandwiched between two layers. Using this method, it was possible to induce gland formation in cells that formed only poorly differentiated tumors in nude mice. Mucous staining and electron microscopy demonstrated polarity of the glands. The cell lines that showed gland formation expressed sulfolipids, but not cholesterol sulfate. In conclusion, type I collagen and sulfolipids are involved in the process of gland formation in endometrioid adenocarcinoma.