Fat-containing pelvic lesions in females.

Pelvic tumors are common in females and have a broad differential diagnosis. The clinical management of pelvic tumors varies widely-from observation to surgical resection-and imaging plays a pivotal role in diagnosis and clinical decision-making in these cases. In particular, imaging can help determine the organ of origin and tissue content of these tumors, which are the most important steps to narrowing the differential diagnosis. Fat has a characteristic appearance and is often easily identified on ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The amount and distribution of intralesional fat varies in different types of tumors. Macroscopic intralesional fat is often easily recognized by its hyperechoic appearance on US and low attenuation on CT similar to subcutaneous fat. On MRI, macroscopic fat is hyperintense on T1-weighted (T1W) images, with characteristic signal loss on fat-saturated sequences and India-ink artifact on opposed-phase T1W images. Macroscopic fat is the hallmark of teratomas, which are the most common ovarian neoplasms. Uterine lipoleiomyomas, peritoneal loose bodies, intraperitoneal and extraperitoneal primary lipomatous tumors such as lipoma and liposarcomas, and extra-adrenal myelolipomas are other pelvic masses distinguished by the presence of macroscopic fat. However, the imaging diagnosis of pelvic masses containing minimal or microscopic fat, such as immature ovarian teratomas, steroid cell ovarian neoplasms, and extramedullary hematopoiesis, can present a diagnostic challenge owing to their nonspecific appearance on US or CT. Obtaining MRI with in-phase and opposed-phase dual-echo T1W sequences and depicting chemical shift artifacts can be helpful in distinguishing these lesions.

Efficacy of Modified Dose-dense Paclitaxel in Recurrent Cervical Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To examine survival outcomes of women with recurrent cervical cancer who received salvage chemotherapy with modified dose-dense paclitaxel (MDDP) monotherapy (paclitaxel 80 mg/m, administered on day 1, 8, and 15 without day 22). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate cause-specific survival after the first recurrence (SAR) of women with recurrent cervical cancer diagnosed between 2006 and 2014. Pooled analyses were performed to examine SAR in women who received MDDP monotherapy (n=17) for any treatment line, compared with those who received salvage chemotherapy with paclitaxel-doublet (n=18) and nonpaclitaxel regimens (n=52). RESULTS: In the whole cohort, median SAR was 13.7 months including 63 (72.4%) events. MDDP monotherapy regimen was most commonly used in the second-line setting (35.3%) followed by the third/fourth lines (both, 23.5%). Among the women who received MDDP regimen, there were 6 (35.3%) women who received ≥6 cycles; there was 1 (5.9%) women who discontinued the regimen due to adverse effects (grade 3 transaminitis); regimen postponement was seen in 2 (1.4%) of 140 total cycles; and the response rate after the sixth cycle of this regimen was 29.4% (1 complete and 4 partial responses). On univariate analysis, MDDP usage had the highest 2-year SAR rate (MDDP 54.1%, paclitaxel-doublet 43.6%, and nonpaclitaxel regimens 28.1%; Ptrend=0.044). On multivariate analysis, MDDP monotherapy remained an independent prognostic factor for improved SAR compared with the nonpaclitaxel regimen (adjusted-hazard ratio, 0.50; 95% confidence interval, 0.26-0.95; P=0.036). CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that MDDP monotherapy is a tolerable and relatively effective regimen for recurrent cervical cancer.

Association of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Venous Thromboembolism in Women With Endometrial Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have demonstrated that surgical menopause results in a significantly increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in women with endometrial cancer. In addition, venous thromboembolism (VTE) is known to be one of the major prognostic factors for decreased survival in endometrial cancer. Given the fact that coagulation factors are produced in the liver, the correlation between NAFLD and VTE was examined in endometrial cancer. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted to examine patients with endometrial cancer who underwent surgical staging including oophorectomy between 2000 and 2013 (n = 714). Cumulative risk of VTE was examined based on the NAFLD status. A Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to determine the independent risk predictors of VTE. RESULTS: Venous thromboembolism and NAFLD were seen in 57 (8.0%) and 181 (25.4%) cases, respectively. Two-year cumulative risks of VTE and NAFLD were 7.9% and 19.3%, respectively. In univariate analysis, VTE was significantly associated with decreased disease-free survival (2-year rate, 43.6% vs 91.4%, P < .001) and overall survival (65.8% vs 96.8%, P < .001), whereas NAFLD was associated with decreased risk of VTE (1.7% vs 10.4%, P < .001). In multivariate analysis controlling for clinicopathological factors, NAFLD remained an independent predictor of decreased risk of VTE (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.24, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.07-0.79, P = .02). Thrombocytosis (HR: 2.30, 95% CI: 1.22-4.35, P = .01), cancer antigen 125 ≥ 35 (HR: 3.81, 95% CI: 1.78-8.17, P < .001), and recurrent disease (HR: 4.57, 95% CI: 1.97-10.6, P < .001) remained as independent predictors of increased risk of VTE. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that NAFLD may be associated with decreased VTE risk in women with endometrial cancer.

Association of Low-Dose Aspirin and Survival of Women With Endometrial Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the survival outcomes in women with endometrial cancer who were taking low-dose aspirin (81-100 mg/d). METHODS: A multicenter retrospective study was conducted examining patients with stage I-IV endometrial cancer who underwent hysterectomy-based surgical staging between January 2000 and December 2013 (N=1,687). Patient demographics, medical comorbidities, medication types, tumor characteristics, and treatment patterns were correlated to survival outcomes. A Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratio for disease-free and disease-specific overall survival. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-eight patients (9.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 8.8-11.9) were taking low-dose aspirin. Median follow-up time for the study cohort was 31.5 months. One hundred twenty-seven patients (7.5%) died of endometrial cancer. Low-dose aspirin use was significantly correlated with concurrent obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hypercholesterolemia (all P<.001). Low-dose aspirin users were more likely to take other antihypertensive, antiglycemic, and anticholesterol agents (all P<.05). Low-dose aspirin use was not associated with histologic subtype, tumor grade, nodal metastasis, or cancer stage (all P>.05). On multivariable analysis, low-dose aspirin use remained an independent prognostic factor associated with an improved 5-year disease-free survival rate (90.6% compared with 80.9%, adjusted hazard ratio 0.46, 95% CI 0.25-0.86, P=.014) and disease-specific overall survival rate (96.4% compared with 87.3%, adjusted hazard ratio 0.23, 95% CI 0.08-0.64, P=.005). The increased survival effect noted with low-dose aspirin use was greatest in patients whose age was younger than 60 years (5-year disease-free survival rates, 93.9% compared with 84.0%, P=.013), body mass index was 30 or greater (92.2% compared with 81.4%, P=.027), who had type I cancer (96.5% compared with 88.6%, P=.029), and who received postoperative whole pelvic radiotherapy (88.2% compared with 61.5%, P=.014). These four factors remained significant for disease-specific overall survival (all P<.05). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that low-dose aspirin use is associated with improved survival outcomes in women with endometrial cancer, especially in those who are young, obese, with low-grade disease, and who receive postoperative radiotherapy.

Significance of venous thromboembolism in women with cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize risk factors of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and to examine effects of VTE on survival of women with cervical cancer. METHODS: This is a retrospective study examining consecutive stage I-IV cervical cancer cases diagnosed between 2000 and 2014. Cumulative risk of VTE after cervical cancer diagnosis was evaluated by a time-dependent analysis, expressing adjusted-hazard ratio [HR] and 95% confidence interval [CI]. Survival analysis was performed to determine independent risk factors for progression-free survival (PFS) and disease-specific overall survival (OS). RESULTS: VTE was recorded in 98 (12.3%, 95%CI 11.6-22.8) out of 798 cases with 1-, 2-, and 5-year cumulative incidences after cervical cancer diagnosis being 8.4%, 11.3%, and 18.7%, respectively. On multivariable analysis, advanced-stage disease (2-year cumulative risk, distant metastatic disease 44.8% [HR 4.13, 95%CI 1.06-10.7, P=0.003], and locally-advanced disease 13.4% [HR 2.46, 95%CI 1.17-4.43, P=0.004]) were independently associated with increased risk of VTE compared to early-stage disease (stage IA1-IB1 4.1%). In addition, low albumin level (HR per unit change, 0.59, 95%CI 0.40-0.85, P=0.005) and chemotherapy treatment (HR 2.46, 95%CI 1.30-4.66, P=0.006) remained independent risk factors associated with increased risk of VTE. On univariate analysis, VTE was significantly associated with decreased PFS (5-year rates, 22.3% versus 68.7%, P<0.001) and OS (5-year rates, 55.1% versus 90.0%, P<0.001). On multivariable analysis, VTE remained an independent prognostic factor associated with decreased PFS (HR 1.95, 95%CI 1.43-2.67, P<0.001) and OS (HR 3.54, 95%CI 2.04-6.13, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: VTE represents aggressive tumor behavior and poor patient condition, and is an independent prognostic factor for decreased survival in women with cervical cancer.

Weight Change Pattern and Survival Outcome of Women with Endometrial Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the association between weight change patterns and survival outcomes of women with endometrial cancer. METHODS: This retrospective study examined surgically-staged endometrial cancer cases with available weight information between 1999 and 2013 (n = 665). Proportional body mass index (delta-BMI) change at 6 months, 1 and 2 years after hysterectomy was compared with baseline BMI and correlated to patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment type, and disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Mean BMI was 35.6, and 69 % of cases were obese. At 6 months, 1 and 2 years after surgery, 39.1, 51.6, and 57.0 % of the study population, respectively, gained weight compared with pre-treatment baseline. In univariate analysis, 6-month delta-BMI change was significantly associated with DFS and OS, demonstrating bidirectional effects (both p < 0.001): 5-year rates, ≥15.0 % delta-BMI loss (33.5 and 59.1 %), 7.5-14.9 % loss (67.3 and 70.0 %), <7.5 % loss (87.8 and 95.7 %), <7.5 % gain (87.2 and 90.3 %), 7.5-14.9 % gain (64.6 and 67.6 %), and ≥15.0 % gain (32.5 and 66.7 %). In multivariable analysis controlling for age, ethnicity, baseline BMI, histology, grade, stage, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, 6-month delta-BMI change remained an independent prognostic factor for DFS and OS (all p < 0.05): adjusted hazard ratios, ≥15 % delta-BMI loss (3.35 and 5.39), 7.5-14.9 % loss (2.35 and 4.19), 7.5-14.9 % gain (2.58 and 3.33), and ≥15.0 % gain (2.50 and 3.45) compared with <7.5 % loss. Similar findings were observed at a 1-year time point (p < 0.05). Baseline BMI was not associated with survival outcome (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that endometrial cancer patients continued to gain weight after hysterectomy, and post-treatment weight change had bidirectional effects on survival outcome.

Feto-maternal outcomes of pregnancy complicated by Krukenberg tumor: a systematic review of literature.

PURPOSE: Krukenberg tumor is a rare type of ovarian cancer with a poor prognosis, and little is known about its behavior during pregnancy. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to identify pregnancies complicated by Krukenberg tumor, correlated to oncologic and neonatal outcomes (n = 35). RESULTS: Mean age of cases was 30.4 years, and the most common origin of primary cancer was the stomach (68.6 %) followed by the colon (14.3 %). The two most common presenting symptoms were abdominal/pelvic pain (51.4 %) and nausea/vomiting (48.6 %). Two-thirds of tumors were bilateral (65.7 %) and the average size was 16.7 cm. Ascites (45.7 %), carcinomatosis (25.7 %) and non-ovarian distant metastases (14.3 %) were found at the time of surgery. Chemotherapy was administered in 20 cases, with fetal exposure in two of these. The ovarian tumor was identified prior to the primary cancer diagnosis in all 28 cases. The overall number of live births was 27 (81.8 %). The median survival was 6 months after Krukenberg tumor diagnosis. In univariate analysis, decreased overall survival was associated with dyspnea, ascites, carcinomatosis, non-radical surgery for the primary cancer, and residual disease at surgery (all, p < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, dyspnea and carcinomatosis remained independent prognostic factors for decreased overall survival after Krukenberg tumor diagnosis (2-year overall survival rates, dyspnea 0 vs. 56.6 %, adjusted-hazard ratio [HR] 9.74, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 2.04-46.2, p < 0.01; and carcinomatosis, 0 vs. 58.1 %, adjusted-HR 7.95, 95 % CI 1.76-36.0, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that prognosis of Krukenberg tumor complicated pregnancies is extremely poor, however it may be improved if radical surgery is achievable.

Contributing factors for menopausal symptoms after surgical staging for endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine contributing factors associated with developing menopausal symptoms after surgical staging in women with endometrial cancer. METHODS: This is a retrospective study examining patients with endometrial cancer who were premenopausal at the time of hysterectomy-based surgical staging including bilateral oophorectomy between January 2000 and October 2013. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to evaluate demographics, medical comorbidity, liver function tests, tumor factors, and medication history for menopausal symptoms. RESULTS: There were 269 premenopausal women who were eligible. Mean age was 44.5 years, and the majority had endometrioid histology (91.1%), grade 1 tumor (60.2%), and stage I disease (65.8%). Postoperatively, 73 (27.1%) women developed menopausal symptoms, with hot flushes (20.1%) being the most common symptom followed by night sweats (4.1%). On multivariate analysis, younger age was independently associated with increased risk of developing menopausal symptoms (hazard ratio per unit 0.91, 95% CI 0.88-0.94, P < 0.01). In addition, lower albumin level remained an independent predictor for decreased risk of developing menopausal symptoms (hazard ratio per unit 2.16, 95% CI 1.19-3.93, P = 0.012). Lower albumin level was associated with medical comorbidity (hypertension and diabetes mellitus), use of antihypertensive/glycemic agents (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or receptor blocker, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfonylurea, and insulin), aggressive tumor (high cancer antigen 125 level, nonendometrioid histology, and advanced stage), and abnormal liver function (high alkaline phosphatase level and low total protein level; all, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Assessing albumin level, medical comorbidity, and medication type for the development of postoperative menopausal symptoms is a valuable step in the preoperative management of women with endometrial cancer.

Treatment patterns and survival outcomes in patients with cervical cancer complicated by complete uterine prolapse: a systematic review of literature.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Cervical cancer complicated by complete uterine prolapse is a rare clinical entity and uniform management recommendations have yet to be determined. The aim of the current review was to examine the effects of management patterns on survival outcomes in cervical cancer patients with complete uterine prolapse. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using three public search engines. This included case reports with detailed descriptions of tumor characteristics, cancer management, and survival outcomes. Treatment patterns and tumor characteristics were correlated to survival outcomes. RESULTS: There were 78 patients with cervical cancer with complete uterine prolapse. Their mean age was 63.7 years. The median duration of prolapse was 147.9 months and 22.2% of the patients experienced persistent/recurrent prolapse after cancer treatment. The mean tumor size was 8.9 cm and squamous cell carcinoma (83.9%) was the most common histologic type. The majority of patients (56.2%) had stage I cancer. Tumor characteristics were similar across the treatment patterns. Survival outcomes were more favorable with surgery-based treatment (48 patients) than with radiation-based treatment (30 patients): 5-year recurrence-free survival rate 72.0% vs. 62.9% (p = 0.057), and 5-year disease-specific overall survival rate 77.0% vs. 68.2% (p = 0.017). After controlling for age and stage, surgery-based therapy remained an independent prognostic factor for better disease-specific overall survival outcome (hazard ratio 0.32, 95% confidence interval 0.11 - 0.94, adjusted p = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Although limited in study size, our results at least suggest that surgery-based treatment may have a positive effect on survival outcome in cervical cancer patients with complete uterine prolapse.

Tumor Characteristics and Survival Outcome of Endometrial Cancer Arising in Adenomyosis: An Exploratory Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Endometrial cancer arising in adenomyosis (EC-AIA) is a rare entity of endometrial cancer, and its clinical significance has not been well studied. This study aimed to examine the tumor characteristics and survival outcomes of EC-AIA. METHODS: An exploratory analysis was performed to compare EC-AIA and historical control cases. For this study, EC-AIA cases were identified via a systematic literature search using PubMed/MEDLINE with entry keywords "endometrial cancer OR uterine cancer" AND "adenomyosis" (n = 46). The control group comprised consecutive non-EC-AIA cases from four institutions that had hysterectomy-based surgical staging (n = 1294). Patient demographics, pathology results, and survival outcomes were evaluated between the two groups. RESULTS: The EC-AIA group was significantly older than the control group (58.9 vs. 55.3 years; P = 0.032). In terms of tumor characteristics, 56.5% of the EC-AIA cases showed tumor within the myometrium without endometrial extension, and the EC-AIA group was significantly more likely to have tumors with more than 50% myometrial invasion (51.6 vs. 26.6%; P = 0.002) and serous/clear cell histology (22.2 vs. 8.2%, P = 0.002) while less likely to express estrogen receptor (14.3 vs. 84.6%; P < 0.001). Grade and stage distributions were similar (P > 0.05). In the univariate analysis, the EC-AIA group had a significantly poorer disease-free survival than the control group (5-year rate: 71.4 vs. 80.6%; P = 0.014). In the multivariate analysis, with control for age, ethnicity, histology, grade, and stage, EA-CIC remained an independent prognostic factor for decreased disease-free survival (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.07; 95% confidence interval 1.55-6.08; P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The study suggested that endometrial cancer arising in adenomyosis may be an aggressive variant of endometrial cancer.

Timing of Intrauterine Manipulator Insertion During Minimally Invasive Surgical Staging and Results of Pelvic Cytology in Endometrial Cancer.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Considering the hypothetical concern of retrograde tumor spread to the peritoneal cavity by insertion of an intrauterine manipulator, we examined the correlation between the timing of manipulator insertion and the results of pelvic cytology during total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) in endometrial cancer. DESIGN: Case-control study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: University-based hospitals. PATIENTS: Stage I to IV endometrial cancer patients who underwent TLH in which an intrauterine manipulator was used. Medical records were reviewed for patient demographics, surgical details, and tumor characteristics. INTERVENTIONS: Archived medical record review. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 333 patients was identified. Cases were divided into those with intrauterine manipulator insertion after pelvic cytology sampling (Group 1, n = 103) and those with intrauterine manipulator insertion before pelvic cytology sampling (Group 2, n = 230). Types of intrauterine manipulator were similar across the 2 groups (p = .77). There was no statistical difference in the results of pelvic cytology between the 2 groups: Group 1 versus 2, atypical cells 2.9% versus 4.8% and malignant cells 5.8% versus 9.6% (p = .36). Uterine perforation related to intrauterine manipulator insertion was seen in 1.0% and .4% of each group (p = .52). In a multivariate analysis controlling for demographics and tumor characteristics, advanced-stage disease remained an independent risk factor associated with increased risk of atypical and malignant cells (adjusted odds ratio, 10.3; 95% confidence interval, 4.44-23.8; p < .001). CONCLUSION: Our study suggested that the timing of intrauterine manipulator insertion during TLH for endometrial cancer is not associated with the results of pelvic cytology.

Impact of depth and extent of lymphovascular space invasion on lymph node metastasis and recurrence patterns in endometrial cancer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the significance of depth and extent of lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) on lymph node metastasis and recurrence in endometrial cancer. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted to examine LVSI-positive (n = 70) and LVSI-negative (n = 641) stage I-III endometrial cancer cases that underwent hysterectomy-based surgical staging. The risk of lymph node metastasis and distant recurrence was estimated based on LVSI patterns. RESULTS: In multivariate analysis, deep (>50% invasion), and extensive (≥7 foci/slide) LVSI patterns had a significantly increased risk of lymph node metastasis (incidence 57.6% and 72.7%, odds ratio 33.8 and 49.9, respectively, P < 0.001) as compared to other traditional uterine factors (>50% myometrial tumor invasion, cervical stromal invasion, and adnexal involvement: incidence range 30.4-37.9%, odds ratio range 3.80-7.03). Deep and extensive of LVSI patterns were both significantly correlated to distant recurrence (P < 0.001). Among women who received postoperative chemotherapy, deep and extensive LVSI patterns did not have increased risks for distant recurrence compared to no LVSI (P = 0.47 and 0.32, respectively). Among women who received postoperative radiotherapy, the depth of LVSI was significantly associated with recurrence outside the radiated field (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Depth and extent of LVSI are important predictors for lymph node metastasis and distant recurrence in endometrial cancer.

Prediction of concurrent endometrial carcinoma in women with endometrial hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: Although a fraction of endometrial hyperplasia cases have concurrent endometrial carcinoma, patient characteristics associated with concurrent malignancy are not well described. The aim of our study was to identify predictive clinico-pathologic factors for concurrent endometrial carcinoma among patients with endometrial hyperplasia. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted to compare endometrial hyperplasia in both preoperative endometrial biopsy and hysterectomy specimens (n=168) and endometrial carcinoma in hysterectomy specimen but endometrial hyperplasia in preoperative endometrial biopsy (n=43). Clinico-pathologic factors were examined to identify independent risk factors of concurrent endometrial carcinoma in a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS: The most common histologic subtype in preoperative endometrial biopsy was complex hyperplasia with atypia [CAH] (n=129) followed by complex hyperplasia without atypia (n=58) and simple hyperplasia with or without atypia (n=24). The majority of endometrial carcinomas were grade 1 (86.0%) and stage I (83.7%). In multivariate analysis, age 40-59 (odds ratio [OR] 3.07, p=0.021), age≥60 (OR 6.65, p=0.005), BMI≥35kg/m(2) (OR 2.32, p=0.029), diabetes mellitus (OR 2.51, p=0.019), and CAH (OR 9.01, p=0.042) were independent predictors of concurrent endometrial carcinoma. The risk of concurrent endometrial carcinoma rose dramatically with increasing number of risk factors identified in multivariate model (none 0%, 1 risk factor 7.0%, 2 risk factors 17.6%, 3 risk factors 35.8%, and 4 risk factors 45.5%, p<0.001). Hormonal treatment was associated with decreased risk of concurrent endometrial cancer in those with ≥3 risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Older age, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and CAH are predictive of concurrent endometrial carcinoma in endometrial hyperplasia patients.

Effects of imiquimod on vulvar Paget's disease: a systematic review of literature.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of topical imiquimod therapy for vulvar Paget's disease. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted using three public search engines with entry keywords "Paget's disease" and "imiquimod". Case reports describing imiquimod treatment for vulvar Paget's disease were examined for demographics, treatment patterns, and outcome (63 cases). RESULTS: Median age was 68, and nearly a half of cases were recurrent disease (50.8%) with surgical resection being the most common prior treatment modality (62.5%). All cases used 5% imiquimod and the median treatment duration was 4months. The most common initial treatment frequency was 3-4times/week (68.3%) followed by 5-7 (17.4%) and 1-2times/week (14.3%). Frequency-reduction due to adverse effects was seen in 9.5% with the initial 5-7times/week regimen being associated with the highest reduction rate (1-2, 3-4, and 5-7times/week: 0%, 2.3%, and 81.8%, p<0.01). In 46 (73.0%) cases, a complete remission (CR) to imiquimod therapy was reported, with 2, 4, and 6-month cumulative CR rates being 9.8%, 31.1%, and 71.6%, respectively. With median follow-up duration of 12months after the completion of imiquimod treatment, 2 (5.7%) of the 35 women who had a CR developed disease recurrence. Age, disease status (primary versus recurrent), and treatment frequency after dose reduction were not associated with CR rates (all, p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that imiquimod therapy may be an effective possible treatment option for vulvar Paget's disease, especially for women who have experienced recurrence after multiple surgical resections or who are with poor surgical candidates.

Significance of monocyte counts on tumor characteristics and survival outcome of women with endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Tumor-associated macrophages are known to be associated with decreased survival of patients with endometrial cancer. Given the physiological link of circulating monocytes as a progenitor of tumor-associated macrophages, monocyte counts were examined for tumor characteristics and survival in endometrial cancer. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted to examine consecutive patients with endometrial cancer with all histologic types who underwent hysterectomy-based surgical staging between 2003 and 2013 (n=541). Preoperative monocyte counts were correlated to patient demographics, pathological findings, complete blood count results, and survival outcomes. RESULTS: Median monocyte counts were 0.5×10(9)/L. Monocyte counts significantly correlated with all other complete blood count components, with neutrophil counts having the most significant association (r=0.52, p<0.001). Elevated monocyte counts (defined as >0.7×10(9)/L) when compared to lower counts were significantly associated with an increased risk of >50% myometrial tumor invasion (29.2% versus 22.0%, odds ratio [OR] 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-2.45, p=0.045), pelvic lymph node metastasis (39.0% versus 18.8%, OR 2.76, 95%CI 1.35-5.62, p=0.007), and advanced-stage (stage I through IV, 18.5%, 24.6%, 32.5%, and 41.5%, p=0.001). In survival analysis, elevated monocyte counts were associated with decreased disease-free survival (5-year rates, 71.0% versus 84.5%, p=0.001) and overall survival (77.2% versus 89.3%, p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, elevated monocyte counts remained an independent prognostic factor for decreased disease-free (hazard ratio [HR] 1.74, 95% CI 1.02-2.96, p=0.041) and overall (HR 2.63, 95% CI 1.37-5.05, p=0.004) survival. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated monocyte counts were associated with aggressive tumor features and poor survival outcomes of patients with endometrial cancer.

Combined vagino-abdominal approach for management of vesicovaginal fistulas: a 10 years' experience.

BACKGROUND: Vesicovaginal fistulas (VVF) are an uncommon but serious complication of gynecological surgery. The aim of this study was to report our experience with the repair of VVF using combined vaginal and extraperitoneal abdominal approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2000 and 2012, 15 consecutive females with VVF were managed with combined vaginal and extraperitoneal abdominal procedures. After assessment by voiding cystourethrography and urethrocystoscopy, the operation was performed at the standard lithotomy position. RESULT: Fifteen patients were included in this study with mean age 51.8 ± 11.9 years. The mean fistula size was 2.1 ± 0.7 cm and all of them were located in supra-trigonal region except one case that fistula defect extend to the bladder trigon. Fourteen patients reported complete resolution of urinary incontinence during mean follow-up of 3.5 years. Fistula was recurred in one female 1 year after repair due to cancer recurrence and radiotherapy treatment. No intraoperative complication including massive bleeding or ureteral damage was observed. CONCLUSION: Our experience with combined vaginal and extraperitoneal abdominal repair of a vesicovaginal fistula shows its feasibility and safety with good results.

Diode laser (980 nm) vaporization in comparison with transurethral resection of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia: randomized clinical trial with 2-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: To compare outcomes of diode laser vaporization of prostate with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) as a gold-standard treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total number of 115 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia underwent TURP and 980-nm diode vaporization of prostate in a balanced randomization (1:1) from 2010 to 2012 and were followed up for 24 months. Baseline characteristics of the patients, perioperative data, and postoperative outcomes were compared. The primary end point of the study was assessing the values of International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and maximum flow rate (Qmax) to predict the functional improvement of each group. The trial is registered at http://www.irct.ir (number IRCT201202138146N3). RESULT: The mean age (± standard deviation) of the patients was 68.2 ± 7.8 years in TURP and 68.5 ± 8.8 in diode groups. In TURP and diode groups, the operation time was 54.9 ± 15.3 vs 60.6 ± 22.6 minutes (P = .14), Foley catheterization time was 88.9 ± 22.5 vs 20.1 ± 4.6 hours (P = .0001) and postoperative hospital stay was 59.9 ± 14.4 vs 25.8 ± 9.2 hours (P = .0001) respectively. Outcome with regard to increase in Qmax, decrease in IPSS, and decrease in postvoid residual urine volume showed a dramatic improvement in both groups during the first 6 months. In the TURP group, the values of IPSS and Qmax were respectively lower and higher than diode patients at 12 and 24 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: According to our study, diode laser vaporization (980 nm) offers a safe and feasible procedure in the management of patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hypertrophy; however, at longer follow-up the functional outcome of diode laser vaporization has been less efficient than TURP.

Blind versus fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Due to the negative impact of radiation on the patient and the surgical team during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), we aimed to evaluate success rate and complications of blind access for PCNL using lumbar notch landmark and compare with conventional fluoroscopy-guided access. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a clinical trial, 100 patients who were candidate for PCNL, were randomly assigned into blind group (1) and fluoroscopy-guided group (2). In group 1 the lumbar notch was used to guide percutaneous access and in group 2 fluoroscopy performed after needle insertion, Amplatz placement and at the end of surgery. If the access failed, we would repeat puncturing up to 5 times. In group 2, access was achieved using full fluoroscopy guidance. All patients underwent postoperative assessment including kidney-ureter-bladder X-ray and ultrasonography. RESULTS: Both mean access time and mean operation time were statically similar in group 1 and group 2 (3.3 ± 0.5 vs. 3.6 ± 0.7 min and 35.2 ± 4.6 vs. 38.9 ± 4.1 min, respectively). A successful puncture was achieved in 86% and 94% of the patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = .18). Total success rate of procedure was 80% and 88% of the patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = .27). CONCLUSION: According to this study, it seems that blind access is a safe and effective PCNL method, and we recommend employment of this technique by skilled endourologist in urology centers especially for patient with large hydronephrotic kidney.

Uterine Doppler velocimetry of the uterine arteries in the second and third trimesters for the prediction of gestational outcome.

PURPOSE: The aim of this longitudinal study was to investigate the value of uterine artery Doppler sonography during the second and third trimesters in the prediction of adverse pregnancy outcome in low-risk women. METHODS: From July 2011 to August 2012, a total of 205 singleton pregnant women presenting at our antenatal clinic were enrolled in this prospective study and were assessed for baseline demographic and obstetric data. They underwent ultrasound evaluation at the time of second and third trimesters, both included Doppler assessment of bilateral uterine arteries to determine the values of the pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) and presence of early diastolic notch. The endpoint of this study was assessing the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of Doppler ultrasonography of the uterine artery, for the prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes including preeclampsia, stillbirth, placental abruption and preterm labor. RESULTS: The mean age of cases was 26.4±5.11. The uterine artery PI and RI values for both second (PI: 1.1±0.42 versus 1.53±0.59, p=0.002; RI: 0.55±0.09 versus 0.72±0.13, p=0.000 respectively) and third-trimester (PI: 0.77±0.31 versus 1.09±0.46, p=0.000; RI: 0.46±0.10 versus 0.60±0.14, p=0.010 respectively) evaluations were significantly higher in patients with adverse pregnancy outcome than in normal women. Combination of PI and RI >95th percentile and presence of bilateral notch in second trimester get sensitivity and specificity of 36.1 and 97% respectively, while these measures were 57.5 and 98.2% in third trimester. CONCLUSIONS: According to our study, it seems that uterine artery Doppler may be a valuable tool for the prediction of a variety of adverse outcomes in second and third trimesters.