Ultrasound characteristics of early-stage high-grade serous ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: Survival from ovarian cancer is strongly dependent on the stage at diagnosis. Therefore, when confronted with a woman with an isolated adnexal mass, clinicians worry about missing the opportunity to detect cancer at an early stage. High-grade serous ovarian cancers account for 80% of ovarian cancer deaths, largely because of their tendency to be diagnosed at a late stage. Among adnexal masses, large size and the presence of solid areas on ultrasound examination have been found to be associated with cancer, but it is unclear whether these characteristics identify early-stage cases. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the ultrasound findings associated with clinically detected early-stage high-grade serous ovarian cancer. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study of women diagnosed with stage I or II high-grade serous ovarian or fallopian tube cancer measuring at least 1 cm at pathology from 2007 to 2017. Preoperative ultrasound examinations were independently reviewed by 3 radiologists. Adnexal masses were scored for size and volume; overall appearance; presence, thickness, and vascularity of septations; morphology and vascularity of other solid components; and degree of ascites. Characteristics were compared between masses of <5 cm and larger masses and between stage I and stage II cases. Interobserver variability was assessed. RESULTS: Among 111 women identified, 4 had bilateral ovarian involvement, for a total of 115 adnexal masses characterized by ultrasound examination. The mean age at diagnosis was 61.8 years (range, 42-91 years). The median mass size was 9.6 cm (range, 2.2-23.6 cm) with 87% of cases having a mass size of ≥5 cm. A mixed cystic and solid appearance was most common (77.4%), but a completely solid appearance was more frequently seen for tumors of <5 cm compared with larger tumors (26.7% vs 13.0%). Solid components other than septations were seen in 97.4% of cases. The characteristics of stage I and II cases were similar other than ascites, which was more commonly seen in stage II cases (18.0% vs 3.1%, respectively). Interobserver concordance was high for size and volume measurements (correlation coefficients, 0.96-0.99), with moderate agreement observed across the other ultrasound characteristics (Fleiss kappa, 0.45-0.58). CONCLUSION: In this community-based cohort, early-stage high-grade serous cancers rarely presented as masses of <5 cm or masses without solid components other than septations. Our findings provide additional support for the observation of small masses without solid areas on ultrasound examination.

PRACTICAL MEANS OF PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSTICS OF PRIMARY FALLOPIAN TUBE CANCER.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To analyze contemporary practical means to improve diagnostics of primary fallopian tube cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: Authors analyzed specifics of clinical signs and anamnesis in 152 PFTC patients. Diagnostic capacity of cytological analysis of pathologic vaginal discharge, X-ray contrast methods of examination, sonography, tumor markers, and computed tomography was studied. Own results of PFTC diagnostics using different methods and world practice using MRI, PET-CT and laparoscopy were discussed. RESULTS: Results: Using own observations authors conclude that clinical analysis and complex use of the listed methods allows to mainly determine high risk group patients and set correct preoperative diagnosis in 35% and preliminary diagnosis in 20% of PFTC patients. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Complex examination allows to recognize primary fallopian tube cancer on preoperative stage and to avoid inadequate surgical interventions in majority of PFTC patients.

Assessment of peritoneal metastases with DW-MRI, CT, and FDG PET/CT before cytoreductive surgery for advanced stage epithelial ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative assessment of peritoneal metastases is an important factor for treatment planning and selection of candidates for cytoreductive surgery (CRS) in primary advanced stage (FIGO stages III-IV) epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The primary aim was to evaluate the efficacy of DW-MRI, CT, and FDG PET/CT used for preoperative assessment of peritoneal cancer index (PCI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective observational cohort study, 50 advanced stage EOC patients were examined with DW-MRI and FDG PET/CT with contrast enhanced CT as part of the diagnostic program. All patients were deemed amenable for upfront CRS. Imaging PCI was determined for DW-MRI, CT, and FDG PET/CT by separate readers blinded to the surgical findings. The primary outcome was agreement between the imaging PCI and PCI determined at surgical exploration (the reference standard) evaluated with Bland-Altman statistics. RESULTS: The median surgical PCI was 18 (range: 3-32). For all three imaging modalities, the imaging PCI most often underestimated the surgical PCI. The mean differences between the surgical PCI and the imaging PCI were 4.2 (95% CI: 2.6-5.8) for CT, 4.4 (95% CI: 2.9-5.8) for DW-MRI, and 5.3 (95% CI: 3.6-7.0) for FDG PET/CT, and no overall statistically significant differences were found between the imaging modalities (DW-MRI - CT, p = 0.83; DW-MRI - FDG PET/CT, p = 0.24; CT - FDG PET/CT, p = 0.06). CONCLUSION: Neither DW-MRI nor CT nor FDG PET/CT was superior in preoperative assessment of the surgical PCI in patients scheduled for upfront CRS for advanced stage EOC.

Stage III disease of ovarian, tubal and peritoneal cancers can be accurately diagnosed with pre-operative CT. Japan Clinical Oncology Group Study JCOG0602.

PURPOSE: Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis is a useful imaging modality for identifying origin and extent of ovarian cancer before primary debulking surgery. However, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging for ovarian cancer is determined based on surgico-pathological findings. The purpose of this study is to determine whether computed tomography staging can be the surrogate for surgico-pathological International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging in advanced ovarian cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: Computed tomography staging was compared with surgico-pathological International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging in primary debulking surgery arm patients in a randomized controlled trial comparing primary debulking surgery and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (JCOG0602). The cancer of primary debulking surgery arm was identically diagnosed regarding the origin and extent with the cancer of neoadjuvant chemotherapy arm before accrual, using imaging studies (computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging), cytological examination (ascites, pleural effusion or tumor contents fluid) and tumor marker (CA125 > 200 U/mL and CEA < 20 ng/mL). Institutional computed tomography staging was also compared with computed tomography staging by central review. RESULTS: Among 149 primary debulking surgery arm patients, 147 patients who underwent primary debulking surgery immediately were analyzed. Positive predictive values and sensitivity of computed tomography staging for surgical stage III disease (extra-pelvic peritoneal disease and/or retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis) were 99%. Meanwhile, positive predictive values for the presence of small (≤2 cm) extra-pelvic peritoneal disease were low; <20% in omentum. Accuracy of institutional computed tomography staging was comparable with computed tomography staging by central review. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative computed tomography staging in each institution can be the surrogate for surgico-pathological diagnosis in stage III disease of ovarian cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy without diagnostic surgery, but reliability of diagnosis of stage IIIB disease is inadequate.Clinical trial registration: UMIN000000523(UMIN-CTR).

Magnetic resonance imaging findings of extrauterine high-grade serous carcinoma based on new pathologic criteria for primary site assignment.

BACKGROUND: There has been no study that has reported magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of extrauterine high-grade serous carcinomas (HGSCs) that have been histologically determined by the new criteria. PURPOSE: To assess MRI findings of extrauterine HGSCs based on new pathologic criteria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty patients with histopathologically proven extrauterine HGSCs, who underwent pretreatment gadolinium-enhanced MRI, were included in this study. After surgery, the primary sites were histopathologically determined based on new criteria for primary site assignment in extrauterine HGSCs as follows: fallopian tube (n = 34); ovary (n = 9); primary peritoneal HGSC (n = 1); and tubo-ovarian (n = 6). We retrospectively reviewed MR images and compared the MR findings between tubal and ovarian primaries. RESULTS: MRI patterns with tubal primaries were classified as ovarian cancer (62%), peritoneal cancer (35%), and fallopian tube cancer (3%). MRI patterns with ovarian primaries were classified as ovarian cancer (78%) and peritoneal cancer (22%). The frequency of the involvement of the fallopian tube, ovary, peritoneum, uterus, and lymph node was not significantly different between the two pathologies. There was no significant difference in the abnormal amount of ascites, hemorrhagic ascites, or characteristics of the ovarian lesions between the two pathologies. CONCLUSION: On MR images, tubal primaries almost always exhibited ovarian or peritoneal cancer pattern, but rarely exhibited fallopian tube cancer pattern. MR findings could not accurately differentiate between tubal and ovarian primaries; therefore, histopathologic investigation is essential for determination of the primary site of extrauterine HGSCs.

Ovarian Mixed Epithelial Carcinoma With Extensive Bilateral Fallopian Tubes Metastases by the Low-grade Serous Carcinoma Component Mimicking Serous Tubal Intraepithelial Carcinoma: Case Presentation and Literature Review.

Seromucinous carcinoma of the ovary was a newly defined category in the revised 2014 World Health Organization Classification of Tumors of Female Reproductive Organs. It was defined as a carcinoma composed of predominantly of serous and endocervical-type mucinous epithelium. Foci containing clear cells, and areas of endometrioid and squamous differentiation are not uncommon. It is a rare entity with morphologic and immunophenotypic features overlapping other types of ovarian carcinoma. There are different opinions as to whether it is a distinct entity or a histologic variant of well-established entities. Subsequent, to the writing of this manuscript the WHO 2020 reclassified this tumor as a type of endometrioid carcinoma. Here we present a case of seromucinous carcinoma of bilateral ovaries that had variable differentiation and morphology at different sites. Tumor in the fallopian tubes, ovarian surfaces, omentum, and peritoneal surfaces displayed predominant features of low-grade serous carcinoma, while the tumor in the ovaries had predominant mucinous carcinoma morphology with a confluent/expansile growth pattern. The mucosal involvement of the fallopian tubes morphologically mimicked serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma.

Clinical characteristics of primary Fallopian tube carcinoma: A single-institution retrospective study of 57 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical profile and prognosis of primary Fallopian tube cancer (PFTC) in order to improve earlier diagnosis. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 57 women with PFTC were assessed from 2006 to 2016. Pathology, clinical index, recurrence, and survival were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean age was 57.35 ± 9.01 years, and 73% (19/26) of the patients with early-stage PFTC (I/II) were aged less than 60 years. Of patients who presented with abnormal vaginal bleeding, 75% (9/12) were at an early stage and their condition was often misdiagnosed as endometrial carcinoma preoperatively. In patients with Stages I/II and Stages III/IV PFTC, 59.09% (13/22) and 96.43% (27/28), respectively, had adnexal masses on color Doppler ultrasonography. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival rates were 69.23% and 44.23%, respectively, and univariate analysis showed that tumor stage and residual tumor size significantly affected the two survival rates. CONCLUSION: Primary Fallopian tube cancer is more likely to be misdiagnosed in patients aged less than 60 years or those presenting with vaginal bleeding at the premenopausal stage. Magnetic resonance imaging, cervical smear, and endometrial brush may be helpful for early PFTC diagnosis. Satisfactory cytoreductive surgery is critical because tumor stage and residual tumor size are significantly associated with the OS rate.

Collision carcinoma of endometrial adenocarcinoma and primary serous fallopian tube carcinoma: a case report.

Collision carcinoma is a rare malignancy that generally occurs in cervical, esophageal, pulmonary, and squamous cell cancers. Few studies have been reported involving endometrial adenocarcinoma and fallopian tube carcinoma. We reported the case of a 58-year-old woman who presented because of irregular vaginal bleeding for more than 1 month. Cervical biopsy suggested moderately differentiated cervical adenocarcinoma, and the patient underwent radical hysterectomy under general anesthesia. However, postoperative pathology and immunohistochemical results indicated a collision tumor comprising endometrial adenocarcinoma (grade I) and primary serous fallopian tube carcinoma. According to the treatment principle of multiple primary tumors, a regimen of paclitaxel combined with carboplatin was administered. The patient also underwent local pelvic radiotherapy to treat lymph node metastasis. One month later, the patient developed brain metastases and died.

Primary transitional cell carcinoma of the fallopian tube: A case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Primary transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the fallopian tube is an extremely rare tumor. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 79-year-old woman presenting with vaginal discharge. DIAGNOSIS: Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging revealed a predominantly solid mass with a lobulated contour, measuring 5.5 cm × 4.6 cm, in the left ovary. The patient underwent total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Pathological analysis revealed a high-grade TCC, measuring 7.5 cm × 4 cm, in the left fallopian tube (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IIB). INTERVENTION: Forty-three months postoperation, recurrence was diagnosed as peritoneal metastasis. The patient underwent 6 cycles of palliative chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin and gemcitabine, the recommended regimen for TCC of the urinary tract. OUTCOME: The patient has survived for 27 months without recurrence after palliative chemotherapy, 76 months after diagnosis. CONCLUSION: It is rare that primary TCC of the fallopian tube responds to a urinary tract treatment regimen for TCC, even when followed up for an extended period. More research is warranted to determine which treatment regimen will benefit patients the most.

MRI can be used to differentiate between primary fallopian tube carcinoma and epithelial ovarian cancer.

AIM: To investigate typical features of primary fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to differentiate it from epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients with PFTC and 35 patients with EOC were included. The clinical and pathological features of patients were analysed. The following MRI features were compared: maximal diameter, laterality, configuration, shape, signal intensity, enhancement pattern, hydrosalpinx, intrauterine fluid accumulation, rim enhancement, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values within the solid components of tumours in PFTC and EOC. RESULTS: The maximal diameter of PFTC was 4.50±2.10 cm. The shapes of PFTC were mural papillary nodules (2/21, 10%), sausage-like (8/21, 38%), nodular (3/21, 14%), or irregular (8/21, 38%). Enhancement was mild (10/21, 48%), moderate (8/21, 38%), or marked (3/21, 14%). Associated hydrosalpinx and intrauterine fluid accumulation were observed in six (29%) and three (10%) cases, respectively. Significant differences between PFTC and EOC were found in the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, maximal diameter, shape, enhancement pattern, hydrosalpinx, and intrauterine fluid accumulation (p=0.002, 0.004<0.001, <0.001, and 0.048, respectively). Rim enhancement was more prevalent, thicker, and exhibited higher continuity in PFTC than in EOC (p=0.002, <0.001, and 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Rim enhancement is a useful feature in distinguishing PFTC from EOC, particularly when continuous or seen in combination with a sausage-like shape, hydrosalpinx or intrauterine fluid accumulation. When the tumour is associated with other MRI signs, for example, (i) hydrosalpinx with mural papillary nodules or sausage-like shape with mild-to-moderate enhancement of solid components, (ii) hydrosalpinx, or (iii) intrauterine fluid accumulation, the diagnosis of PFTC should be considered.

Fallopian tube serous adenocarcinoma with dizziness as the initial symptom: a case report.

Paroxysmal vertigo as the presenting symptom of a fallopian tube tumor is rare among patients. We present a patient who was finally diagnosed with fallopian tube serous adenocarcinoma with subacute cerebellar degeneration. We analyzed the patients' clinical, pathological, and imaging data. We conclude that the possibility of paraneoplastic neurological syndrome should be considered when conventional treatment is ineffective for a fallopian tube tumor and other neurological diseases are excluded.

Effect of Surgical Specialty on Management of Adnexal Masses in Children and Adolescents: An 8-Year Single-Center Review.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Children with adnexal masses might be managed by pediatric surgeons, urologists or gynecologists, with the potential for different management strategies between specialties. In this study we compared ovarian conservation rates and surgical approach for adnexal masses in children and adolescents managed either by pediatric surgeons/urologists or gynecologists at a tertiary care institution. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort review. SETTING: Tertiary pediatric and adult university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Patients younger than 18 years of age with an adnexal mass managed surgically with removal of histologically confirmed ovarian or fallopian tube tissue from 2008 to 2015. INTERVENTIONS: Laparoscopic or open procedure for adnexal mass. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was rate of ovarian conservation relative to surgical specialty. The secondary outcome was surgical approach relative to surgical specialty. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients underwent surgery for adnexal masses; 26 (54%) under pediatric surgery/urology and 22 (46%) under gynecology care. Laparoscopy was performed in 5 (19%) pediatric and 19 (86%) gynecology cases (P = .000006). Of 24 patients older than 12 years of age with a benign tumor, 10 (42%) underwent procedures resulting in loss of an ovary with or without fallopian tube; 8 of these (80%) were under pediatric care. Of the remaining 14 (58%) who underwent ovarian conserving surgery, 12 (80%) were under gynecology care (P = .0027). CONCLUSION: Patients with a benign tumor were significantly more likely to undergo ovary-preserving surgery under gynecology care than under pediatric surgery/urology care. A multidisciplinary team approach involving gynecology and pediatric surgical specialties would be valuable in assessing the merits of ablative or conservative surgery in each case.

Mature cystic teratoma arising from the fimbrial end of the left fallopian tube. a case report.

We present a rare case of a woman with a mass containing soft tissue, fat, and calcified components attached to the fimbrial end of the left fallopian tube. A 38-year-old nulligravida woman who visited our clinic for infertility counseling had mild abdominal discomfort and a palpable mass in the lower abdomen. Multiple examinations were performed. Preoperatively, we considered that the patient had teratoma or teratocarcinoma of the left ovary. On exploratory laparotomy, we found that she had a mass with protuberances and a bulbous projection at one surface that was attached to the fimbrial end of the left fallopian tube. A histopathological examination showed a mature cystic teratoma that arose from the fimbrial end of the fallopian tube. Obstetricians should be aware of this abnormality. Early detection of this abnormality is advantageous for infertility counseling and planning of less invasive surgery in the hospital.

Rare case of paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration secondary to high-grade serous carcinoma of tubo-ovarian origin.

This case describes a 69-year-old woman, who presented with rapidly progressive cerebellar symptoms and unintentional weight loss. Full neurological assessment excluded space-occupying lesions, vascular accidents and infection. Surprisingly, a chest, abdomen and pelvis CT showed a left hemipelvis mass, which was subsequently biopsied. A high-grade serous carcinoma of tubo-ovarian origin was found, diagnosing paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD) secondary to this. The exact mechanism is not known, but is thought to be immune-mediated. In cases of PCD, after cancer treatment, the neurological disability stabilises to a severe level and will unfortunately be lifelong. Our patient continues to make great progress with intensive rehabilitation for her ongoing balance issues. Early recognition of PCD can lead to a prompt diagnosis of the underlying malignancy and hence subsequent management. This can at least limit the extent of the neurological disability of the disease and increase the survival rate from cancer.

[Management of epithelial ovarian cancer. Short text drafted from the French joint recommendations of FRANCOGYN, CNGOF, SFOG, GINECO-ARCAGY and endorsed by INCa]. / Texte court rédigé à partir de la recommandation nationale de bonnes pratiques cliniques « Conduites à tenir initiales devant des patientes atteintes d'un cancer épithélial de l'ovaire ¼ élaborée par FRANCOGYN, CNGOF, SFOG, GINECO-ARCAGY et labélisée par l'INCa ¼.

Faced to an undetermined ovarian mass on ultrasound, an MRI is recommended and the ROMA score (combining CA125 and HE4) can be proposed (grade A). In case of suspected early stage ovarian or fallopian tube cancer, omentectomy (at least infracolonic), appendectomy, multiple peritoneal biopsies, peritoneal cytology (grade C) and pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy are recommended (grade B) for all histological types, except for the expansive mucinous subtype where lymphadenectomy may be omitted (grade C). Minimally invasive surgery is recommended for early stage ovarian cancer, if there is no risk of tumor rupture (grade B). Adjuvant chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel is recommended for all high-grade ovarian or Fallopian tube cancers, stage FIGO I-IIA (grade A). In case of ovarian, Fallopian tube or primitive peritoneal cancer of FIGO III-IV stages, thoraco-abdomino-pelvic CT scan with injection (grade B) is recommended. Laparoscopic exploration for multiple biopsies (grade A) and to evaluate carcinomatosis score (at least using the Fagotti score) (grade C) are recommended to estimate the possibility of a complete surgery (i.e. no macroscopic residue). Complete medial laparotomy surgery is recommended for advanced cancers (grade B). It is recommended in advanced cancers to perform para-aortic and pelvic lymphadenectomy in case of clinical or radiological suspicion of metastatic lymph node (grade B). In the absence of clinical or radiological lymphadenopathy and in case of complete peritoneal surgery during an initial surgery for advanced cancer, it is possible not to perform a lymphadenectomy because it does not modify the medical treatment and the overall survival (grade B). Primary surgery is recommended when no tumor residue is possible (grade B). After a complete first surgery, it is recommended to deliver 6 cycles of intravenous (grade A) or to propose intraperitoneal (grade B) chemotherapy, to be discussed with patient, according to the benefit/risk ratio. After a complete interval surgery for a FIGO III stage, the hyperthermic intra peritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) can be proposed in the same conditions of the OV-HIPEC trial (grade B). In case of tumor residue after surgery or FIGO stage IV, chemotherapy associated with bevacizumab is recommended (grade A).

Hepatoid adenocarcinoma of fallopian tube: A case report and review of the literature.

RATIONALE: Hepatoid adenocarcinoma (HAC) of the fallopian tubes is a rare malignant tumor in the female reproductive system. PATIENT CONCERNS: An 81-year-old Chinese woman presented with an elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level. DIAGNOSIS: Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scan revealed a mass of approximately 47 × 27 mm located in the right adnexa. The tumor was diagnosed as a HAC arising from fallopian tube by immunohistochemical and histochemical technique. INTERVENTIONS: This patient underwent surgical treatment including a bilateral adnexectomy and appendectomy. In addition, the patient underwent 5 cycles of postoperative chemotherapy. OUTCOMES: The disease has recurred approximately six months after surgery and therefore, this patient will continue to be observed. LESSONS: Up to this point, only 4 known cases of HAC originating in fallopian tube have been published in the English literature. Further studies are needed to better understand the clinical characteristics, the prognosis, and the pathological mechanism of HAC development in the fallopian tubes.

[Diagnostic value of imaging (ultrasonography, doppler, CT, MR, PET-CT) for the diagnosis of a suspicious ovarian mass and staging of ovarian, tubal or primary peritoneal cancer: Article drafted from the French Guidelines in oncology entitled "Initial management of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer" developed by FRANCOGYN, CNGOF, SFOG, GINECO-ARCAGY under the aegis of CNGOF and endorsed by INCa]. / Valeur diagnostique de l'imagerie (échographie, doppler, scanner, IRM et TEP-TDM) pour le diagnostic d'une masse ovarienne suspecte et le bilan d'extension d'un cancer de l'ovaire, des trompes ou péritonéal primitif. Article rédigé sur la base de la recommandation nationale de bonnes pratiques cliniques en cancérologie intitulée « Conduites à tenir initiales devant des patientes atteintes d'un cancer épithélial de l'ovaire ¼ élaborée par FRANCOGYN, CNGOF, SFOG, GINECO-ARCAGY sous l'égide du CNGOF et labellisée par l'INCa.

Transvaginal ultrasound is the first-line examination allowing characterizing 80 to 90% of adnexal masses (LP1). If performed by an expert, a subjective analysis is optimal. If performed by a non-expert, combining the use of Simple Rules with subjective analysis can achieve the diagnostic performance of an expert (LP1). Whichever the chosen model (subjective analysis by an expert or combination of the Simple Rules with a subjective analysis by a non-expert), a second-line examination will have to be proposed in the complex or indeterminate cases (about 20% of the masses) (grade A). The best-performing second-line test for characterization is pelvic MRI (LP1). If read by an expert, a pathological hypothesis can or should be suggested (grade D). In case of non-expert reading, the use of the ADNEXMR score allows a reliable assessment of the positive predictive value of malignancy to guide the patient towards the best management (gradeC). For preoperative assessment and evaluation of resectability of ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer, it is recommended to perform a chest abdomen and pelvis CT with contrast agent injection (LP2, grade B). In the event of a contraindication to the injection of iodinated contrast agent (severe renal insufficiency, GFR <30mL/min), an abdomen and pelvis MRI completed with a non-injected chest CT may be proposed (LP3, grade C). By analogy, the same examinations are recommended to evaluate the disease after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (LP3, Recommendation grade C). Further studies will be required to determine whether PET-CT provides better lymph node assessment before retroperitoneal and pelvic lymphadenectomy. PET-CT may be used to eliminate lymph node involvement in the absence of suspicious lymph nodes on morphological examination (LP3, grade C). The report should specify the localizations leading to a risk of incomplete cytoreductive surgery and lesions outside the field explored during surgery.

Positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for assessing tumour resectability in advanced epithelial ovarian/fallopian tube/primary peritoneal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynaecological cancer in developed countries. Surgery and chemotherapy are considered its mainstay of treatment and the completeness of surgery is a major prognostic factor for survival in these women. Currently, computed tomography (CT) is used to preoperatively assess tumour resectability. If considered feasible, women will be scheduled for primary debulking surgery (i.e. surgical efforts to remove the bulk of tumour with the aim of leaving no visible (macroscopic) tumour). If primary debulking is not considered feasible (i.e. the tumour load is too extensive), women will receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy to reduce tumour load and subsequently undergo (interval) surgery. However, CT is imperfect in assessing tumour resectability, so additional imaging modalities can be considered to optimise treatment selection. OBJECTIVES: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of fluorodeoxyglucose-18 (FDG) PET/CT, conventional and diffusion-weighted (DW) MRI as replacement or add-on to abdominal CT, for assessing tumour resectability at primary debulking surgery in women with stage III to IV epithelial ovarian/fallopian tube/primary peritoneal cancer. SEARCH METHODS: We searched MEDLINE and Embase (OVID) for potential eligible studies (1946 to 23 February 2017). Additionally, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO-ICTRP and the reference list of all relevant studies were searched. SELECTION CRITERIA: Diagnostic accuracy studies addressing the accuracy of preoperative FDG-PET/CT, conventional or DW-MRI on assessing tumour resectability in women with advanced stage (III to IV) epithelial ovarian/fallopian tube/primary peritoneal cancer who are scheduled to undergo primary debulking surgery. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently screened titles and abstracts for relevance and inclusion, extracted data and performed methodological quality assessment using QUADAS-2. The limited number of studies did not permit meta-analyses. MAIN RESULTS: Five studies (544 participants) were included in the analysis. All studies performed the index test as replacement of abdominal CT. Two studies (366 participants) addressed the accuracy of FDG-PET/CT for assessing incomplete debulking with residual disease of any size (> 0 cm) with sensitivities of 1.0 (95% CI 0.54 to 1.0) and 0.66 (95% CI 0.60 to 0.73) and specificities of 1.0 (95% CI 0.80 to 1.0) and 0.88 (95% CI 0.80 to 0.93), respectively (low- and moderate-certainty evidence). Three studies (178 participants) investigated MRI for different target conditions, of which two investigated DW-MRI and one conventional MRI. The first study showed that DW-MRI determines incomplete debulking with residual disease of any size with a sensitivity of 0.94 (95% CI 0.83 to 0.99) and a specificity of 0.98 (95% CI 0.88 to 1.00) (low- and moderate-certainty evidence). For abdominal CT, the sensitivity for assessing incomplete debulking was 0.66 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.78) and the specificity 0.77 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.87) (low- and low-certainty evidence). The second study reported a sensitivity of DW-MRI of 0.75 (95% CI 0.35 to 0.97) and a specificity of 0.96 (95% CI 0.80 to 1.00) (very low-certainty evidence) for assessing incomplete debulking with residual disease > 1 cm. In the last study, the sensitivity for assessing incomplete debulking with residual disease of > 2 cm on conventional MRI was 0.91 (95% CI 0.59 to 1.00) and the specificity 0.97 (95% CI 0.87 to 1.00) (very low-certainty evidence). Overall, the certainty of evidence was very low to moderate (according to GRADE), mainly due to small sample sizes and imprecision. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Studies suggested a high specificity and moderate sensitivity for FDG-PET/CT and MRI to assess macroscopic incomplete debulking. However, the certainty of the evidence was insufficient to advise routine addition of FDG-PET/CT or MRI to clinical practice..In a research setting, adding an alternative imaging method could be considered for women identified as suitable for primary debulking by abdominal CT, in an attempt to filter out false-negatives (i.e. debulking, feasible based on abdominal CT, unfeasible at actual surgery).