Accuracy of endometrial sampling in the diagnosis of endometrial cancer: a multicenter retrospective analysis of the JAGO-NOGGO.

BACKGROUND: Accurate preoperative molecular and histological risk stratification is essential for effective treatment planning in endometrial cancer. However, inconsistencies between pre- and postoperative tumor histology have been reported in previous studies. To address this issue and identify risk factors related to inaccurate histologic diagnosis after preoperative endometrial evaluation, we conducted this retrospective analysis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis involving 375 patients treated for primary endometrial cancer in five different gynaecological departments in Germany. Histological assessments of curettage and hysterectomy specimens were collected and evaluated. RESULTS: Preoperative histologic subtype was confirmed in 89.5% of cases and preoperative tumor grading in 75.2% of cases. Higher rates of histologic subtype variations (36.84%) were observed for non-endometrioid carcinomas. Non-endometrioid (OR 4.41) histology and high-grade (OR 8.37) carcinomas were identified as predictors of diverging histologic subtypes, while intermediate (OR 5.04) and high grading (OR 3.94) predicted diverging tumor grading. CONCLUSION: When planning therapy for endometrial cancer, the limited accuracy of endometrial sampling, especially in case of non-endometrioid histology or high tumor grading, should be carefully considered.

Ovarian cancer management in an ESGO ovarian cancer center of excellence: a systematic case study of the interprofessional and interdisciplinary interaction.

PURPOSE: With growing knowledge about ovarian cancer over the last decades, diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of ovarian cancer patients have become highly specialized, and an individually adapted approach should be made in each woman by interdisciplinary cooperation. The present study aims to show the variety and extent of medical specialties involved at our institution according to the European Society of Gynecologic Oncology (ESGO) Quality indicators (QI). METHODS: A woman, diagnosed with high-grade ovarian cancer, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) class IVb was selected for a single case observational study. The observation period (total = 22d) comprised preoperative diagnostic procedures, including imaging, the in-patient stay for cytoreductive surgery, and the postoperative course and case discussion at our interdisciplinary tumor board. Data were obtained by self-reporting and by patient file review. RESULTS: Patient tracking demonstrated an interdisciplinary cooperation of 12 medical specialties [62 physicians (63% male, 37% female)], 8 different types of nursing staff [n = 59 (22% male, 78% female)], and 9 different types of perioperative/administrative staff (n = 23; male 17,4%, female n = 19, 82,6%). Contact with the patient was direct (n = 199; 76%) or without face-to-face interaction (n = 63; 24%). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates the high diversity of physicians and the affiliated medical staff, as well as interdisciplinary intersections within teams of a specialized hospital. Matching the ESGO QIs, this report underlines the requirement of an adequate infrastructure for the complex management of advanced ovarian cancer patients. Future prospective studies are warranted to evaluate the specific procedures and actions to optimize the interprofessional and interdisciplinary workflows.

Training in obstetrics and gynecology between reality and vision: results of a JAGO-NOGGO survey in 601 physicians (NOGGO-Monitor-12 trial).

PURPOSE: The primary objective of this study was to establish a benchmark by collecting baseline data on surgical education in obstetrics and gynecology in Germany, including factual number of operations performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A nationwide anonymous survey was conducted in Germany between January 2019 and July 2019 utilizing a specially designed questionnaire which addressed both residents and senior trainers. RESULTS: A total of 601 participants completed the survey, comprising 305 trainees and 296 trainers. The trainees reported performing a median of 125 non-obstetric surgeries (IQR: 41-332) and 75 obstetric procedures (IQR: 27-168) independently. While most last-year residents managed to meet the targeted numbers for minor surgical procedures outlined in the logbook, they fell short of achieving the required numbers for major operations, such as hysterectomies or more complex laparoscopies. Although both trainees and trainers emphasized the significance of surgical training, the overall quality of the training was rated poorly, particularly by trainees. This was attributed to a high proportion of administrative tasks and a deficiency in teaching time within the operating theater. External fellowship and mentoring programs, as well as the implementation of regular, centralized reviews of residency training, were identified as potentially beneficial by both trainees and trainers. CONCLUSION: The findings of this survey should serve as a wake-up call both within and outside of Germany, highlighting the importance of comprehensive and structured surgical training to enhance long-term patient care and increase satisfaction among obstetrics and gynecology trainees.

How to break bad news and how to learn this skill: results from an international North-Eastern German Society for Gynecological Oncology (NOGGO) survey among physicians and medical students with 1089 participants

BACKGROUND: Delivering bad news to patients is one of the most challenging tasks in medical practice. Despite its great relevance to patients, relatives, and medical staff, there is a paucity of data pertaining to training, experience, expectations, and preferences of physicians and medical students on breaking bad news. METHODS: We conducted an international survey in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria using an online questionnaire among physicians and medical students. RESULTS: A total of 786 physicians and 303 medical students completed the survey. Physicians stated that 32.7% deliver bad news several times a week and 45.2% several times a month. Difficulties controlling their emotions (35.1%) and remaining professional (43.4%) were the greatest challenges for physicians. Delivering bad news is associated with feelings of anxiety, both among experienced physicians (median of 3.8 out of 10.0) and medical students (median of 5.3). Conveying bad news is a burden to physicians and consequently has a substantial impact on their job satisfaction. All participants reported the need for more communication training concerning this subject. Only 49.5% of medical students and 67.3% of physicians mentioned having learned adequate communication skills. Our data demonstrate that communication training decreases the level of anxiety and increases the feeling of self-confidence towards breaking bad news. Preferred educational tools were seminars with simulation (students: 71.4%, physicians: 49.5%), observing more senior faculty (students: 57.4%, physicians: 55.1%), and supervision and feedback sessions (students: 36.3%, physicians: 45.7%). The largest barriers regarding education on communication were limited time (students: 77.0%, physicians: 74.9%) and missing awareness of supervisors (students: 60.6%, physicians: 41.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed a great need for systematic training and education in breaking bad news among physicians and medical students. Hospitals, medical schools, and postgraduate training programs are strongly encouraged to fill this gap, and improve sustainable doctor-patient communication to overcome the psychological burden for physicians.

Treatment strategies in patients with gynecological sarcoma: Results of the prospective intergroup real-world registry for gynecological sarcoma in Germany (REGSA-NOGGO RU1).

OBJECTIVE: Gynecological sarcomas account for 3% of all gynecological malignancies and are associated with a poor prognosis. Due to the rarity and heterogeneity of gynecological sarcomas there is still no consensus on optimal therapeutic strategies. This study's objective was to describe the treatment strategies used in patients with gynecological sarcomas in the primary course of disease. METHODS: The German prospective registry for gynecological sarcoma (REGSA) is the largest registry for gynecological sarcomas in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Primary inclusion criteria for REGSA are histological diagnosis of sarcoma of the female genital tract, sarcoma of the breast or uterine smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP). We evaluated data of the REGSA registry on therapeutic strategies used for primary treatment from August 2015 to February 2021. RESULTS: A total of 723 patients from 120 centers were included. Data on therapeutic strategies for primary treatment were available in 605 cases. Overall, 580 (95.9%) patients underwent primary surgery, 472 (81.4%) of whom underwent only hysterectomy. Morcellation was reported in 11.4% (n=54) of all hysterectomies. A total of 42.8% (n=202) had no further surgical interventions, whereas an additional salpingo-ophorectomy was performed in 54% (n=255) of patients. An additional lymphadenectomy was performed in 12.7% (n=60), an omentectomy in 9.5% (n=45) and intestinal resection in 6.1% (n=29) of all patients. Among 448 patients with available information, 21.4% (n=96) received chemo- or targeted therapies, more commonly as single-agent treatment than as drug combinations. Information about anti-hormonal treatment was available for 423 patients, among which 42 (9.9%) received anti-hormonal treatment, 23 (54.8%) of whom with low-grade endometrial stroma sarcomas. For radiotherapy, data of 437 patients were available, among which 29 (6.6%) patients underwent radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that treatment of patients with gynecologic sarcomas is heterogeneous. Further trials are needed along with more information on treatment modalities, therapy response and patient-reported outcomes to implement new treatment strategies.

Predictive biomarker for surgical outcome in patients with advanced primary high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Are we there yet? An analysis of the prospective biobank for ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most common subtype of ovarian cancer and is associated with high mortality rates. Surgical outcome is one of the most important prognostic factors. There are no valid biomarkers to identify which patients may benefit from a primary debulking approach. OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to discover and validate a predictive panel for surgical outcome of residual tumor mass after first-line debulking surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Firstly, "In silico" analysis of publicly available datasets identified 200 genes as predictors for surgical outcome. The top selected genes were then validated using the novel Nanostring method, which was applied for the first time for this particular research objective. 225 primary ovarian cancer patients with well annotated clinical data and a complete debulking rate of 60% were compiled for a clinical cohort. The 14 best rated genes were then validated through the cohort, using immunohistochemistry testing. Lastly, we used our biomarker expression data to predict the presence of miliary carcinomatosis patterns. RESULTS: The Nanostring analysis identified 37 genes differentially expressed between optimal and suboptimal debulked patients (p < 0.05). The immunohistochemistry validated the top 14 genes, reaching an AUC Ø0.650. The analysis for the prediction of miliary carcinomatosis patterns reached an AUC of Ø0.797. CONCLUSION: The tissue-based biomarkers in our analysis could not reliably predict post-operative residual tumor. Patient and non-patient-associated co-factors, surgical skills, and center experience remain the main determining factors when considering the surgical outcome at primary debulking in high-grade serous ovarian cancer patients.

Survey on implementation of molecular testing in ovarian cancer and PARP inhibitor: a national North-Eastern German Society of Gynecologic Oncology/Young Academy of Gynecologic Oncology/Arbeitsgemeinschaft Gynäkologische Onkologie intergroup analysis.

BACKGROUND: Since the introduction of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, BRCA testing has evolved as a standard management in epithelial ovarian cancer. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the implementation of molecular testing and PARP inhibitor therapy in Germany. METHODS: The questionnaire contained 40 questions covering real-life data on genetic testing and the use of PARP inhibitors. It was divided into three main parts: basic demographics of respondents, genetic counseling and testing, and treatment with PARP inhibitors. The questionnaire was distributed via mail between August 2020 and May 2021. RESULTS: A total of 315 physicians participated in the survey, of whom 54.9% were specialized in the field of gynecologic oncology. Two-thirds of respondents (67.4%) stated that they tested more than 80% of patients with primary epithelial ovarian cancer for BRCA mutation; however, only 42.5% of gynecologists who performed genetic counseling had an additional qualification in subject-specific genetic counseling, which is mandatory for predictive genetic testing in Germany. The main reasons for failure of BRCA testing were patient refusal (54.6%) and organizational or logistical issues (31.7%). Only 13.7% of respondents felt sufficiently equipped with supportive information material on patient counseling, whereas a high need for information material was indicated by 86.3% of the respondents. Molecular tumor profiling to infer homologous recombination (HR) deficiency status was provided by only 53.3% of institutions. PARP inhibitors were applied on a regular basis by 62.1% of respondents. The most important criteria for selection of appropriate PARP inhibitor therapy were the side effect profile (78.2%) and efficacy (71.2%). The majority of respondents (66.5%) preferred a combination of olaparib and bevacizumab over PARP inhibitors alone in the frontline setting. CONCLUSION: Adequate structure for BRCA/HR deficiency testing, and systematic education programs are needed to prevent delay in counseling and undertreatment of women with epithelial ovarian cancer. In Germany, a combination of olaparib and bevacizumab seems to be the preferred treatment in the first-line setting.

Ten years of live surgical broadcast at Charité-MAYO conferences (2010-2019): a systematic evaluation of the surgical outcome.

OBJECTIVE: The international Charité-MAYO Conference aims to promote international dialog on diagnostics, management, scientific breakthroughs, and state-of-the-art surgical procedures in gynecology and gynecologic oncology and senology. Live surgeries are a fundamental tool of interdisciplinary and international exchange of experts in their respective fields. Currently, there is a controversial and emotional debate about the true value, risks, and safety of live surgical broadcasts. The aim of the current study is to analyze peri-operative risks in patients who were operated live during the Charité-MAYO Conferences. METHODS: Live surgeries were performed by the core Charité team consisting of gynecologic oncologic surgeons, breast and plastic surgeons, partly in collaboration with visiting gynecologic oncologic surgeons. We performed a retrospective analysis of live surgeries performed during seven Charité-MAYO Conferences from 2010 to 2019 held in Berlin, Germany. Patients' files and tumor databases were analyzed as required and patients were contacted to update their long-term follow-up. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients who were operated live were included. The types of surgery were as follows: urogynecologic procedures (n=13), breast surgery (n=21), and gynecologic oncology surgery for ovarian, uterine, vulvar or cervical cancer (n=35). Peri-operative complications were assessed according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Despite a high rate of complete resection and the high frequency of multivisceral procedures, the rate of peri-operative complications was within the range published in the literature. Time of surgery and length of intensive unit care and hospital stay did not differ from data acquired at the home institution. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our analysis, live surgeries appear to be safe when performed within a multidisciplinary setting without an increase in surgical morbidity and mortality compared with historical controls and without compromise of patients' outcome. This is the first analysis of its kind to set the basis for patient information and consent for this type of surgeries.

Secondary malignancies in long-term ovarian cancer survivors: results of the 'Carolin meets HANNA' study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the rate of secondary malignancies in long-term survivors with ovarian cancer. METHODS: Long-term survivors with ovarian cancer (survival ≥8 years after initial diagnosis) with multiple malignancies were identified within the Tumorbank Ovarian Cancer and our study 'Carolin meets HANNA - Holistic Analyses of Long-term Survivors with Ovarian Cancer'. RESULTS: Of a total of 225 long-term survivors with ovarian cancer, 36 patients (16%) had at least one more cancer diagnosis before, concomitant with, or after, ovarian cancer. Median age was 52.5 years (range 37-79). A total of 60% were diagnosed with stage III/IV and most tumors were high-grade (88.6%), as well as of serous histology (63.9%). Median overall survival was 10 years (range 8-19). Secondary cancer after ovarian cancer was found in 17 long-term survivors (7.6%). Breast cancer was the most frequent secondary malignancy. Median duration between diagnosis of primary ovarian cancer and secondary cancer diagnosis was 78.5 months (range 12-220). BRCA was tested in 11 patients with seven patients being BRCA1 and one patient BRCA2 positive. Secondary cancers were detected by screening in 35.3% and self-detected in 29.4% of patients (breast self-examination). CONCLUSION: A secondary malignancy was diagnosed in 7.6% of long-term survivors. Routine follow-up and cancer screening should be performed in long-term ovarian cancer survivors.

Perioperative management of positioning in gynecological cancersurgery: a national NOGGO-AGO intergroup survey.

INTRODUCTION: The daily clinical routine in the operating room includes patient positioning. The number of perioperative positioning-related complications is growing, along with the legal proceedings concerning this topic, and only a few guidelines exist to provide specific recommendations. The aim of this survey was to assess perioperative positioning and associated adverse events during gynecological cancer surgery in Germany. METHODS: A total of 633 gynecological departments of primary, secondary, and maximum healthcare hospitals in Germany were invited to participate in this multiple-choice online questionnaire. The survey was conducted anonymously for a period of six months. The survey was divided into five different sections: descriptive information about the respondent department, pre- and postoperative management, management of positioning in the operating room based on two fictional case examples, and quality management. RESULTS: The response rate of our survey was 29.1 % (184/633). Nearly half of the departments (46.7 %) reported to have had one to five patients with positioning-related complications during the prior 12 months, and 29.1 % had experienced a legal dispute due to positioning-related complications. Departments with more than 50 gynecologic-oncological surgeries per year more often reported positioning-related complications (p=0.003). Standard operating procedures exist in almost every department for laparoscopic (97 %) and open surgery (95.1 %), respectively. DISCUSSION: The high number of positioning-related complications throughout all departments of different healthcare levels underlines the relevance of this issue and supports the need for a prospective European registry for further analysis. Training and education for all staff members should be routinely implemented to reduce and prevent positioning-related complications.

Current practice and physicians' opinion about preoperative hair removal as a part of ERAS pathway implementation in gynecology and gynecology-oncology: a NOGGO-AGO survey of 148 gynecological departments in Germany.

PURPOSE: To gather standardized information about current practices and doctors' opinions on preoperative hair removal (PHR) from the surgical site and to evaluate the extent of PHR as one of the elements of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways that is established in the clinical routine in gynecology and gynecology-oncology departments in Germany. METHODS: We performed a nationwide survey among 638 primary, secondary and tertiary health care gynecological departments in Germany. Data were obtained by sending a multiple-choice questionnaire about preoperative management of hair removal. The authors also evaluated the awareness of doctors regarding PHR as well as the method and time frames of PHR. The results were compared to the existing standard of procedure (SOP) and guidelines. RESULTS: 148 units (23.2%) took part in the survey; participants in the survey were mostly chief physicians in 47.3% of the cases. Half (50.7%) of all the responses came from certified gynecological cancer centers. A SOP regarding PHR was reported as present in 113 clinics (76.4%). 83.8% of all units are performing PHR for midline laparotomy, 52.7% in laparoscopic operations, and 45.3% in vaginal operations. 48% used a clipper, while 43.2% utilized a single-use razor. 56.1% shaved instantly before the operation, whereas 35.8% did it the day before and earlier. 40.3% of chief physicians believe that PHR causes more surgical site infections (SSI) compared to only 11.5% of junior doctors. CONCLUSION: PHR in gynecological departments in Germany is performed very heterogeneously and SOPs are often not based on guidelines and ERAS principles. Around one-third of the German gynecological clinics keep strictly to the guidelines. The awareness on PHR and SSI among junior doctors is very low.

Incidence Patterns and Survival of Gynecological Sarcoma in Germany: Analysis of Population-Based Cancer Registry Data on 1066 Women.

OBJECTIVE: Sarcomas of the female genital tract are rare tumors. They are described to be associated with a poor prognosis when compared with gynecogical carcinoma. The aim of this study was to report incidence patterns and survival rates for gynecological sarcoma (GS) in Germany. METHODS/MATERIALS: Clinical data and survival rates for patients with GS diagnosed in Germany between 2009 and 2013 were extracted from the German national center for population-based cancer registry data. Incidence patterns and 5-year relative survival rates were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 1066 GSs were included in our analysis during a 5-year time span. The uterus was the most common site, with 87.9% of all cases. The annual age-standardized incidence rate (old European standard) was 8.7 per 1 million women for all GSs. The median age at diagnosis was 59 years. The prognosis ranged according to site, stage, and subtype, for example, from a 5-year relative survival of 53.0% (uterine leiomyosarcoma) if confined to the pelvis, to a very good 5-year relative survival of 97.2% (endometrial stromal sarcoma). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the rareness of GS, the size of the data set allows for a differentiation of subtypes according to morphology and site of origin. Clinically relevant differences in incidence and prognosis between subgroups were observed.

HE4 expression in plasma correlates with surgical outcome and overall survival in patients with first ovarian cancer relapse.

BACKGROUND: Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains the main cause of mortality due to gynecological malignancies. Optimal tumor debulking and platinum response are the most important prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) in primary EOC. In the setting of recurrence, the role of cytoreduction is not clear. A critical point is to predict preoperatively the subgroup of patients with optimal surgical outcome. The aim of the study was to analyze the predictive role of HE4 for surgical outcome and platinum response in EOC patients experiencing a first relapse. Secondary aims were the prognostic role of HE4 for OS and progression-free survival (PFS). METHODS: Plasma was obtained before secondary cytoreduction from 73 EOC patients. A total of 66.7 % underwent a total macroscopic tumor clearance; 86.3 % of the patients had disease that responded to platinum therapy. HE4 was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. For statistical analysis, the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, Kendall's tau b, and Mann-Whitney U test were used. OS, PFS rates, and respective 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were estimated according to the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: At a HE4 cutoff value of 250 pMk, a sensitivity of 52 % and a specificity of 93.8 % (p = 0.001, 95 % CI 0.601-0.861) were reached in predicting total macroscopic tumor clearance. Plasma HE4 concentrations together with platinum response were the only independent prognostic factors for OS (p < 0.001, hazard ratio [HR] 18.77, 95 % CI 4.68-75.25; and p = 0.044, HR 3.33, 95 % CI 1.03-10.7, respectively). Together with ascites, HE4 was the only independent predictive factor for surgical outcome (p = 0.029, odds ratio [OR] 7.2, 95 % CI 1.22-42.19 and p = 0.036, OR 10.18, 95 % CI 1.16-88.69, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: HE4 is an independent predictive marker for surgical outcome and OS in patients with recurrent EOC. Larger population studies are needed to validate these results.

Impact of ascites on the perioperative course of patients with advanced ovarian cancer undergoing extensive cytoreduction: results of a study on 119 patients.

OBJECTIVE: Cytoreductive surgery for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the cornerstone of multimodal therapy and considered as a high-risk surgery because of extensive multivisceral procedures. In most patients, ascites is present, but its impact on the surgical and clinical outcomes is unclear. METHODS: One hundred nineteen patients undergoing surgical cytoreduction because of EOC between 2005 and 2008 were included. All surgical data and the individual tumor pattern were collected systematically based on a validated documentation tool (intraoperative mapping of ovarian cancer) during primary surgery. The amount of ascites was determined at the time of surgery, and 3 groups were classified (no ascites [NOA, n = 56], low amount of ascites [< 500 mL, n = 42], and high amount of ascites [HAS > 500 mL, n = 21]). RESULTS: Group NOA compared with HAS showed less transfusions of packed red blood cells (median [quartiles], 0 [0-2] vs 0 [0-2] vs 3 [1-4] U; P < 0.001) and fresh frozen plasma (median [quartiles], 0 [0-2] vs 0 [0-4] vs 2 [2-6] U; P < 0.001). In addition, in patients with ascites, noradrenaline was administered more frequently and in higher doses. The postoperative length of stay in the intensive care unit was significantly shorter in the NOA versus the group with low amount of ascites and HAS (median [quartiles], 1 [0-1] vs 1 [0-2] vs 2 [1-5] days; P < 0.001). The hospital length of stay is extended in HAS compared with that in NOA (median [quartiles], 16 [13-20] vs 17 [14-22] vs 21 [17-41] days; P = 0.004). Postoperative complications were increased in patients with ascites at the time of surgery (P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a high amount of ascites at cytoreductive surgery because of EOC is associated with higher amounts of blood transfusions, whereas the length of hospital stay and the postoperative intensive care unit treatment are significantly prolonged compared with those of patients without ascites.

Sexuality as a Prognostic Factor-Results of an Individual Patient Data NOGGO (North-Eastern German Society of Gynecological Oncology)-Meta-Analysis of 644 Recurrent Ovarian Cancer Patients Prior to Chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the associations between sexuality, quality of life, treatment discontinuation, and survival in recurrent ovarian cancer (OC). METHODS: Raw data from various phase II/III studies, including the questionnaires EORTC-QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OV28, were included. Data from the meta-analysis were calculated using logistic and Cox regression. RESULTS: Data on sexuality were available for 644 patients. A total of 162 patients had an interest in sex and were sexually active (Group A). A total of 45 patients had an interest in sex and were sexually not active (Group I) and 437 patients had no interest in sex and were not sexually active (Group N). Group A was younger in median age (age at randomization), at 57 years, than Group I, at 60 years, and Group N, at 65 years (p < 0.001). Group A had a better ECOG performance status and fewer recurrences (all p < 0.001). FIGO stage, grading, and BMI were not associated with interest in sex and sexual activity. Group A showed higher scores in role, body, and social function (all p < 0.001), emotional functionality (p < 0.002), and body image (p = 0.012). In addition, Group A reported less pain, less peripheral neuropathy, and less fatigue (all p < 0.001). There was no association with the premature discontinuation of chemotherapy. Group A showed better survival rates compared to group N (22.3 months vs. 17.4 months, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Physicians should routinely address the topic of sexuality with ovarian cancer patients. Sexuality appears to be a marker for quality of life as well as overall survival.

Salvage surgery due to bowel obstruction in advanced or relapsed ovarian cancer resulting in short bowel syndrome and long-life total parenteral nutrition: surgical and clinical outcome.

OBJECTIVE: Salvage surgery for patients with highly advanced or relapsed epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) complicated by bowel obstruction and resulting in short bowel syndrome (SBS) constitutes a therapeutic dilemma. Our aim was to evaluate surgical and clinical outcome in these highly palliative situations. METHODS: We evaluated all patients with EOC who underwent salvage extraperitoneal en bloc intestinal resection with terminal ileostomy or jejunostomy resulting in SBS and total parenteral nutrition owing to bowel obstruction between May 2003 and January 2012 in our institution. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were identified (median age, 58 years; range, 22-71 years), 3 (8.1%) with primary and 34 (91.6%) with relapsed EOC. Five patients (13.5%) were platinum sensitive. Median residual intestinal length was 70 cm (range, 10-180 cm); 21 patients (56.8%) had a residual intestinal length less than 1 m. Operative 30-day mortality and major morbidity rates were 10% and 51%, respectively. Median overall survival was 5.6 months (range, 0.1-49 months). One-year and 2-year overall survival rates were 18.3% (95% confidence interval, 5.1%-31.5%) and 8.1% (95% confidence interval, 0%-18.0)%, respectively. Within a median follow-up period of 5 months (range, 0.2-49 months), 4 patients (10.8%) are still alive. No significant differences in survival were seen between patients with or without major complications, tumor residuals, or residual intestinal length of less than 1 m versus greater than 1 m. CONCLUSIONS: Salvage palliative surgery in EOC due to bowel obstruction resulting in SBS and in need of long-life total parenteral nutrition is associated with high morbidity rates and low overall survival. These surgeries should ideally be performed only in a multidisciplinary setting with adequate infrastructure and possibility of home care support. Conservative management should be the route of action in the absence of acute abdomen or intestinal perforation.

Expression of epithelial cell adhesion molecule in paired tumor samples of patients with primary and recurrent serous ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Ovarian cancer (OC) recurrence constitutes a therapeutic dilemma with various novel targeted agents emerging that offer alternative treatment options. The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) expression profiles in paired tumor samples of patients with OC relapse. METHODS: EpCAM expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry using the avidin-biotin-complex method on paraffin-embedded OC tissues obtained at primary surgery as well as on corresponding tumor samples of the same patients at relapse. The EpCAM overexpression was defined as 76% to 100% of tumor cells positively stained for EpCAM. Clinical data were collected within the Tumorbank Ovarian Cancer Network. RESULTS: Nineteen patients with serous OC histology were included in the study (median age at primary diagnosis, 50 years; range, 40-74 years). The majority of the patients (95%) presented with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage III/IV, and 68.4% of the tumors were poorly differentiated. A complete macroscopic tumor resection could be achieved in 15 patients (78.9%) at diagnosis. Epithelial cell adhesion molecule overexpression was detected in 17 (89%) of the primary and 16 (84%) of the recurrent tumors (P = 1.0); hence, no significant change of the EpCAM expression profile could be identified over time. CONCLUSIONS: Epithelial cell adhesion molecule expression profile appears to remain stable during the course from the primary throughout the relapse of serous OC. The results indicate that EpCAM might be an interesting therapeutic target structure in serous OC.

Real-World Evidence: How Long Do Our Patients Fast?-Results from a Prospective JAGO-NOGGO-Multicenter Analysis on Perioperative Fasting in 924 Patients with Malignant and Benign Gynecological Diseases.

BACKGROUND: Despite the key role of optimized fasting in modern perioperative patient management, little current data exist on perioperative fasting intervals in routine clinical practice. METHODS: In this multicenter prospective study, the length of pre- and postoperative fasting intervals was assessed with the use of a specifically developed questionnaire. Between 15 January 2021 and 31 May 2022, 924 gynecology patients were included, from 13 German gynecology departments. RESULTS: On average, patients remained fasting for about three times as long as recommended for solid foods (17:02 ± 06:54 h) and about five times as long as recommended for clear fluids (9:21 ± 5:48 h). The average perioperative fasting interval exceeded one day (28:23 ± 14:02 h). Longer fasting intervals were observed before and after oncological or extensive procedures, while shorter preoperative fasting intervals were reported in the participating university hospitals. Smoking, treatment in a non-university hospital, an increased Charlson Comorbidity Index and extensive surgery were significant predictors of longer preoperative fasting from solid foods. In general, prolonged preoperative fasting was tolerated well and quality of patient information was perceived as good. CONCLUSION: Perioperative fasting intervals were drastically prolonged in this cohort of 924 gynecology patients. Our data indicate the need for better patient education about perioperative fasting.

Perioperative advanced haemodynamic monitoring of patients undergoing multivisceral debulking surgery: an observational pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing high-risk surgery show haemodynamic instability and an increased risk of morbidity. However, most of the available data concentrate on the intraoperative period. This study aims to characterise patients with advanced haemodynamic monitoring throughout the whole perioperative period using electrical cardiometry. METHODS: In a prospective, observational, monocentric pilot study, electrical cardiometry measurements were obtained using an Osypka ICON™ monitor before surgery, during surgery, and repeatedly throughout the hospital stay for 30 patients with primary ovarian cancer undergoing multivisceral cytoreductive surgery. Severe postoperative complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification were used as a grouping criterion. RESULTS: The relative change from the baseline to the first intraoperative timepoint showed a reduced heart rate (HR, median - 19 [25-quartile - 26%; 75-quartile - 10%]%, p < 0.0001), stroke volume index (SVI, - 9.5 [- 15.3; 3.2]%, p = 0.0038), cardiac index (CI, - 24.5 [- 32; - 13]%, p < 0.0001) and index of contractility (- 17.5 [- 35.3; - 0.8]%, p < 0.0001). Throughout the perioperative course, patients had intraoperatively a reduced HR and CI (both p < 0.0001) and postoperatively an increased HR (p < 0.0001) and CI (p = 0.016), whereas SVI was unchanged. Thoracic fluid volume increased continuously versus preoperative values and did not normalise up to the day of discharge. Patients having postoperative complications showed a lower index of contractility (p = 0.0435) and a higher systolic time ratio (p = 0.0008) over the perioperative course in comparison to patients without complications, whereas the CI (p = 0.3337) was comparable between groups. One patient had to be excluded from data analysis for not receiving the planned surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial decreases in HR, SVI, CI, and index of contractility occurred from the day before surgery to the first intraoperative timepoint. HR and CI were altered throughout the perioperative course. Patients with postoperative complications differed from patients without complications in the markers of cardiac function, a lower index of contractility and a lower SVI. The analyses of trends over the whole perioperative time course by using non-invasive technologies like EC seem to be useful to identify patients with altered haemodynamic parameters and therefore at an increased risk for postoperative complications after major surgery.