Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
: 20 | 50 | 100
1 - 20 de 165
1.
J Gynecol Oncol ; 35(3): e70, 2024 May.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38497108

OBJECTIVE: Early iatrogenic menopause in gynecological cancer survivors and BRCA mutation (BRCAm) carriers undergoing risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) is a major health concern. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most effective remedy, but remains underused in clinical practice. The Multicenter Italian Trials in Ovarian cancer and gynecologic malignancies (MITO) group promoted a national survey to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of healthcare professionals regarding the prescription of HRT. METHODS: The survey consisted of a self-administered, multiple-choice 45-item questionnaire, available online to all MITO members for 2 months starting from January 2022. RESULTS: A total of 61 participants completed the questionnaire (47 out of 180 MITO centers; compliance: 26.1%). Most respondents were female (73.8%), younger than 50 years (65.6%), and gynecologic oncologists (55.7%), working in public general hospitals (49.2%). An 84.4% of specialists actively discuss HRT with patients and 51.0% of patients ask the specialist for an opinion on HRT. The rate of specialists globally in favor of prescribing HRT was 22.9% for ovarian cancer, 49.1% for cervical cancer, and 8.2% for endometrial cancer patients. Most respondents (70.5%) believe HRT is safe for BRCA-mutated patients after RRSO. Nearly 70% of physicians prescribe systemic HRT, while 23.8% prefer local HRT. Most specialists recommend HRT for as long as there is a benefit and generally for up to 5 years. CONCLUSION: Real-world data suggest that many healthcare professionals still do not easily prescribe HRT for gynecological cancer survivors and BRCA mutation carriers after RRSO. Further efforts are required to implement the use of HRT in clinical practice and to support both clinicians in recommending HRT and patients in accepting it.


Cancer Survivors , Genital Neoplasms, Female , Hormone Replacement Therapy , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Cancer Survivors/statistics & numerical data , Genes, BRCA1 , Genes, BRCA2 , Genital Neoplasms, Female/genetics , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Heterozygote , Italy , Mutation , Ovarian Neoplasms/genetics , Ovarian Neoplasms/drug therapy , Practice Patterns, Physicians'/statistics & numerical data , Salpingo-oophorectomy , Surveys and Questionnaires
2.
Crit Rev Oncol Hematol ; 193: 104201, 2024 Jan.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37977312

Gynecological neuroendocrine neoplasms are rare entities and can be divided into two groups: carcinoids and neuroendocrine carcinomas. Due to their rarity their management is not standardized. The aim of this work is to summarize and discuss the current literature evidence on this pathology. A scoping literature review was performed in multiple databases. Thirty-one studies were included: 30 case reports and one case series. Patients' age ranged between 28 and 92 years. Surgery was the most used treatment and the surgical approach included local excision (N = 16/31; 51.6%) with (N = 5/16; 31.25%) or without (N = 11/16; 68.75%) inguinal lymphadenectomy. Adjuvant radiotherapy was delivered in 12 (38.7%) cases; instead, platinum-based therapies were frequently used when chemotherapy was chosen for adjuvant treatment. The overall survival ranged between 20 days to 4 years. However, further research is needed; currently, multimodal approach including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy appeared safe and feasible for the treatment of these rare and aggressive diseases.


Neuroendocrine Tumors , Vulvar Neoplasms , Female , Humans , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Vulvar Neoplasms/diagnosis , Vulvar Neoplasms/epidemiology , Vulvar Neoplasms/therapy , Neoplasm Staging , Vulva/pathology , Vulva/surgery , Neuroendocrine Tumors/pathology , Lymph Node Excision
3.
Tumori ; 110(2): 96-108, 2024 Apr.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37953636

Bartholin gland carcinoma is an extremely rare disease. Information regarding treatment is scarce and there is no strict consensus on best practice. All studies reporting cases of Bartholin's gland cancer were screened and evaluated for inclusion. Baseline characteristics of studies were extracted. A total number of 290 manuscripts collected were available for the review process. Studies included in a previous systematic review were not duplicated. In total, details of 367 patients were collected, as follows: histological features, clinical presentation, treatment, recurrent rate, treatment of recurrence and outcome. About 35% of Bartholin gland carcinoma were squamous cell carcinoma. Almost 50% of patients presented with advanced stage. The therapeutic approach was mainly surgery, and in 61% of those women lymph node assessment was performed. Recurrence occurred in 21% of cases. Bartholin gland cancer remains a challenge for gynecologic oncologists. Guidelines, centralization to referral centers and standardized therapy are needed.


Bartholin's Glands , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell , Vulvar Neoplasms , Female , Humans , Bartholin's Glands/pathology , Vulvar Neoplasms/surgery , Vulvar Neoplasms/pathology , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology , Referral and Consultation
4.
Cancers (Basel) ; 15(24)2023 Dec 13.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38136373

PC represents the most striking picture of the loco-regional spread of ovarian cancer, configuring stage III. In the last few years, many papers have evaluated the role of imaging and therapeutic management in patients with ovarian cancer and PC. This paper summed up the literature on traditional approaches to the imaging of peritoneal carcinomatosis in advanced ovarian cancer, presenting classification systems, most frequent patterns, routes of spread and sites that are difficult to identify. The role of imaging in diagnosis was investigated, with particular attention to the reported sensitivity and specificity data-computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography-CT (PET-CT)-and to the peritoneal cancer index (PCI). In addition, we explored the therapeutic possibilities and radiomics applications that can impact management of patients with ovarian cancer. Careful staging is mandatory, and patient selection is one of the most important factors influencing complete cytoreduction (CCR) outcome: an accurate pre-operative imaging may allow selection of patients that may benefit most from primary cytoreductive surgery.

5.
Int J Gynecol Cancer ; 33(9): 1448-1457, 2023 09 04.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37597852

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) have sculpted the current landscape of advanced ovarian cancer treatment. With the advent of targeted maintenance therapies, improved survival rates have led to a timely interest in exploring de-intensified strategies with the goal of improving quality of life without compromising oncologic outcomes. The emerging concept of systemic treatment de-escalation would represent a new frontier in personalizing therapy in ovarian cancer. PARPi are so effective that properly selected patients treated with these agents might require less chemotherapy to achieve the same oncologic outcomes. The fundamental key is to limit de-escalation to a narrow subpopulation with favorable prognostic factors, such as patients with BRCA-mutated and/or homologous recombination-deficient tumors without macroscopic residual disease after surgery or other high-risk clinical factors. Potential de-escalation strategies include shifting PARPi in the neoadjuvant setting, de-escalating adjuvant chemotherapy after primary debulking surgery, reducing PARPi maintenance therapy duration, starting PARPi directly after interval debulking surgery, omitting maintenance therapy, and continuing PARPi beyond oligoprogression (if combined with locoregional treatment). Several ongoing trials are currently investigating the feasibility and safety of de-escalating approaches in ovarian cancer and the results are eagerly awaited. This review aims to discuss the current trends, drawbacks, and future perspectives regarding systemic treatment de-escalation in advanced ovarian cancer.


Ovarian Neoplasms , Female , Humans , Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial , Neoadjuvant Therapy , Ovarian Neoplasms/drug therapy , Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors , Quality of Life
6.
Reprod Sci ; 30(11): 3372-3378, 2023 11.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37280475

This study aims to evaluate the role of intraoperative transvaginal three-dimensional ultrasound (3DUS) during hysteroscopic metroplasty. This is a prospective cohort of consecutive patients with septate uterus undergoing hysteroscopic metroplasty with intraoperative transvaginal 3DUS guidance compared to a historical control group of patients undergoing hysteroscopic metroplasty without 3DUS. We conducted our research in a tertiary care university hospital in Rome, Italy. This study involved nineteen patients undergoing 3DUS-guided hysteroscopic metroplasty for recurrent abortion or infertility compared to 19 age-matched controls undergoing metroplasty without 3DUS guidance. During hysteroscopic metroplasty, 3DUS was performed in the study group when the operator considered the procedure to be completed, according to standards of operative hysteroscopy. If 3DUS diagnosed a residual septum, the procedure was continued until a 3DUS diagnosis of a normal fundus was obtained. The patients were followed with a 3DUS performed 3 months after the procedure. The numbers of complete resections (residual septum absent), suboptimal resections (measurable residual septum of less than 10 mm), and incomplete resections (residual septum > 10 mm) in the intraoperative 3DUS group were compared to the numbers in the control group with no intraoperative 3DUS. At follow-up, measurable residual septa were obtained in 0% of the patients in the 3DUS-guided group versus 26% in the control group (p = 0.04). Residual septa of > 10 mm were obtained in 0% of the 3DUS group versus 10.5% in the control group (p = 0.48). Intraoperative 3DUS reduces the incidence of suboptimal septal resections at hysteroscopic metroplasty.


Infertility, Female , Uterus , Pregnancy , Female , Humans , Prospective Studies , Uterus/diagnostic imaging , Uterus/surgery , Hysteroscopy/methods , Ultrasonography , Infertility, Female/diagnostic imaging , Infertility, Female/surgery , Infertility, Female/etiology
7.
Reprod Sci ; 30(11): 3135-3143, 2023 11.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37217824

The objective of this study is to determine whether dienogest therapy after endometriosis surgery reduces the risk of recurrence compared with placebo or alternative treatments (GnRH agonist, other progestins, and estro-progestins). The design used in this study is systematic review with meta-analysis. The data source includes PubMed and EMBASE searched up to March 2022. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed in accordance with guidelines from the Cochrane Collaboration. Keywords such as "dienogest," "endometriosis surgery," "endometriosis treatment," and "endometriosis medical therapy" were used to identify relevant studies. The primary outcome was recurrence of endometriosis after surgery. The secondary outcome was pain recurrence. An additional analysis focused on comparing side effects between groups. Nine studies were eligible, including a total of 1668 patients. At primary analysis, dienogest significantly reduced the rate of cyst recurrence compared with placebo (p < 0.0001). In 191 patients, the rate of cyst recurrence comparing dienogest vs GnRHa was evaluated, but no statistically significant difference was reported. In the secondary analysis, a trend toward reduction of pain at 6 months was reported in patients treated with dienogest over placebo, with each study reporting a significantly higher reduction of pain after dienogest treatment. In terms of side effects, dienogest treatment compared with GnRHa significantly increased the rate of spotting (p = 0.0007) and weight gain (p = 0.03), but it was associated with a lower rate of hot flashes (p = 0.0006) and a trend to lower incidence of vaginal dryness. Dienogest is superior to placebo and similar to GnRHa in decreasing rate of recurrence after endometriosis surgery. A significantly higher reduction of pain after dienogest compared with placebo was reported in two separate studies, whereas a trend toward reduction of pain at 6 months was evident at meta-analysis. Dienogest treatment compared with GnRHa was associated with a lower rate of hot flashes and a trend to lower incidence of vaginal dryness.


Cysts , Endometriosis , Nandrolone , Female , Humans , Endometriosis/drug therapy , Endometriosis/surgery , Endometriosis/complications , Progestins/therapeutic use , Pelvic Pain/etiology , Pelvic Pain/drug therapy , Hot Flashes , Nandrolone/adverse effects , Cysts/chemically induced , Cysts/complications , Cysts/drug therapy
8.
Int J Gynaecol Obstet ; 163(2): 510-520, 2023 Nov.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37154479

Vulvodynia is a debilitating condition characterized by chronic vulvar pain, with a detrimental impact on the patient's overall quality of life. Its etiology is multifactorial, but still in the process of being clearly outlined. Vulvodynia is not a single entity. It is a heterogeneous condition characterized by multiple triggers, making it challenging to define a reference standard for its treatment. In this manuscript we selected all articles including the following key criteria: "vulvodynia". The primary outcomes observed included the resolution of chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia and sexual satisfaction, psychological well-being, and overall quality of life. Most pharmacologic treatments require further evidence to be recommended. On the other hand, non-pharmacologic approaches such as psychotherapy, physical therapy, and surgery have received stronger support. This review summarizes pros and cons of adopting available treatments. Multimodal approaches should be introduced to improve patient outcomes. Further investigations are warranted to improve patients' quality of life.


Dyspareunia , Vulvodynia , Female , Humans , Vulvodynia/diagnosis , Vulvodynia/etiology , Vulvodynia/therapy , Quality of Life , Vulva , Pelvic Pain/etiology , Pelvic Pain/therapy
9.
Int J Gynecol Cancer ; 33(7): 1070-1076, 2023 07 03.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37094971

OBJECTIVE: Endometrial carcinoma is the most common gynecological tumor in developed countries. Clinicopathological factors and molecular subtypes are used to stratify the risk of recurrence and to tailor adjuvant treatment. The present study aimed to assess the role of radiomics analysis in pre-operatively predicting molecular or clinicopathological prognostic factors in patients with endometrial carcinoma. METHODS: Literature was searched for publications reporting radiomics analysis in assessing diagnostic performance of MRI for different outcomes. Diagnostic accuracy performance of risk prediction models was pooled using the metandi command in Stata. RESULTS: A search of MEDLINE (PubMed) resulted in 153 relevant articles. Fifteen articles met the inclusion criteria, for a total of 3608 patients. MRI showed pooled sensitivity and specificity 0.785 and 0.814, respectively, in predicting high-grade endometrial carcinoma, deep myometrial invasion (pooled sensitivity and specificity 0.743 and 0.816, respectively), lymphovascular space invasion (pooled sensitivity and specificity 0.656 and 0.753, respectively), and nodal metastasis (pooled sensitivity and specificity 0.831 and 0.736, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Pre-operative MRI-radiomics analyses in patients with endometrial carcinoma is a good predictor of tumor grading, deep myometrial invasion, lymphovascular space invasion, and nodal metastasis.


Endometrial Neoplasms , Female , Humans , Lymphatic Metastasis , Endometrial Neoplasms/pathology , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Sensitivity and Specificity , Neoplasm Grading , Neoplasm Invasiveness
10.
J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med ; 36(1): 2203795, 2023 Dec.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37088567

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of preoperative low-residue diet on postoperative ileus in women undergoing elective cesarean section (CS). METHODS: This is a surgeon-blind, randomized controlled trial enrolling pregnant women at ≥39 weeks of gestation undergoing elective CS. Patients were preoperatively randomized to receive either low-residue diet (arm A) or free diet (arm B) starting from three days before surgery. The primary outcome was the postoperative ileus. The secondary outcomes were the postoperative pain (assessed through VAS scale), the quality of the surgical field (scored using a 5-point scale, from poor to excellent), postoperative complications, and the length of hospital stay. Perioperative data were collected and compared between groups. RESULTS: A total of 166 patients were enrolled and randomized in arm A (n = 83) and arm B (n = 83). Postoperative ileus over 24 h was significantly shorter in arm A, compared to arm B (19.3% vs 36.2%). The surgical evaluation of small intestine was scored ≥3 in 96.4% of arm A patients versus 80.7% in arm B, while evaluation of large intestine, respectively, in 97.7% and 81.9%. Postoperative pain after 12 h from CS was significantly lower in arm A (VAS, 3.4 ± 1.7) compared to arm B (VAS, 4.1 ± 1.8). There were no significant differences as regards postoperative pain at 24 and 48 h, nausea/vomit, surgical complications, and hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a preoperative low-residue diet for women scheduled for elective CS would reduce postoperative ileus and pain. Further large-scale studies are required before translating these research findings into routine obstetrical practice.


Ileus , Obstetrics , Humans , Female , Pregnancy , Cesarean Section/adverse effects , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Postoperative Complications/prevention & control , Pain, Postoperative , Ileus/epidemiology , Ileus/etiology , Ileus/prevention & control , Length of Stay
11.
Int J Gynecol Cancer ; 33(4): 431-443, 2023 04 03.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36928097

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) represent a new standard of care in the upfront treatment of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer to the point that the vast majority of patients now receive a PARPi, alone or in combination with the anti-angiogenic bevacizumab, as part of their first-line maintenance therapy. The clinical benefit of PARPi is well established; however, much has changed since their introduction and several relevant questions have been raised and remain unresolved in the post-PARPi era. The decision-making process regarding the most appropriate first-line maintenance therapy could be challenging in clinical practice, especially in the homologous recombination-proficient setting, and several other factors need to be considered apart from the mutational status. Concerns regarding post-PARPi progression treatment have emerged, highlighting an unmet need to define a valid algorithm strategy. PARPi may not only compromise the response to further platinum due to cross-resistance mechanisms but the impact on subsequent non-platinum chemotherapy and surgery also remains unclear. Definitive results on the role of PARPi rechallenge are awaited, especially in the case of oligoprogression managed with locoregional treatment. Moreover, the updated overall survival data from the recurrent setting warrant caution in using PARPi as single agents for unselected patients. Several PARPi combination regimens are emerging for overcoming PARPi resistance and may become our new therapeutic armamentarium. This review discusses a set of clinically relevant issues in the PARPi era and provides a glimpse of future challenges and opportunities in ovarian cancer treatment.


Ovarian Neoplasms , Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors , Humans , Female , Ribose/therapeutic use , Ovarian Neoplasms/drug therapy , Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial/drug therapy , Bevacizumab/therapeutic use
12.
Cancers (Basel) ; 15(6)2023 Mar 16.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36980691

Vulvar Paget's disease (VPD) is a rare form of cutaneous adenocarcinoma of the vulva, which accounts for about 1-2% of all vulvar neoplasms and mainly affects post-menopausal women. The clinical presentation is usually non-specific and mimics chronic erythematous skin lesions; therefore, the diagnosis is often difficult and delayed. Although VPD is typically diagnosed at a locally advanced stage and has a high recurrence rate, the prognosis is overall favorable with a 5-year survival of nearly 90%. Due to the limited and poor-quality evidence, there is no global consensus on optimal management. Therefore, we performed a systematic review of the literature through the main electronic databases to deepen the current knowledge of this rare disease and discuss the available treatment strategies. Wide surgical excision is recommended as the standard-of-care treatment and should be tailored to the tumor position/extension and the patient's performance status. The goal is to completely remove the tumor and achieve clear margins, thus reducing the rate of local recurrences. Non-surgical treatments, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and topical approaches, can be considered, especially in the case of unresectable and recurrent disease. In the absence of clear recommendations, the decision-making process should be individualized, also considering the new emerging molecular targets, such as HER2 and PD-L1, which might pave the way for future targeted therapies. The current review aims to raise awareness of this rare disease and encourage international collaboration to collect larger-scale, high-quality evidence and standardize treatment.

13.
J Clin Med ; 12(5)2023 Feb 26.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36902645

Management options for ovarian endometriomas include expectant management, medical treatment, surgical treatment, in vitro fertilization (IVF), or a combination of the above. The choice of management depends on many clinical parameters that should be taken into consideration, the first of which is the main presenting symptom. Most patients are today referred to medical therapy as a first option in the case of associated pain, and to IVF in the case of associated infertility. When both symptoms are present, usually surgery is the preferred approach. Recently, however, surgical excision of an ovarian endometrioma has been associated with a postoperative reduction in the ovarian reserve, and recent guidelines suggest that the clinician should caution the patient as to the possible damage to the ovarian reserve in the case of surgery. However, evidence has been published as to a possible detrimental effect of the ovarian endometrioma on the ovarian reserve even if expectant management is followed. In this review, the current evidence on the conservative management of ovarian endometriomas, with particular focus on the issue of the ovarian reserve, is evaluated, and the different surgical techniques for the treatment of ovarian endometriomas are discussed.

14.
Healthcare (Basel) ; 11(4)2023 Feb 15.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36833105

Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies in Western countries. Traditionally, loco-reginal dissemination and histological characteristics are the main prognostic factors. Nowadays, molecular and genomic profiling showed exciting results in terms of prognostication. According to the data provided by The Cancer Genome Atlas and other studies, molecular and genomic profiling might be useful in identifying patients al low, intermediate, and high risk of recurrence. However, data regarding the therapeutic value are scant. Several prospective studies are ongoing to identify the most appropriate adjuvant strategy in EC patients, especially for those with positive nodes and low volume disease. The molecular classification has offered the possibility to improve the risk stratification and management of EC. The aim of this review is to focus on the evolution of molecular classification in EC and its impact on the research approach and on clinical management. Molecular and genomic profiling might be useful to tailor the most appropriate adjuvant strategies in apparent early-stage EC.

15.
Eur J Surg Oncol ; 49(5): 1037-1043, 2023 05.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36801150

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes after hysterectomy and hysterectomy plus sentinel node mapping (SNM) in endometrial cancer (EC) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study, collecting data of EC patients treated between 2006 and 2016 in nine referral centers. RESULTS: The study population included 398 (69.5%) and 174 (30.5%) patients having hysterectomy and hysterectomy plus SNM. As the results of the adoption of a propensity-score matched analysis, we selected two homogeneous cohort of patients (150 having hysterectomy only vs. 150 having hysterectomy plus SNM). The SNM group had a longer operative time, but did not correlate with length of hospital stay and estimated blood loss. Overall severe complication rates were similar between groups (0.7% in the hysterectomy group vs. 1.3% in the hysterectomy plus SNM group; p = 0.561). No lymphatic-specific complication occurred. Overall, 12.6% of patients having SNM were diagnosed with disease harboring in their lymph nodes. Adjuvant therapy administration rate was similar between groups. Considering patients having SNM, 4% of patients received adjuvant therapy on the basis of nodal status alone; all the other patients received adjuvant therapy also on the basis of uterine risk factors. Five-year disease-free (p = 0.720) and overall (p = 0.632) survival was not influenced by surgical approach. CONCLUSIONS: Hysterectomy (with or without SNM) is a safe and effective method for managing EC patients. Potentially, these data support the omission of side specific lymphadenectomy in case of unsuccessful mapping. Further evidence is warranted in to confirm the role SNM in the era of molecular/genomic profiling.


Endometrial Neoplasms , Sentinel Lymph Node , Female , Humans , Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy/methods , Retrospective Studies , Lymph Nodes/pathology , Lymph Node Excision/methods , Endometrial Neoplasms/surgery , Endometrial Neoplasms/pathology , Hysterectomy/methods , Sentinel Lymph Node/pathology , Neoplasm Staging
16.
Int J Gynecol Cancer ; 33(4): 598-606, 2023 04 03.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36707087

The incidence of myeloid neoplasms following treatment with poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) in patients with ovarian cancer has been gradually increasing over the last few years. The cumulative exposure to PARPi and the improved overall survival of patients with ovarian cancer may represent key underlying explanations behind such trend. Fortunately, the earlier introduction of PARPi in the frontline setting reduces the risk of developing secondary myeloid neoplasms. The etiopathogenesis is still unclear but is likely to be multifactorial. The first 2 years of PARPi exposure seem to be the critical window for the onset of myeloid neoplasms post PARPi, with persistent cytopenia recognized as an early warning sign. Despite intensive treatment strategies, the outcome remains poor. There is an unmet clinical need to learn how to minimize risk, make an early diagnosis, and manage myeloid neoplasms post PARPi. First, decision making regarding the optimal maintenance treatment should avoid a 'PARPi-for-all' strategy. PARPi should be used cautiously in cases of high baseline risk for myeloid neoplasms and/or patients who are less likely to have a benefit. Active surveillance, accurate differential diagnosis, and prompt hematological referral are key management pillars. This review discusses what is known on this emerging issue as well as unresolved questions.


Ovarian Neoplasms , Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors , Humans , Female , Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Ovarian Neoplasms/drug therapy , Ovarian Neoplasms/pathology
17.
Expert Opin Pharmacother ; 24(1): 65-72, 2023 Jan.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36458890

INTRODUCTION: Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynecological tumors with a lack of effective treatment modalities especially in advanced/recurrent disease. Nevertheless, recently, new small molecules have emerged as an effective approach for the management of ovarian cancer patients, especially in the maintenance setting. AREAS COVERED: This review summarizes the role of small molecules used in the management of high-grade serous ovarian cancer. The authors performed a critical review of current evidence and ongoing studies. Of note, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors are the most intriguing medications in this setting. EXPERT OPINION: Protein-targeted therapies against tumor tissues have progressed significantly in the last years due to an enhanced knowledge of the biological and molecular processes of carcinogenesis. Treatment with small molecules allows the targeting of specific proteins involved in cancer biology. TKIs seem promising but further data are necessary to assess the pros and cons of adopting this treatment modality. PARP inhibitors represent the new standard of care for ovarian cancer patients harboring either a BRCA mutation or with homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). Interestingly, the accumulation of data has highlighted that PARP inhibitors provide benefits even in patients with HR proficient tumors.


Ovarian Neoplasms , Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors , Humans , Female , Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Ovarian Neoplasms/drug therapy , Ovarian Neoplasms/pathology , Treatment Outcome
18.
Expert Opin Pharmacother ; 24(1): 95-103, 2023 Jan.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36002936

INTRODUCTION: Limited data on the role of pharmacotherapy for patients with locally advanced, recurrent, or metastatic vulvar cancer are available. AREAS COVERED: This article aims to provide an overview of the current treatment options for patients with vulvar cancer. PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, CENTRAL, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, as well as ClinicalTrials.gov were searched to review the current evidence as well as future perspectives on the role of pharmacotherapy in patients with vulvar carcinoma. EXPERT OPINION: There has been no consensus on the pharmacotherapy for patients with locally advanced, recurrent, or metastatic vulvar cancer. Concurrent platinum-based chemoradiation is the most widely used treatment modality for primary treatment or for neoadjuvant settings. Chemotherapy in metastatic disease is considered a palliative treatment. Anti-EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors seem to show promising anti-tumor activity in patients harboring EGFR alteration. Similarly, growing evidence supports the adoption of immune checkpoint inhibitors in both neoadjuvant and metastatic settings. Molecular and genomic profiling is advocated to identify target mutations. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR and HER/ErbB pathways might represent two intriguing treatment options. Treatments directed against HPV are discussed as well. Further evidence is warranted to identify the best treatment modalities for patients with locally advanced, recurrent, and metastatic disease.


Vulvar Neoplasms , Female , Humans , Vulvar Neoplasms/drug therapy , Vulvar Neoplasms/pathology , Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases
19.
Cancers (Basel) ; 16(1)2023 Dec 20.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38201470

OBJECTIVE: While PLD-Trabectedin is an approved treatment for relapsed platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer, its efficacy and tolerability has so far not been tested extensively in patients who progress after poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitor (PARPi) treatment. METHODOLOGY: This multicenter, retrospective analysis had the objective of comparing patients receiving PLD-Trabectedin after being treated with PARP-I (cases) with PARPi-naïve patients. Descriptive and survival analyses were performed for each group. RESULTS: Data from 166 patients were collected, composed of 109 cases and 57 controls. In total, 135 patients were included in our analyses, composing 46 controls and 89 cases. The median PFS was 11 months (95% IC 10-12) in the control group vs. 8 months (95% IC 6-9) in the case group (p value 0.0017). The clinical benefit rate was evaluated, with an HR for progression of 2.55 (1.28-5.06) for the case group (p value 0.008), persisting when adjusted for BRCA and line with treatment. We compared hematological toxicity, gastro-intestinal toxicity, hand-foot syndrome (HFS), fatigue, and liver toxicity, and no statistically significant disparity was noted, except for HFS with a p value of 0.006. The distribution of G3 and G4 toxicities was also equally represented. CONCLUSION: The MITO39 study showed a statistically significant difference in terms of PFS, suggesting that previous exposure to PARPi might inhibit the efficacy of PLD-Trabectedin. Regarding tolerability, no remarkable disparity was noted; PLD-Trabectedin was confirmed to be a well-tolerated scheme in both groups. To our knowledge, these are the first data regarding this topic, which we deem to be of great relevance in the current landscape.

20.
Cancers (Basel) ; 14(23)2022 Nov 29.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36497362

High- and low-risk endometrial carcinoma (EC) differ in whether or not a lymphadenectomy is performed. We aimed to develop MRI-based radio-genomic models able to preoperatively assess lymph-vascular space invasion (LVSI) and discriminate between low- and high-risk EC according to the ESMO-ESGO-ESTRO 2020 guidelines, which include molecular risk classification proposed by "ProMisE". This is a retrospective, multicentric study that included 64 women with EC who underwent 3T-MRI before a hysterectomy. Radiomics features were extracted from T2WI images and apparent diffusion coefficient maps (ADC) after manual segmentation of the gross tumor volume. We constructed a multiple logistic regression approach from the most relevant radiomic features to distinguish between low- and high-risk classes under the ESMO-ESGO-ESTRO 2020 guidelines. A similar approach was taken to assess LVSI. Model diagnostic performance was assessed via ROC curves, accuracy, sensitivity and specificity on training and test sets. The LVSI predictive model used a single feature from ADC as a predictor; the risk class model used two features as predictors from both ADC and T2WI. The low-risk predictive model showed an AUC of 0.74 with an accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.74, 0.76, 0.94; the LVSI model showed an AUC of 0.59 with an accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.60, 0.50, 0.61. MRI-based radio-genomic models are useful for preoperative EC risk stratification and may facilitate therapeutic management.

...