Modifiable pre-treatment factors are associated with quality of life in women with gynaecological cancers at diagnosis and one year later: Results from the HORIZONS UK national cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Personalised care requires the identification of modifiable risk factors so that interventions can be implemented rapidly following a gynaecological cancer diagnosis. Our objective was to determine what pre-treatment factors are associated with quality of life (QOL) at baseline (pre-treatment) and 12 months. METHODS: 1222 women with a confirmed diagnosis of endometrial, ovarian, cervical or vulvar cancer from 82 UK NHS hospitals agreed to complete questionnaires at baseline, three and 12 months. Questionnaires included measures of QOL, health, lifestyle, support and self-management. The primary outcome measure was QOL as measured by Quality of Life in Adult Cancer Survivors (QLACS). Sites provided clinical data at baseline, six and 12 months. Linear regression models were constructed to examine the association between baseline characteristics and QOL outcomes. RESULTS: QOL declined between baseline and 3 months, followed by an improvement at 12 months. Baseline (pre-treatment) factors associated with worse QOL at both baseline and 12 months were depression, anxiety, living in a more deprived area and comorbidities which limit daily activities, whereas higher self-efficacy and age of 50+ years were associated with better QOL. CONCLUSIONS: Depression, anxiety and self-efficacy are modifiable risk factors that can impact on QOL. Screening for these, and assessment of whether comorbidities limit daily activities, should be incorporated in a holistic needs assessment and interventions to improve self-efficacy should be made available. Care can then be personalised from the outset to enable all women with a gynaecological cancer the opportunity to have the best QOL.

Universal social needs assessment in gynecologic oncology: An important step toward more informed and targeted care in the public safety net.

BACKGROUND: Social needs are actionable mediators of social determinants of health. Along with distress, they affect quality of life and survival in patients with cancer. The objectives of this study were to identify the most common social needs and distress in a largely immigrant gynecologic oncology patient population at a public safety-net hospital and to evaluate for specific needs associated with distress and poor outcomes. METHODS: This was a prospective, survey-based cohort study of patients who participated in a performance-improvement initiative offering social needs assessment and distress screening. Patients provided sociodemographic information and completed validated surveys adapted from the Health Leads Social Needs Screening Toolkit, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer, and the Emotion Thermometers Tool. Associations between social needs, distress, and treatment outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 135 women were included. Of these, 65.2% had at least 1 unmet social need, and 36.3% screened positive for distress. Help reading hospital materials (30.4%) was the most frequently reported need. Social isolation (odds ratio [OR], 3.65; 95% CI, 1.35-9.9; P = .01) and lack of safety at home (OR, 4.90; 95% CI, 2.23-10.62; P = .0001) were associated with distress. Perceived lack of finances for medical care (OR, 5.69; 95% CI, 1.12-28.9; P = .036) and lack of transportation (OR, 20.5; 95% CI, 2.69-156.7; P = .004) were associated with nonadherence-related treatment interruption, whereas positive distress scores were associated with interruption because of comorbidities or treatment-related toxicities (OR, 20.5; 95% CI, 1.5-268.6; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Systematically identifying social needs and developing interventions aimed at mitigating them may lead to more actionable health care disparities research and affect treatment outcomes. LAY SUMMARY: Social needs are individual-level social conditions that drive health disparities. In this survey-based study, the objective was to identify common social needs and how these relate to distress and poor health outcomes in a largely immigrant and underserved gynecologic oncology patient population. The authors found that greater than one-third of patients screened positive for distress, nearly two-thirds had at least 1 unmet social need, and these factors were associated with emergency room visits, hospital admissions, and treatment interruptions. These findings suggest that screening for universal social needs allows providers to identify unrecognized needs and implement interventions to mitigate distress and improve health outcomes.

Rare clinical manifestations of primary peritoneal serous carcinoma presenting as colorectal cancer: A report of two cases.

OBJECTIVE: To report two cases of for primary peritoneal serous carcinoma (PPSC) to present with gastrointestinal manifestations that mimic colorectal cancer. CASE REPORT: There were two patients with initial presentations of fatigue with iron deficiency anemia, and tenesmus with bloody stool. Tumors of the ascending colon and rectum were detected by colonofiberoscope, and pathologic reports of tumor biopsies revealed adenocarcinoma of suspected gynecologic origin. Both patients underwent optimal debulking surgery without macroscopic residual tumor, and then received adjuvant carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy with bevacizumab. CONCLUSIONS: PPSC can clinically present like primary colorectal carcinoma. The differential diagnosis requires special staining of several markers for tumor tissues.

Prevalence of Anemia and Compliance With NCCN Guidelines for Evaluation and Treatment of Anemia in Patients With Gynecologic Cancer.

BACKGROUND: NCCN recommends evaluation and treatment of all patients with cancer who have anemia. Few studies have evaluated the prevalence of anemia among patients with gynecologic cancer and compliance with the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for Hematopoietic Growth Factors. METHODS: We performed a single-institution retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with primary gynecologic cancer between 2008 and 2018. We identified tumor registry-confirmed patients using ICD-O codes from the Synthetic Derivative database, a deidentified copy of Vanderbilt's electronic medical records. Patients were included if they were between ages 18 and 89 years, received initial care at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and had a hemoglobin measurement within the first 6 months of diagnosis. Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin level ≤11 g/dL and was graded using CTCAE version 5.0. RESULTS: A total of 939 patients met inclusion criteria, with a median age of 60 years. The most common malignancy was uterine cancer. At the time of cancer diagnosis, 186 patients (20%) were noted to have anemia. Within 6 months of diagnosis, 625 patients (67%) had anemia, of whom 200 (32%) had grade 3 anemia and 209 (33%) underwent any evaluation of anemia, including 80 (38%) with iron studies performed. Of the patients with iron studies performed, 7 (9%) had absolute iron deficiency and 7 (9%) had possible functional iron deficiency. Among those with anemia within 6 months of diagnosis, 260 (42%) received treatment for anemia, including blood transfusion (n=205; 79%), oral iron (n=57; 22%), intravenous iron (n=8; 3%), vitamin B12 (n=37; 14%), and folate supplementation (n=7; 3%). Patients with ovarian cancer were significantly more likely to have anemia and undergo evaluation and treatment of anemia. CONCLUSIONS: Anemia is pervasive among patients with gynecologic cancer, but compliance with the NCCN Guidelines is low. Our data suggest that there are opportunities for improvement in the evaluation and management of anemia.

Gynecologic Considerations for the Urologic Surgeon.

While gynecologic malignancy is uncommon in women with conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse and bladder cancer, urologists should be acquainted with the relevant gynecologic literature as it pertains to their surgical care of female patients. While taking the patient history, urologists should be aware of prior cervical cancer screening and ask about vaginal bleeding, which can be a sign of uterine cancer. Urologic surgeons should also discuss the role of concomitant prophylactic oophorectomy and/or salpingectomy for ovarian cancer risk reduction at the time of pelvic surgery. An understanding of basic tests, such as a transvaginal sonogram, can help urologists provide comprehensive care.

Basic social resource needs screening in the gynecologic oncology clinic: a quality improvement initiative.

BACKGROUND: Social determinants of health are known to contribute to disparities in health outcomes. Routine screening for basic social needs is not a part of standard care; however, the association of those needs with increased healthcare utilization and poor compliance with guideline-directed care is well established. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to assess the prevalence of basic social resource needs identified through a quality improvement initiative in a gynecologic oncology outpatient clinic. In addition, we aimed to identify clinical and demographic factors associated with having basic social resource needs. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a prospective cohort study of women presenting to a gynecologic oncology clinic at an urban academic institution who were screened for basic social resource needs as part of a quality improvement initiative from July 2017 to May 2018. The following 8 domains of resource needs were assessed: food insecurity, housing insecurity, utility needs, financial strain, transportation, childcare, household items, and difficulty reading hospital materials. Women with needs were referred to resources to address those needs. Demographic and clinical information were collected for each patient. The prevalence of needs and successful follow-up interventions were calculated. Patient factors independently associated with having at least 1 basic social resource need were identified using multivariable Poisson regression. RESULTS: A total of 752 women were screened in the study period, of whom 274 (36%) reported 1 or more basic social resource need, with a median of 1 (range, 1-7) need. Financial strain was the most commonly reported need (171 of 752, 23%), followed by transportation (119 of 752, 16%), difficulty reading hospital materials (54 of 752, 7%), housing insecurity (31 of 752, 4%), food insecurity (28 of 752, 4%), household items (22 of 752, 3%), childcare (15 of 752, 2%), and utility needs (13 of 752, 2%). On multivariable analysis, independent factors associated with having at least 1 basic social resource need were being single, divorced or widowed, nonwhite race, current smoker, nonprivate insurance, and a history of anxiety or depression. A total of 36 of 274 (13%) women who screened positive requested assistance and were referred to resources to address those needs. Of the 36 women, 25 (69%) successfully accessed a resource or felt equipped to address their needs, 9 (25%) could not be reached despite repeated attempts, and 2 (6%) declined assistance. CONCLUSION: Basic social resource needs are prevalent in women presenting to an urban academic gynecologic oncology clinic and can be identified and addressed through routine screening. To help mitigate ongoing disparities in this population, screening for and addressing basic social resource needs should be incorporated into routine comprehensive care in gynecologic oncology clinics.

Roles of Medicinal Plants and Constituents in Gynecological Cancer Therapy: Current Literature and Future Directions.

Gynecologic cancers, including cervical, primary peritoneal, ovarian, uterine/endometrial, vaginal and vulvar cancers and gestational trophoblastic disease, are characterized by abnormal cell proliferation in female reproductive cells. Due to the variable pathology of these cancers and the lack of appropriate screening tests in developing countries, cancer diagnosis can be reported in advanced stages in most women and this situation adversely affects prognosis and clinical outcomes of illness. For this reason, many researchers in the field of gynecological oncology have carried out many studies. The treatment of various gynecological problems, which cause physical, biological and psychosocial conditions such as fear, shame, blame and anger, has been important throughout the history. Treatment with herbs has become popular nowadays due to the serious side effects of the synthetic drugs used in treatment and the medical and economical problems caused by them. Many scientists have identified various active drug substances through in vivo and in vitro biological activity studies on medicinal plants from the past to the present. While the intrinsic complexity of natural product-based drug discoveries requires highly integrated interdisciplinary approaches, scientific and technological advances and research trends clearly show that natural products will be among the most important new drug sources in the future. In this review, an overview of the studies conducted for the discovery of multitargeted drug molecules in the rational treatment of gynecological cancers is presented.

British Gynaecological Cancer Society recommendations and guidance on patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU).

The National Cancer Survivorship Initiative through the National Health Service (NHS) improvement in the UK started the implementation of stratified pathways of patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU) across various tumor types. Now the initiative is continued through the Living With and Beyond Cancer program by NHS England. Evidence from non-randomized studies and systematic reviews does not demonstrate a survival advantage to the long-established practice of hospital-based follow-up regimens, traditionally over 5 years. Evidence shows that patient needs are inadequately met under the traditional follow-up programs and there is therefore an urgent need to adapt pathways to the needs of patients. The assumption that hospital-based follow-up is able to detect cancer recurrences early and hence improve patient prognosis has not been validated. A recent survey demonstrates that follow-up practice across the UK varies widely, with telephone follow-up clinics, nurse-led clinics and PIFU becoming increasingly common. There are currently no completed randomized controlled trials in PIFU in gynecological malignancies, although there is a drive towards implementing PIFU. PIFU aims to individualize patient care, based on risk of recurrence and holistic needs, and optimizing resources. The British Gynaecological Cancer Society wishes to provide the gynecological oncology community with guidance and a recommendations statement regarding the value, indications, and limitations of PIFU in endometrial, cervical, ovarian, and vulvar cancers in an effort to standardize practice and improve patient care.

Phase II randomized controlled trial of hypnosis versus progressive muscle relaxation for body image after breast or gynecologic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Sexual dysfunction, fueled by body image stress, is prevalent in women with a history of breast or gynecologic cancer. Preliminary data support that mind-body connections may improve sexual health outcomes through improving body image. OBJECTIVE: This randomized controlled trial compared hypnosis to progressive muscle relaxation (PMR). The primary outcome was body image at week 6 as measured by the Impact of Treatment Scale for women who have or have had breast or gynecologic cancer. INTERVENTIONS/METHODS: Consented participants were randomized 2:1 to hypnosis or PMR. Both arms consisted of three face-to-face sessions delivered by a trained therapist. Sessions were every 2 weeks for 6 weeks; participants practiced at home between sessions using an audio recording. RESULTS: Eighty-seven women were randomized, 59 to hypnosis and 28 to PMR. Both groups reported significant improvements on body image over time (within group effect size Cohen's d = 0.49-0.75) with no significant difference between groups (p = 0.15). Secondary outcomes were not significantly different between groups. The hypnosis group improved more in sexual satisfaction and sexual interest while the PMR group improved more in positive affect. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions facilitating mind-body connections such as hypnosis and PMR may help to improve body image. This study suggests that stress relieving strategies of hypnosis and PMR may contribute to providing a re-connection to one's body, improved positive affect, and overall better sexual health.

Coordinating Care for Reproductive Health Malignancies in the Veterans' Health Administration: Promising Practices, Ongoing Challenges, and Future Research.

In cancer care, communication and coordination across the cancer continuum is paramount for delivering effective, high-quality, patient-centered care. However, achieving optimally coordinated cancer care is inherently challenging, especially in the case of Veterans Administration (VA) care for women's reproductive health cancers. Given the relatively small number of women Veterans requiring care for reproductive malignancies, VA often must rely on community providers to deliver this care, necessitating coordination across two or more health care systems. Recently, VA has invested heavily in improving care for women Veterans through several initiatives and efforts. This article reviews VA's successes, challenges, and future opportunities in research and innovation in the context of care coordination across the cancer continuum (i.e., prevention and screening, diagnosis and treatment, survivorship care, palliative and supportive care) for women Veterans with reproductive health malignancies. We describe how coordination of VA care for reproductive health malignancies currently reflects a mix of successes that demonstrate use of strong evidenced-based practices and challenges, with solutions yet to be fully developed and implemented. We conclude that there are a multitude of opportunities for future research, interventions, and potential avenues for implementing innovative approaches to coordinate VA reproductive cancer care across the cancer continuum.

The effects of an integrated supportive care intervention on quality of life outcomes in outpatients with breast and gynecologic cancer undergoing chemotherapy: Results from a randomized controlled trial.

The aim of the Complementary Nursing in Gynecologic Oncology study was to investigate the effects of a complex, nurse-led, supportive care intervention using Complementary and Integrative Medicine (CIM) on patients' quality of life (QoL) and associated patient-reported outcomes. In this prospective, pragmatic, bicentric, randomized controlled trial, women with breast or gynecologic cancer undergoing a new regimen of chemotherapy (CHT) were randomly assigned to routine supportive care plus intervention (intervention group, IG) or routine care alone (control group, CG). The intervention consisted of CIM applications and counseling for symptom management, as well as CIM information material. The primary endpoint was global QoL measured with the EORTC-QLQ-C30 before and after CHT. Mixed linear models considering fixed and random factors were used to analyze the data. In total, 126 patients were randomly assigned into the IG and 125 patients into the CG (median age 51 years). The patients' medical and socio-demographic characteristics were homogenous at baseline and at follow-up. No group effects on QoL were found upon completion of CHT (estimate -1.04 [-4.89; 2.81]; P = 0.596), but there was a significant group difference in favor of the IG 6 months later (estimate 6.643 [1.65; 11.64]; P = 0.010). IG patients did also experience significant better emotional functioning (P = 0.007) and less fatigue (P = 0.027). The tested supportive intervention did not improve patients' QoL outcomes directly after CHT (T3), but was associated with significant QoL improvements when considering the change from baseline to the time point T4, which could be assessed 6 months after patients' completion of CHT. This delayed effect may have resulted due to a strengthening of patients' self-management competencies.

Utilizing the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) to increase referral to ancillary support services for severely symptomatic patients with gynecologic cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) Network has developed a comprehensive repository of electronic patient reported outcomes measures (ePROs) of major symptom domains that have been validated in cancer patients. Their use for patients with gynecologic cancer has been understudied. Our objective was to establish feasibility and acceptability of PROMIS ePRO integration in a gynecologic oncology outpatient clinic and assess if it can help identify severely symptomatic patients and increase referral to supportive services. METHODS: English-speaking patients with a confirmed history of gynecologic cancer completed PROMIS ePROs on iPads in the waiting area of an outpatient gynecologic oncology clinic. Symptom scores were calculated for each respondent and grouped using documented severity thresholds. Response data was compared with clinicopathologic characteristics across symptom domains. Severely symptomatic patients were offered referral to ancillary services and asked to complete post-exposure surveys assessing acceptability of the ePRO. RESULTS: Of the 336 patients who completed ePROs, 35% had active disease and 19% had experienced at least one disease recurrence. Sixty-nine percent of the cohort demonstrated moderate to severe physical dysfunction (60%), pain (36%), fatigue (28%), anxiety (9%), depression (8%), and sexual dysfunction (32%). Thirty-nine (12%) severely symptomatic patients were referred to services such as psychiatry, palliative care, pain management, social work or integrative oncology care. Most survey respondents identified the ePROs as helpful (78%) and easy to complete (92%). CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient PROMIS ePRO administration is feasible and acceptable to gynecologic oncology patients and can help identify severely symptomatic patients for referral to ancillary support services.

Asian Society of Gynecologic Oncology International Workshop 2018.

The Asian Society of Gynecologic Oncology International Workshop 2018 on gynecologic oncology was held in the Ajou University Hospital, Suwon, Korea on the 24th to 25th August 2018. The workshop was an opportunity for Asian doctors to discuss the latest findings of gynecologic cancer, including cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancers, as well as the future of fertility-sparing treatments, minimally invasive/radical/debulking surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Clinical guidelines and position statement of Asian countries were presented by experts. Asian clinical trials for gynecologic cancers were reviewed and experts emphasized the point that original Asian study is beneficial for Asian patients. In Junior session, young gynecologic oncologists presented their latest research on gynecologic cancers.

Major clinical research advances in gynecologic cancer in 2018.

Nineteen topics were selected as major clinical research advances in gynecologic oncology in 2018. For cervical cancer, the importance of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing alone as primary cervical cancer screening method and negative survival impact of minimally invasive surgery in early-stage cervical cancer were addressed. For ovarian cancer, cost-effectiveness of genetic testing to prevent cancer, use of analgesics and oral pill to reduce cancer risk, efficacy of secondary cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, update in the use of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor, and efficacy of anti-angiogenic targeted treatments, including bevacizumab and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, were reviewed. For corpus cancer, sentinel lymph node mapping technique, adjuvant therapy in high-risk endometrial cancer (PORTEC-3), and targeted therapy in recurrent disease were covered. For the field of radiation oncology, survival outcomes of chemoradiation compared with chemotherapy alone in metastatic cervical cancer and new findings regarding the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced cervical cancer were introduced. Lastly, for breast cancer, the use of talazoparib in patients with germline BRCA1/2 mutation, ovarian suppression for premenopausal patients, adjuvant chemotherapy guided by 21-gene assay, and combination therapy of atezolizumab and nab-paclitaxel for triple-negative cancer as well as promising overall survival results of palbociclib and fulvestrant in advanced breast cancer were briefly mentioned.

Gynecologic Oncology in the Department of Defense.

Gynecologic oncology existed within the Department of Defense (DOD) prior to its recognition as a separate subspecialty of obstetrics and gynecology. Military gynecologic oncologists were among the founders of the specialty and continue a tradition of leadership and engagement within the field at the national and international level. The full range of gynecologic oncology services is located at the military's largest medical centers, acknowledging the team approach with multiple subspecialties necessary to provide the highest standard of modern gynecologic cancer care. Gynecologic oncologists within the military receive training on par or exceeding that of their civilian counterparts, and their education extends beyond traditional training to prepare them for the unique challenges within military medicine as well. The clinical offerings from these practitioners and their facilities are state of the art, and each offers the full spectrum of care inclusive of surgery and chemotherapy. Closely coupled with expert clinical care is medical education and comprehensive cancer research. The gynecologic oncology research conducted by the DOD spans the scientific spectrum from basic laboratory investigations, to translational and molecular analyses, to all phases of clinical trials. This discussion will examine gynecologic oncology services in the DOD inclusive of infrastructure, personnel and training, clinical care and outcomes, as well as research contributions.

Acessibilidade da População Negra ao Cuidado Oncológico no Brasil: Revisão Integrativa / Accessibility of Black Population to Oncological Care in Brazil: Integrative Review / Accesibilidad de la Población Negra a la Atención Oncológica en Brasil: Revisión Integrativa

Introdução:Tem-se apontado a persistência de desigualdades raciais na acessibilidade a bens e serviços de saúde, estando o indivíduo com câncer inserido nesse contexto. Objetivo: Analisar os fatores que impactam a acessibilidade da população negra ao cuidado oncológico no Brasil. Método: Por meio de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, buscaram-se, nas bases PubMed, LILACS e Embase, artigos originais publicados em português, inglês e espanhol sem limite temporal. Resultados: Foram incluídos 13 artigos, analisados a partir do tipo de câncer abordado: câncer de mama, câncer ginecológico, câncer de próstata e câncer de cavidade oral. Conclusão: As desigualdades raciais e socioeconômicas refletem nas ações de acessibilidade ao cuidado oncológico, maioritariamente na detecção precoce. Independentemente do tipo de câncer e das formas de diagnóstico e de tratamento, é inegável a dificuldade do paciente negro aos cuidados oncológicos por razões de natureza social e econômica.Os profissionais de saúde deveriam assegurar o atendimento à população negra ao mesmo nível prestado aos demais grupos sociais para garantir e superar as barreiras de acesso aos bens e serviços de saúde.

Introduction: The persistence of racial inequalities in the access to health services has been pointed out and the individual with cancer is within this scenario. Objective: To analyze the factors that impact the accessibility of the black population to cancer care in Brazil. Method: Through an integrative literature review, it were searched original articles published in Portuguese, English and Spanish in the databases PubMed, LILACS and Embase without time limitation. Results: Thirteen articles were included and analyzed based in the type of cancer addressed: breast cancer, gynecological cancer, prostate cancer and oral cancer. Conclusion: The racial and socioeconomic inequalities reflect upon the actions of accessibility to cancer care, mostly in early detection. Regardless of the type of cancer and the forms of diagnosis and treatment, it is unquestionable the difficulty the afro-descendant population has to access oncological care because of social and economic issues. Healthcare providers must ensure the care to the afro-descendant population as much as they do with other social groups to overcome the barriers to access health services.

Introducción: Se ha señalado la persistencia de las desigualdades racial e la accesibilidad a los bienes y servicios de salud, con el individuo con cáncer insertado en este contexto. Objetivo: Analizar los factores que afectan la accesibilidad de la población negra a la atención del cáncer en Brasil. Método: A través de una revisión bibliográfica integradora, se realizar búsquedas en las bases de datos PubMed, LILACS e Embase artículos originales publicados en portugués, inglés y español sin límite de tiempo. Resultados: Se incluyeron 13 artículos, analizado sen función del tipo de cáncer abordado: cáncer de mama, cáncer ginecológico, cáncer de próstata y cáncer de cavidad oral. Conclusión: Las desigualdades raciales y socioeconómicas se reflejan en las acciones de accesibilidad a la atención del cáncer, principalmente en la detección temprana. Independientemente del tipo de cáncer y las formas de diagnóstico y tratamiento, la dificultad del paciente negro en la atención del cáncer es innegable por razones sociales y económicas. Los profesionales de la salud deben garantizar la atención de la población negra al mismo nivel que otros grupos sociales para garantizar y superar las barreras de acceso a los bienes y servicios de salud.

Faster Cancer Treatment pathway in gynaecological malignancy: a repeat clinical audit.

AIMS: This clinical audit aimed to review the Faster Cancer Tract pathway in Northland patients with gynaecological cancers to evaluate whether there has been an improvement since the previous audit in 2014-2015. METHODS: There were 46 patients who were discussed at the gynaecological oncology multidisciplinary meeting between January 2016 and December 2016 with confirmed gynaecological malignancy. Information regarding the time taken for various investigations, referrals, decisions and treatment to be completed for each patient was obtained from clinical records and compared against the Ministry of Health faster cancer treatment targets, standards of service provision and data from the previous audit. RESULTS: Overall, 85% of patients met the target of having their first treatment within 31 days of a decision being made for treatment. 45% of patients met the target of having their first treatment within 62 days of initial referral for suspected cancer. This reflects an overall improvement in service provision from the previous audit period, which showed targets being met in 73% and 39% of cases respectively. CONCLUSION: There has been an overall improvement in cancer care service provision for Northland patients since the previous audit, however it still falls short of the national FCT targets.

Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography for Gynecologic Malignancies.

IMPORTANCE: Positron emission tomography/Computed tomography(PET/CT) is widely used for gynecologic cancers. OBJECTIVE: To determine when PET/CT should be used for gynecologic cancers. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: PubMed was reviewed for articles on PET/CT of all gynecologic cancers. National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Society of Gynecologic Oncology, and American College of Radiology guidelines were reviewed. RESULTS: Whole-body PET/CT is useful for (1) initial staging of cervical and endometrial cancer, posttherapy assessment, radiation therapy planning, and posttreatment surveillance of cervical cancer, and (2) assessment of recurrence of cervical, endometrial, or ovarian cancer in the presence of symptoms. It is also useful for staging and recurrence of uterine sarcomas, and for staging of vulvar and vaginal cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Positron emission tomography/Computed tomography is clinically valuable for a variety of gynecologic cancers. RELEVANCE: PET/CT plays an important role in detection of initial disease and recurrence of gynecologic malignancies.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in the Treatment of Gynecologic Malignancies.

There is mounting evidence that the immune system plays an important role in the development and growth of gynecologic malignancies, and preliminary studies show activity of immune checkpoint inhibitors in ovarian, endometrial, and cervix cancer. In this review, we outline the completed trials of immune checkpoint blockade in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies. In addition, we review the ongoing trials in each disease site. The questions of which patients will benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors and when immune checkpoint inhibitors should be incorporated into the treatment of gynecologic malignancies continue to be largely unanswered. As preclinical and clinical data emerge regarding predictive markers for response and resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors, rational combination treatment strategies will help to further develop this emerging field in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies.

Adherence patterns to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for referral to cancer genetic professionals.

OBJECTIVE: Genetic predisposition is responsible for 5-10% of breast cancer, 10% of ovarian cancer and 2-5% of uterine cancer. The study objective was to compare genetic counseling and testing referral rates among women with breast cancer that met NCCN referral guidelines to the referral rates among women with gynecologic cancers and determine predictors of referral. METHODS: Utilizing an institutional tumor registry database, patients from an academic women's oncology program were identified who met a subset of NCCN guidelines for genetic referral between 2004 and 2010. Patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer, breast cancer ≤50years of age, or uterine cancer <50years of age were included. A retrospective electronic chart review was conducted to evaluate for a genetic referral and uptake of genetic testing. RESULTS: 820 women were included (216 uterine, 314 breast, and 290 ovarian cancer). The overall genetic referral rate was 21.7%. 34% of eligible breast cancer patients were referred compared to 13.4% of uterine cancer and 14.5% of ovarian cancer patients (p<0.0001). Younger age, breast cancer diagnosis, family history and earlier stage were all significant referral predictors. The odds of being referred increased with the number of affected family members. 70.8% of referred patients, consulted with genetics. Among those who consulted with genetics, 95.2% underwent testing. CONCLUSIONS: Although increasing, genetic counseling remains underutilized across cancer diagnosis. Women with breast cancer are more likely to be referred than women with gynecologic cancers. Younger age, earlier stage and positive family history appear to be predictive of referral for genetic evaluation.