Postoperative Adjuvant Chemoradiotherapy Versus Chemotherapy Alone for Stage III Endometrial Cancer: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of the combination of 6 cycles of chemotherapy and radiation therapy compared with chemotherapy alone as postoperative adjuvant therapy for patients with stage III endometrial cancer. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients with stage III endometrial cancer who received postoperative chemoradiotherapy or chemotherapy alone at 6 hospitals between January 2009 and December 2019. The progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for each treatment group were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. We also assessed differences in toxicity profiles between the treatment groups. RESULTS: A total of 133 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 80 patients (60.2%) received adjuvant chemoradiotherapy and 53 (39.8%) received chemotherapy alone. The PFS and OS did not differ significantly between the groups. For patients with stage IIIC endometrioid subtype, the chemoradiotherapy group had significantly longer PFS rate than did the chemotherapy alone group (log-rank test, P = .019), although there was no significant difference in the OS (log-rank test, P = .100). CRT was identified as a favorable prognostic factor for PFS in multivariate analysis (adjusted HR, .37; 95% CI, .16-.87; P = .022). Patients treated with chemoradiotherapy more frequently suffered from grade 4 neutropenia (73.8% vs 52.8%; P = .018) and grade 3 or worse thrombocytopenia (36.3% vs 9.4%; P = .001) compared with the chemotherapy alone group. There were no differences between the 2 treatment groups in the frequency of toxicity-related treatment discontinuation or dose reduction. CONCLUSION: We confirmed that chemoradiotherapy yields longer progression-free survival than does chemotherapy alone for patients with stage IIIC endometrioid endometrial cancer, with an acceptable toxicity profile.

Health Care Provider Perceptions of Facilitators and Barriers to Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Delivery in Five Countries.

BACKGROUND: National human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programs could reduce global cervical cancer morbidity and mortality with support from health care providers. We assessed providers' perceptions of HPV vaccination in 5 countries. METHODS: We identified providers from 5 countries where national HPV vaccination programs were at various stages of implementation: Argentina, Malaysia, South Africa, South Korea, and Spain. Providers authorized to administer adolescent vaccines completed an in-depth survey, reporting perceptions of barriers and facilitators to initiating and completing HPV vaccination, and logistical challenges to HPV vaccination. RESULTS: Among 151 providers, common barriers to HPV vaccination initiation across all countries were parents' lack of awareness (39%), concerns about vaccine safety or efficacy (33%), and cost to patients (30%). Vaccination education campaign (70%) was the most commonly cited facilitator of HPV vaccination initiation. Common barriers to series completion included no reminder system or dosing schedule (37%), loss to follow-up or forgetting appointment (29%), and cost to patients (25%). Cited facilitators to completing the vaccine series were education campaigns (45%), affordable vaccination (32%), and reminder/recall systems (22%). Among all countries, high cost of vaccination was the most common logistical challenge to offering vaccination to adolescents (33%). CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating provider insights into future HPV vaccination programs could accelerate vaccine delivery to increase HPV vaccination rates globally.

Survival rates of patients who undergo minimally invasive surgery for endometrial cancer with cervical involvement.

Objective: Compare the oncologic outcomes of patients with intermediate-risk endometrial cancer who were staged by minimally invasive surgery with the outcomes of patients who underwent open surgery. Methods: Data from 206 patients with intermediate-risk endometrial cancer who were treated between January 2009 and January 2019 were reviewed. The patients' data were retrieved from five institutions. The patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent open surgery and those who underwent minimally invasive surgery. Tumor characteristics, recurrence rate, disease-free survival, and overall survival were compared according to surgical approach. Results: Among the 206 patients included in this study, 76 underwent open surgery (36.9%) and 130 underwent MIS (63.1%). In patients with stage IB endometrial cancer, the recurrence rate, disease-free survival, and overall survival were not significantly different between those who underwent minimally invasive surgery and those who underwent open surgery. However, in patients with stage II endometrial cancer, the recurrence rate was significantly higher among those who underwent minimally invasive surgery (37.5% vs. 5.3%, p = 0.013). Patients with stage II endometrial cancer who underwent minimally invasive surgery had a significantly lower disease-free survival (p = 0.012) than those who underwent open surgery, however, the overall survival (p = 0.252) was similar between the two groups. Conclusion: Minimally invasive surgery results in less favorable survival outcomes than open surgery in patients with stage II endometrial cancer.

Minimally invasive surgery for patients with advanced stage endometrial cancer.

Objective: Compare the oncologic outcomes of patients with advanced stage endometrial cancer who were staged by minimally invasive surgery with the outcomes of patients who underwent open surgery. Methods: Data from 138 patients with advanced stage endometrial cancer who were treated between January 2009 and January 2019 were reviewed. The patients' data were retrieved from five institutions. The patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent open surgery and those who underwent minimally invasive surgery. Tumor characteristics, recurrence rate, disease-free survival, and overall survival were compared according to surgical approach. Results: Among the 138 patients included in this study, 72 underwent open surgery (52.2%) and 66 underwent MIS (47.8%). In patients with advanced-stage endometrial cancer, the recurrence rate was significantly higher among those who underwent open surgery (43.1% vs. 25.8%, p = 0.033). Patients with advanced-stage endometrial cancer who underwent open surgery had a significantly lower disease-free survival (p = 0.029) than those who underwent minimally invasive surgery, however, the overall survival (p = 0.051) was similar between the two groups. Conclusion: Minimally invasive surgery showed better survival outcomes when compared to open surgery in advanced-stage EC patients irrespective of the histologic type.

Persuasive messaging for human papillomavirus vaccination by adolescent providers in a five-country multi-site study.

OBJECTIVE: Strong persuasive messaging by providers is a key predictor for patient acceptance of prophylactic human papillomavirus vaccination. We aimed to determine optimal messaging to promote human papillomavirus adolescent vaccination across different geographical sites. METHODS: Adolescent providers (n = 151) from Argentina, Malaysia, South Africa, South Korea, and Spain were surveyed on messages, family decision makers, and sources of communication to best motivate parents to vaccinate their adolescent daughters overall, and against human papillomavirus. Multivariate logistic regression assessed the likelihood of recommending messages specifically targeted at cervical cancer with providers' characteristics: gender, medical specialization, and previous administration of human papillomavirus vaccination. RESULTS: Mothers were considered the most important human papillomavirus vaccination decision makers for their daughters (range 93%-100%). Television was cited as the best source of information on human papillomavirus vaccination in surveyed countries (range 56.5%-87.1%), except Spain where one-on-one discussions were most common (73.3%). Prevention messages were considered the most likely to motivate parents to vaccinate their daughters overall, and against human papillomavirus, in all five countries (range 30.8%-55.9%). Optimal messages emphasized cervical cancer prevention, and included strong provider recommendation to vaccinate, vaccine safety and efficacy, timely vaccination, and national policy for human papillomavirus vaccination. Pediatricians and obstetricians/gynecologists were more likely to cite that the best prevention messages should focus on cervical cancer (OR: 4.2, 95% CI: 1.17 to 15.02 vs other medical specialists). CONCLUSIONS: Provider communication messages that would motivate parents to vaccinate against human papillomavirus were based on strong recommendation emphasizing prevention of cervical cancer. To frame convincing messages to increase vaccination uptake, adolescent providers should receive updated training on human papillomavirus and associated cancers, while clearly addressing human papillomavirus vaccination safety and efficacy.

Acceptability of two- versus three-dose human papillomavirus vaccination schedule among providers and mothers of adolescent girls: a mixed-methods study in five countries.

PURPOSE: The World Health Organization revised its human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination recommendations to include a two (2-) dose schedule for girls aged ≤ 15 years. We investigated acceptability of 2- versus 3-dose schedule among adolescent vaccination providers and mothers of adolescent girls in five countries. METHODS: Adolescent vaccination providers (N = 151) and mothers of adolescent girls aged 9-14 years (N = 118) were recruited from Argentina, Malaysia, South Africa, South Korea, and Spain. We assessed providers' preference for a 2- versus 3-dose HPV vaccination schedule via quantitative surveys. Mothers' attitudes towards a 2-dose schedule were assessed through focus group discussions. RESULTS: Most adolescent providers preferred a 2- over a 3-dose HPV vaccination schedule (overall: 74%), with preference ranging from 45.2% (South Africa) to 90.0% (South Korea). Lower cost, fewer clinic visits, and higher series completion were commonly cited reasons for 2-dose preference among providers and mothers. Safety and efficacy concerns were commonly cited barriers to accepting a 2-dose HPV vaccination schedule among providers and mothers. Mothers generally accepted the reduced schedule, however requested further information from a trusted source. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent vaccination providers and mothers preferred the 2-dose over 3-dose HPV vaccination schedule. Acceptability of a 2-dose HPV vaccination could be improved with additional information to providers and mothers on HPV vaccination safety and efficacy.

The use of barbed sutures for vaginal cuff closure during laparoscopic hysterectomy.

PURPOSE: To compare surgical outcomes and complications of 334 women who underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy with or without the use of barbed sutures for vaginal cuff closure. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on a cohort of women who underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign gynecologic diseases at Dae-Jeon St. Mary's Hospital, between May 2009 and May 2016. Surgical outcomes and complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 334 women were included: 212 cases of vaginal cuff suture performed with traditional suture material and 122 cases of vaginal cuff suture performed with the barbed suture. No difference in major complications including vaginal bleeding and vaginal cuff dehiscence was found between the two groups, with a significant reduction in operative times for the barbed suture group (P = 0.002). Underlying clinical variables including diabetes, pelvic adhesion, and obesity showed no significant differences in complication rate. CONCLUSION: Vaginal cuff suture performed with barbed suture material is a safe and well-tolerated procedure and reduces operative times. We did not find any meaningful decrease in postoperative vaginal complications including vaginal cuff dehiscence based on the suture material.

Toll-like receptor 2 gene polymorphisms in Korean women with human papillomavirus-related cervical neoplasia.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) gene polymorphisms and human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cervical neoplasia in Korean women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Peripheral blood samples collected from 127 patients with HPV-related cervical neoplasia and 175 healthy women were genotyped for the TLR2 -16934, +1350, intron1, and 3' untranslated region (UTR) polymorphisms using the polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism method. RESULTS: The TLR2 -16934 A/A, intron1 A/A, and +1350 T/C genotypes were more frequent in patients than in controls [odds ratio (OR) = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.302-3.475, p = 0.002; OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.168-3.169, p = 0.010; and OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.211-3.123, p = 0.006, respectively]. The frequencies of the TLR2 + 1350 C and 3'UTR G alleles were also higher in patients (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.236-3.121, p = 0.004 and OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.005-3.076, p = 0.046, respectively). The genotype frequencies of TLR2 -16934 A/A and intron1 A/A increased with increasing oncogenic risk of the HPV genotype, as follows. low-risk type < high-risk type < HPV-16 and/or HPV-18 type (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides the first evidence that TLR2 gene polymorphisms are associated with high-risk type HPV-related cervical neoplasia and may play an important role in susceptibility to HPV infection. Further large-scale and functional studies are needed to confirm the role of TLR2 gene polymorphisms in HPV-related cervical neoplasia.

A comparison of postoperative pain after transumbilical single-port access and conventional three-port total laparoscopic hysterectomy: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to compare postoperative pain between single-port access total laparoscopic hysterectomy (SPA-TLH) using a transumbilical single-port system and conventional multi (three)-port access total laparoscopic hysterectomy (MPA-TLH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 women who underwent SPA-TLH and MPA-TLH for benign gynecologic diseases between March 2014 and January 2015. Patients were randomly assigned to undergo SPA-TLH (n = 30) or MPA-TLH (n = 30). The variables measured included surgical outcomes and postoperative pain at 30 min and 1, 12, 24, and 48 h after surgery, assessed by the visual analog scale, bolus requirement of intravenous patient-controlled analgesia, and additional analgesic use. RESULTS: The two study groups did not differ in terms of patient demographics or surgical outcomes except for operative time. The SPA-TLH group had a longer operative time (p < 0.0001) compared with the MPA-TLH groups. There were no differences in pain scores between the two groups. The SPA-TLH group had significantly more intravenous analgesia requests during the 12-24 h after surgery (2.17 ± 3.05 vs. 0.79 ± 1.99; p = 0.047), more 24-48 h postoperative analgesics (0.21 ± 0.41 vs. 0.03 ± 0.19; p = 0.045), and more total additional analgesics (0.97 ± 0.94 vs. 0.45 ± 0.87; p = 0.034). CONCLUSION: SPA-TLH was feasible compared with MPA-TLH but the SPA-TLH group had a longer operative time. Although there is no difference in pain based on the visual analog scale pain score, the SPA-TLH group required more analgesia to give the same postoperative pain control.

Abdominal, multi-port and single-port total laparoscopic hysterectomy: eleven-year trends comparison of surgical outcomes complications of 936 cases.

PURPOSE: To compare surgical outcomes and complications of 284 patients who had total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH), 366 patients who had multi-port access total laparoscopic hysterectomy (MPA-TLH), and 286 patients who had single-port access total laparoscopic hysterectomy (SPA-TLH) using a transumbilical single-port system. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on a cohort of women who underwent TAH, MPA-TLH, or SPA-TLH for benign gynecologic diseases at DaeJeon St. Mary's Hospital, between January 2003 and December 2013. Surgical outcomes and complications were compared between the three groups. RESULTS: The total operative time (min) was longest in the SPA-TLH group (188.3 ± 51.3), followed by the TAH (176.4 ± 47.9) and MPA-TLH (149.3 ± 59.5) groups (p < 0.05). The estimated blood loss (mL) did not differ between MPA-TLH and SPA-TLH (163.8 ± 168.9 vs. 176.9 ± 197.8 mL), but it was the greatest in TAH (427.1 ± 250.6, p < 0.05). The weight of the uterus (gm) was highest in TAH (375.8 ± 380.1, p < 0.05) and similar in MPA-TLH and SPA-TLH (10.1 ± 2.6 vs. 9.7 ± 2.6 cm). The hospital stay (days) was longest in the TAH (7.0 ± 2.1) and SPA-TLH (6.3 ± 2.0) groups, followed by the MPA-TLH (5.5 ± 2.0) group (p < 0.05). The major complication rate was 2.5 % (7 cases) in the TAH group, 5.5 % (20 cases) in the MPA-TLH group, and 0.7 % (2 cases) in the SPA-TLH group. In the MPA-TLH group, the complication rate of the first half of the cases was significantly higher than in the latter half of cases, especially with regards to vaginal cuff dehiscence (p < 0.05). In the SPA-TLH group, no statistically significant difference was found between the two sub-groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that MPA-TLH and SPA-TLH were feasible and safe when compared to TAH. Furthermore, after acquiring technical skills in laparoscopic surgery, conversion from MPA-TLH to SPA-TLH might be easier than the initial conversion from laparotomy to laparoscopy. The advantage of SPA-TLH over MPA-TLH is questionable, considering the longer learning curve; however SPA-TLH is an effective alternative for both the patient and surgeon.

Fetal biometry in the Korean population: reference charts and comparison with charts from other populations.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this article were to construct size charts for fetal biometry in the Korean population and to identify ethnic differences in fetal biometry. METHOD: A prospective, cross-sectional study was performed with 986 fetuses between 15 to 40 weeks of gestation. The following biometric variables were measured: biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), and long bones lengths including the femur, tibia, humerus, and ulna. For each measurement, regression models were fitted to estimate the mean and standard deviation at each gestational age. The calculated centiles were compared with centiles from other populations using Z-scores. RESULTS: New charts for the Korean population were presented for the fetal biometric variables. Most of the parameters were similar to those for the Italian population. Also, in comparison with the North American and UK populations, Korean fetuses had greater BPD, HC, and AC in the first half of pregnancy but tended to measure progressively smaller with advancing gestational age. In comparison with the Hong Kong population, Korean fetuses had a longer femur length at any gestational age. CONCLUSION: We present size charts for fetal biometry for the Korean population using the recommended methodology, suggesting they are different from what is reported in other ethnicities.

Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity for the prediction of the presence and severity of coronary artery disease.

The predictability of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) for the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) was investigated by measuring baPWV in 501 subjects scheduled for coronary angiography. Severity of CAD was measured using modified Gensini stenosis score (GSS) and classified as a vessel disease score (VDS) of 0-3. The presence of CAD was defined as diameter stenosis>50%. Subjects were grouped in tertile by level of baPWV (<14, 14-17, >17 m/s). Subjects with CAD showed higher mean age, prevalence of men and diabetes, and systolic blood pressure. The prevalence of hypertension, use of antihypertensive medications and use of statin was not different. Subjects with CAD had higher baPWV than subjects without CAD (16.70 ± 3.46 versus 15.21 ± 3.19 m/s, p<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed significant correlation of baPWV and modified GSS (p=0.0337). ANCOVA adjusted with age, gender, body mass index, presence of hypertension or diabetes, status of smoking, use of antihypertensive medications and risk of hypercholesterolemia showed a statistically significant association of baPWV with VDS (p<0.0001). Highest tertile of baPWV had a statistically significant effect on the severity of CAD from an ANCOVA model. The predictive power of highest tertile of baPWV for the presence of CAD was 3.600 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.884-6.881, p<0.0001]. It is concluded that increased baPWV is a reliable predictor of the presence and severity of CAD, suggesting that baPWV>17 m/s may be a threshold value for the presence and severity of CAD.

A Novel Score Using Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio in Blood and Malignant Body Fluid for Predicting Prognosis of Patients with Advanced Ovarian Cancer.

(1) Background: The lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), one of the systemic inflammatory markers, has been shown to be associated with prognosis of various solid tumors. However, no study has reported clinical utility of the LMR of malignant body fluid (mLMR) (2) Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of the final 92 patients of a total of 197 patients with advanced ovarian cancer newly diagnosed from November 2015 and December 2021 using our institute big data. (3) Results: Patients were divided into three groups according to their combined bLMR and mLMR scores (bmLMR score): 2, both bLMR and mLMR were elevated; 1, bLMR or mLMR was elevated; and 0, neither bLMR nor mLMR was elevated. A multivariable analysis confirmed that the histologic grade (p = 0.001), status of residual disease (p < 0.001), and bmLMR score (p < 0.001) were independent predictors of disease progression. A low combined value of bLMR and mLMR was strongly associated with a poor prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer. (4) Conclusions: Although further studies are required to apply our results clinically, this is the first study to validate the clinical value of mLMR for predicting prognosis of patients with advanced ovarian cancer.

What questions do people ask on a human papillomavirus website? A comparative analysis of public and private questions.

OBJECTIVE: In 2004, we launched the question and answer (Q&A) section on a human papillomavirus (HPV) website (www.hpvkorea.org) that provides ample and regularly updated information about HPV. The purpose of this study is to collect data pertaining to questions posed on this website about HPV and its related diseases and analyze the type of questions and frequency before and after introduction of HPV vaccine in Korea. Using these results, we intend to determine the clinical and practical implications for doctors treating HPV and for HPV website providers. METHOD: Data were collected from March 2004 to July 2011. This study analyzed all the questions that were asked on the website during this period. The questions were categorized into 2 groups, according to whether they were asked publicly or privately. The 10 categories for classification were determined on the basis of the contents of the questions by 4 researchers with medical degrees (Ph.D.) related to HPV research. The frequency of the questions was separately determined for the public and private question formats. Also, we compared the type of questions and frequency before and after introduction of HPV vaccine in Korea and evaluated the changes in the 2 groups over the 2 periods studied. RESULTS: Of the 3,062 subjects who visited the HPV website, 2,330 subjects asked public questions and 732 asked private questions. The most frequent question was "I have been infected with HPV, and I want to know about the treatment options for HPV infection and cervical dysplasia" (n = 1156, 37.8%), and the second most common question was "What are the transmission routes of HPV?" (n = 684, 22.3%). The third most common question was "How long does it take for HPV infection to spontaneously remit?" (n = 481, 15.7%).Of the 2,330 public questions, the most common question types pertained to the treatment of HPV and cervical dysplasia, HPV transmission, HPV remission, and risk of cervical cancer (in that order). Of the 732 private questions, the most frequent question types pertained to the HPV transmission, treatment of HPV and cervical dysplasia, genital warts, and HPV & pregnancy (in that order). The type and frequency of public and private questions showed statistical differences between the 2 groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results show that when people consult an internet site about HPV, they actually want to seek about "treatment of HPV and cervical dysplasia", "HPV transmission", "HPV remission", "genital warts", and "risk of cervical cancer" (in this order). Also, our results showed that "genital warts" and "HPV & pregnancy" may have been considered embarrassing topics. Thus, these findings can be used to make informed recommendations for future clinical or internet-based communications with patients and the general public.

The quadruple test for Down syndrome screening in pregnant women of advanced maternal age.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the current study was to determine whether or not the quadruple test for screening Down syndrome is an effective method to replace direct amniocentesis in pregnant women ≥ 35 years of age. METHODS: This study analyzed the screening performance of the quadruple test according to maternal age at delivery among subjects who had a quadruple screening test at 1 of 4 hospitals during a 5-year period and for whom data on fetal chromosomal abnormalities were available. RESULTS: The study population of 9,435 pregnant women was divided into 3 groups according to maternal age: 6,922 women were < 35 years of age; 2,284 were 35-39 years of age; and 229 women ≥ 40 years of age. The detection and false-positive rates of the quadruple screening test for Down or Edward syndrome in the 3 groups of women were 80 and 6.6%, 200 and 15.8%, and 100 and 35.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Under conditions in which first trimester screening test is not available, the quadruple screening test is a better choice than direct amniocentesis for pregnancies complicated by advanced maternal age. When providing genetic counseling, we need to explain the accurate detection and false-positive rates of the screening test according to maternal age.

Cell-mediated immune response to human papillomavirus 16 E7 peptide pools in patients with cervical neoplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To identify characteristics of the cell-mediated immune (CMI) response to human papillomavirus-16 (HPV) E7 viral peptide pools to help the formulation of therapeutic vaccines. DESIGN: Prospective study. Population. Korean women. SETTING: University hospital. METHODS: From December 2008 to August 2010, 33 HPV-16-positive patients, seven patients exhibiting a high-risk HPV infection other than HPV-16 with grade 2/3 cervical intraepithelial neoplasm (CIN2/3), and nine healthy control donors were enrolled. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: CMI response to synthetic HPV-16 E7 overlapping peptide pools using the IFN-γ ELISPOT assay. RESULTS: The E7 sequence comprising amino acids 16-55 was a major immunogenic region. The CMI response to HPV-16 E7 is highly type-specific. The follow-up CMI response may last longer than expected after the lesion is resected. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the E7 sequence comprising amino acids 16-55 is a major immunogenic region that is critical for the T-cell-mediated immune response with CIN2/3 or cervical cancer. The identification of CMI responses to HPV-16 E7 peptide pools may provide insight into therapeutic vaccine trials for the control of HPV-associated diseases.

Lymphedema in Endometrial Cancer Survivor: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological cancer in developed countries. Treatment-related lymphedema negatively affects the quality of life and function of patients. This study investigated the cumulative incidence and risk factors of, and utilization of health care resources for, lymphedema in patients with endometrial cancer. METHODS: We conducted a nationwide, retrospective cohort study of women with endometrial cancer who underwent cancer-direct treatment using the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database. Patients were categorized by age, region, income, and treatment modality. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to analyze the incidence and risk factors of lymphedema. We also analyzed utilization of health care resources for lymphedema using diagnostic and treatment claim codes. RESULTS: A total of 19,027 patients with endometrial cancer were evaluated between January 2004 and December 2017. Among them, 2493 (13.1%) developed lymphedema. Age (<40 years, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1 vs. 40-59 years, aOR = 1.413; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.203-1.66 vs. 60+ years, aOR = 1.472; 95% CI 1.239-1.748) and multimodal treatment (surgery only, aOR = 1 vs. surgery + radiation + chemotherapy, aOR = 2.571; 95% CI 2.27-2.912) are considered to be possible risk factors for lymphedema in patients with endometrial cancer (p < 0.001). The utilization of health care resources for the treatment of lymphedema has increased over the years. CONCLUSIONS: Lymphedema is a common complication affecting women with endometrial cancer and leads to an increase in national healthcare costs. Post-treatment surveillance of lymphedema, especially in high-risk groups, is needed.

Specific human papillomavirus types and other factors on the risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: a case-control study in Korea.

OBJECTIVE: Cervical neoplasia is attributed to a persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. We performed a hospital-based, case-control study to evaluate the associations of HPV genotypes and other cofactors with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). METHODS: A total of 158 women were enrolled after we received their informed consent, and the control group (the non-CIN group; n = 80) was selected from women at St Paul's Health Promotion Center. The CIN group (n = 78) was enrolled from the outpatient clinics at Kangnam St Mary's Hospital. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia was confirmed with colposcopic-guided biopsy or loop electrosurgical excision procedure-conization. A structured questionnaire, Papanicolaou test, and HPV testing were completed. We compared each risk factor using chi2 tests and simple logistic regression analysis between the CIN and non-CIN groups. Finally, odds ratios (ORs) were calculated again by multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The most frequent HPV types in CIN were HPV-16, HPV-58, HPV-31/-33, and HPV-35/-56. The OR of the A9 group (HPV-16, HPV-31, HPV-33, HPV-35, HPV-52, HPV-58) was 22.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.3-62.5), that of the A6 group (HPV-53, HPV-56, HPV-66) was 2.9 (95% CI, 1.1-7.5), and that of the A7 group (HPV-18, HPV-39, HPV-45, HPV-59, HPV-68) was 1.5. Sexual debut before 20 years old had significantly higher OR than did a sexual debut after 30 years (OR, 32.9; 95% CI, 2.8-364.7). The OR for CIN in single women versus married women was 6.2 (95% CI, 2.5-15.2). Compared with parous women (parity >3), nonparous women had a higher OR (95% CI, 1.4-16.7). On the multiple logistic regression analysis including the sexual debut age, the marital status, parity, cytology, and the HPV groups, the A9 group had a significant OR for CIN (6.1; 95% CI, 1.6-23.6). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of CIN was higher for women infected with the HPV-A9 group after multiple logistic regression analysis. The other clinical risk factors were not significant factors of CIN.

Does the type of hysterectomy affect the prognosis in clinical stage I endometrial cancer?

AIM: To determine whether clinical outcomes show a benefit from extended hysterectomy in patients with early endometrial cancer. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 101 patients who had endometrial cancer with clinical stage I disease. All the patients were surgically staged, and two types of hysterectomy, simple hysterectomy (SH) or extended hysterectomy (EH), were performed by surgeon's preference. The postoperative pathology findings, recurrence rate and disease-free survivals (DFS) between the two groups were compared. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients and thirty-five patients underwent SH and EH, respectively. At subsequent surgical staging, seven patients (10.6%) in the SH and four (11.4%) in EH group were upgraded to stage II or III disease. The surgical and pathological features were not different between the groups. Though the recurrence rate was lower in the EH group (9.09% for SH vs 2.86% for EH), it showed no statistical significance (P = 0.241). The 5-year DFS (88.2% for SH vs 96.0% for EH) showed no statistically significant difference between the groups either (P = 0.242). CONCLUSION: Compared to SH, EH did not have any prognostic benefit in clinical stage I endometrial cancer. Until the therapeutic role of the EH is determined by further studies using a larger sample size, SH remains the treatment of choice in patients with early endometrial cancer, and surgeons should not perform extended operation without definite evidence of the disease.