A Narrative Review on the Clinical Utility of Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy for Diagnosing High-Grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia.

Colposcopy constitutes a pivotal step in the diagnosis and management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia; nevertheless, the method has several inherent and external limitations. Electrical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) has been among the adjuncts that have been developed to increase the diagnostic accuracy of colposcopy. EIS is based on the principle that the trajectory of electrical current alters depending on the consistency of the tissues. In the present study, we investigate the diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of EIS by means of searching the available evidence. Our search yielded 17 articles during the period 2005-2023. Subsequently, we focused on the performance metrics of the included studies. The general concept is that EIS, in combination with colposcopy, is a method with increased sensitivity and specificity in detecting high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia as compared to colposcopy alone. However, we documented a heterogeneous distribution of these and other metrics, including the positive predictive value, the negative predictive value, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Additionally, we located potential confounders that might hamper the measurements of EIS and, as such, warrant further investigation in future research. We conclude that future studies should be directed towards randomized multicentric trials, whereas the advent of artificial intelligence might improve the diagnostic accuracy of the method by helping incorporate a large amount of data.

Prevalence of HPV Genotypes among Greek Women in Association with Their Potential to Cause Precancerous Lesions.

The escalating global rates of precancerous lesions associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) types not targeted by current vaccines underscore the need to explore the prevalence of HPV types within the Greek female population and their involvement in precancerous lesion development. In the current study, we enrolled a cohort of 253 women aged 18 to 65 years, residing in Greece, who underwent routine screening in three tertiary care referral hospitals. Each participant completed a demographic questionnaire. An HPV DNA test was administered using the VisionArray® HPV kit (ZytoVision GmbH) to qualitatively detect and genotype 41 clinically relevant HPV genotypes. Of all 253 women examined, 114 (45.1%) tested positive for HPV DNA. The primary type detected was HPV51 (high-risk), present in 21 women (8.3% of the total), followed by HPV54 (low-risk) in 17 women (6.7%); HPV16 (high-risk) ranked third, identified in 14 women (5.5%). Among the HPV-positive women, 65 were positive for high-risk HPV types (57% of HPV-positive women) and were referred for colposcopy and cervical biopsy. These procedures identified 24 women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 1 (CIN1) lesions and 2 with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 (CIN2) lesions. The most prevalent HPV type among women with CIN1 lesions was HPV16, found in nine (37.5%) women, while HPV51 ranked second, identified in six (25%) women. Both women with CIN2 lesions tested positive for HPV16, whereas one of them was also tested positive for HPV45. Our study is the first to report the prevalence of HPV51 among HPV-positive women in the Greek female population. This highlights the need for further research to fully understand the potential of HPV types not covered by current vaccines, such as HPV51, to cause high-grade lesions or cervical cancer.

Low fetal fraction and adverse pregnancy outcomes- systematic review of the literature and metanalysis.

PURPOSE: While cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening has emerged as a screening modality for common aneuploidies, further research and several publications over the past decade suggested some correlation between the low concentrations of cfDNA and a number of pregnancy-related complications. The primary goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the potential value of low-ff levels in the prediction of subsequent PE/PIH, GDM, SGA/FGR, and PTB. The meta-analysis results aim at summarizing the currently available literature data and determining the clinical relevance of this biochemical marker and the potential necessity for additional investigation of its utility in complications other than the detection of common aneuploidies. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis was designed according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. It included all observational studies that reported low -ff levels after the performance of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) as part of the screening for chromosomal abnormalities and their association with adverse pregnancy outcomes, namely the subsequent development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and the detection of small for gestational age fetuses or growth-restricted fetuses. The Medline (1966-2041), Scopus (2004-2024), Clinicaltrials.gov (2008-2024), EMBASE (1980-2024), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL (1999-2024) and Google Scholar (2004-2024) databases were used in our primary search along with the reference lists of electronically retrieved full-text papers. The date of our last search was set at February 29, 2024. RESULTS: Our search identified 128 potentially relevant studies and,overall, 8 studies were included in the present systematic review that enrolled a total of 72,507 patients. Low ff of cfDNA cfDNA was positively associated with HDP (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.34, 2.06, I-square test: 56%). Low ff of cfDNA was positively associated with GDM (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.03, 1.56, I-square test: 76%). Furthermore, low ff levels were positively associated with SGA/FGR (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.32, 2.03, I-square test: 0%). Low ff levels were positively correlated with the risk for PTB but the association did not manage to reach a statistical significant level (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.89, 1.67, I-square test: 66%). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that low ff is associated with increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes, including PE/PIH, GDM, and SGA/FGR. However, the relationship between ff and PTB remains unclear due to conflicting evidence. It should be emphasized that further research is needed to reveal the underlying mechanisms behind the association of low ff with adverse pregnancy outcomes and explore its potential role in an overall prenatal screening, which could potentially not be limited to detecting aneuploidies.

Diaphragmatic stripping in epithelial ovarian cancer at first diagnosis: Impact on morbidity and survival outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Diaphragmatic stripping is a standard procedure that is performed in a significant proportion of patients undergoing surgical cytoreduction for advanced ovarian cancer. The objective of the present study is to evaluate morbidity and survival outcomes among patients offered diaphragmatic surgery for primary diagnosed optimally resected ovarian cancer. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective cohort study, identifying patients that were offered surgery between 2016 and 2021 for primary diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Cases that had diaphragmatic stripping or partial diaphragmatic resection were selected and compared to cases that did not require this procedure. Kaplan-Meier and Cox-regression analyses were applied to evaluate survival outcomes. RESULTS: Overall, 61 patients that had diaphragmatic stripping were identified. Severe postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo 3 + ) were noted in 19 patients (31 %). Survival analyses denoted that the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis, as well as the timing of the surgical procedure (PDS vs IDS) and the completion of tumor debulking were factors that significantly affected the recurrence free and overall survival of patients. Severe postoperative morbidity was a significant predictor of the overall survival. Multivariate cox-regression analysis that was adjusted for the stage of the disease revealed that preoperative pleural effusion, optimal (compared to complete) tumor resection and the occurrence of postoperative complications significantly affected the overall survival of patients. Compared to patients that did not have diaphragmatic surgery, patients submitted to diaphragmatic stripping or resection had improved progression free and overall survival rates, irrespective of the stage of the disease at diagnosis or the adequacy of resection status. CONCLUSIONS: Diaphragmatic surgery is feasible in advanced ovarian cancer patients with acceptable morbidity that mainly refers to postoperative pleural effusion. Its positive impact on patients' survival requires further investigation.

Controversies and Advances in the Personalized Surgical Treatment of Cervical Cancer.

Cervical cancer represents a global health issue as it is mostly encountered in women of reproductive age, while at the same time, survival outcomes seem to have remained constant during the last two decades. The need to implement fertility-sparing strategies as well as to decrease the morbidity that accompanies radical treatment has been extensively studied. During the last decade, several randomized clinical trials have been released, resulting in significant advances in the surgical treatment of early-stage disease. At the same time, evidence about the surgical treatment of advanced-stage disease as well as recurrent disease has gradually appeared and seems to be promising, thus leading the point forward towards personalized medicine that will remove the surgical barriers that seem concrete in our era. Nevertheless, the discrepancies in perioperative morbidity and survival outcomes that were observed among published studies raise several questions. In the present article, we chose to review the gray fields in the surgical treatment of early-stage and advanced-stage cervical cancer. Studies that are based on strong evidence that support current clinical practice are compared to smaller cohorts that present novel data that may form the basis for future research, and issues that remain poorly explored are discussed in an effort to help establish a consensus for future research development.

Pre-treatment thrombocytosis and ovarian cancer survival: A meta-analysis.

An association between thrombocytosis and cancer progression and decreased survival has been observed for various forms of cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of pre-treatment thrombocytosis on ovarian cancer survival. Medline, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL and Google Scholar were searched systematically for studies that compared survival outcomes of patients with ovarian cancer who had pre-treatment thrombocytosis with survival outcomes of patients with normal platelet counts. Fourteen articles were retrieved, with a total of 5414 patients with ovarian cancer. The methodological quality of included studies ranged between moderate and high. Patients with advanced stage disease were more likely to have pre-treatment thrombocytosis, and this was associated with lower rates of optimal debulking. Thrombocytosis was also associated with increased likelihood of recurrence of ovarian cancer [hazard ratio (HR) 2.01, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.34-3.01] and increased risk of death from ovarian cancer (HR 2.29, 95 % CI 1.35-3.90). The incidence of deep vein thrombosis was comparable in both groups (odds ratio 1.62, 95 % CI 0.48-5.46). Considering these findings, it is evident that pre-treatment thrombocytosis in patients with ovarian cancer is associated with increased risk of recurrence and death. Pre-treatment thrombocytosis is a potential sign of advanced stage disease, and may be predictive of suboptimal tumour debulking during surgery. Its association with other factors that affect survival, including platinum resistance and response to targeted therapy, remains poorly explored, although preliminary data suggest a potential correlation.

The Impact of Positive Peritoneal Cytology on the Survival Rates of Early-Stage-Disease Endometrial Cancer Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background and Objectives: The impact of positive peritoneal cytology has been a matter of controversy in early-stage endometrial cancer for several years. The latest staging systems do not take into consideration its presence; however, emerging evidence about its potential harmful effect on patient survival outcomes suggests otherwise. In the present systematic review and meta-analysis, we sought to accumulate current evidence. Materials and Methods: Medline, Scopus, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL, Google Scholar and Clinicaltrials.gov databases were searched for relevant articles. Effect sizes were calculated in Rstudio using the meta function. A sensitivity analysis was carried out to evaluate the possibility of small-study effects and p-hacking. Trial sequential analysis was used to evaluate the adequacy of the sample size. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Results: Fifteen articles were finally included in the present systematic review that involved 19,255 women with early-stage endometrial cancer. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale indicated that the majority of included studies had a moderate risk of bias in their selection of participants, a moderate risk of bias in terms of the comparability of groups (positive peritoneal cytology vs. negative peritoneal cytology) and a low risk of bias concerning the assessment of the outcome. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that women with early-stage endometrial cancer and positive peritoneal cytology had significantly lower 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) (hazards ratio (HR) 0.26, 95% CI 0.09, 0.71). As a result of the decreased recurrence-free survival, patients with positive peritoneal cytology also exhibited reduced 5-year overall survival outcomes (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.27, 0.92). The overall survival of the included patients was considerably higher among those that did not have positive peritoneal cytology (HR 12.76, 95% CI 2.78, 58.51). Conclusions: Positive peritoneal cytology seems to be a negative prognostic indicator of survival outcomes of patients with endometrial cancer. Considering the absence of data related to the molecular profile of patients, further research is needed to evaluate if this factor should be reinstituted in future staging systems.

Cracking the Code: Investigating the Correlation between Aerobic Vaginitis and Preterm Labor.

Aerobic vaginitis (AV) is a distinct clinical entity characterized by inflammation and abnormal vaginal microflora. Often mistaken for bacterial vaginosis, AV remains relatively unknown and underdiagnosed. AV's understanding is evolving, with some experts suggesting it may primarily be an immunological disorder, the prevalence of which has a range of 7-13% in non-pregnant women and 4.1-8.3% during pregnancy. Pregnancy can affect susceptibility to vaginal infections, leading to adverse outcomes for the woman and the newborn. This review summarizes the correlation between AV and adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly preterm birth, the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among neonates. An improved understanding of AV's impact on pregnancy outcomes can lead to early recognition, proper management, and effective interventions. While some studies support an association between AV and preterm labor, the existing knowledge of this relationship remains limited. The evidence suggests that AV may contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes, mainly preterm birth, but further research is needed to establish a definitive link. Further studies are needed to investigate the underlying mechanisms and clarify AV's role in premature labor. A comprehensive understanding of AV's impact on pregnancy outcomes is crucial for early recognition, appropriate management, and effective interventions.

Awareness, knowledge and attitudes of human papillomavirus infection, screening and vaccination: a survey study in Greece.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the awareness and existing knowledge of a portion of the Greek population about prevention, screening, and HPV vaccination. METHODS: A questionnaire designed in Google forms has been distributed through social media between June 2021 and December 2021 in men and women aged > 16 years old. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 20.0 program. Inferential analysis was performed to evaluate differences in responses among men and women. RESULTS: We enrolled 2685 participants. Of those, 2285 were women, 386 were men, while 14 respondents chose not to respond to this question. Various age groups were detected with those aged between 26 and 30 years old being the predominant one. Participants with a higher education constituted 36.5% of the population. Most respondents were married (59.8%). In socioeconomic terms 75.5% of participants were employed whereas, monthly income ranged between 1000 and 1500 euros in the predominant group (36.8%). Only 40% of females and 3.9% of males were vaccinated against HPV. Adolescent immunization, acceptability rates reached 92.7% among female and 82.1% among male responders. Although, only a small proportion of the participants were not aware of the existence of HPV, 24.1% of males and 23.4% of females had the impression that condom use may provide absolute immunity to HPV and only 51.6% of males and 60.4% of females were aware about the high prevalence of HPV in the general population. Logistic regression analysis indicated that male participants as well as those aged > 50 years and those choosing to reject vaccination had decreased knowledge of the basic pathophysiology of HPV infection, as well as knowledge related to the existence and use of HPV DNA as a screening tool and the existence and efficacy of HPV vaccination. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that although awareness of the existence of HPV infection is high in Greek general population, the actual perception of the pathophysiology of transmission and importance of HPV testing and vaccination is low. Targeting specific population groups is essential to help increase HPV coverage and screening.

Chemotherapy response score as a predictor of survival in ovarian cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: The chemotherapy response score (CRS) has been widely adopted as a predictive tool for ovarian cancer survival. In the present study, we seek to define differences in survival rates among patients grouped in the traditionally established three-tiered system and those who have not been offered debulking surgery. STUDY DESIGN: We designed a retrospective cohort study involving women treated with chemotherapy and offered interval or late debulking surgery for ovarian cancer. Twenty-eight women were not considered for a debulking procedure for various reasons. Of the 89 women who were finally offered interval debulking or late debulking surgery, 28 had a CRS 1 score, 34 had a CRS 2 score and 27 had a CRS 3 score. RESULTS: Significant differences were noted in the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients based on the CRS stratification, although survival rates were considerably longer for all three groups compared to those of patients who were not offered surgery. Cox regression univariate analysis revealed that suboptimal debulking and CRS 1 or no surgery had a significant negative impact on PFS and OS rates. The binary stratification of CRS (CRS 1-2 vs CRS 3) revealed comparable differences in the PFS and OS to those in the groups that were stratified as platinum resistant and platinum sensitive. CONCLUSION: The chemotherapy response score is a significant determinant of ovarian cancer survival that helps evaluate the risk of early disease relapse and death and may soon be useful in guiding patient-tailored treatment.

Splenectomy as Part of Maximal-Effort Cytoreductive Surgery in Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: A splenectomy is frequently performed during debulking surgery for advanced ovarian cancer. Its impact on perioperative and survival outcomes remains questionable as current evidence is conflicting. In the present study, we sought to determine the factors that affect survival rates in ovarian cancer patients that undergo a splenectomy as part of maximal-effort cytoreduction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted that included all epithelial ovarian cancer patients that had surgical cytoreduction for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. Differences among splenectomized and non splenectomized patients were evaluated as well as the impact of known risk factors on survival outcomes of splenectomized patients. RESULTS: Overall, 245 patients were identified and 223 were included in the present series, of whom 91 had a splenectomy. Recurrence rates as well as death rates were comparable among splenectomized and non-splenectomized patients; however, both the disease-free survival (log-rank = 0.001), as well as the overall survival of splenectomized patients (log-rank = 0.006), was shorter. Thrombotic events as well as rates of pulmonary embolism were comparable. Sepsis was more common among splenectomized patients. The site of splenic metastases did not influence patients' survival. Among splenectomized patients, those offered primary debulking had longer progression-free survival (log-rank = 0.042), although their overall survival did not differ compared to patients submitted to interval debulking. Complete debulking significantly improved the overall survival compared to optimal debulking (log-rank = 0.047). Splenectomized patients that developed sepsis had worse overall survival (log-rank = 0.005). DISCUSSION: The findings of our study support the feasibility of splenectomy in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer; however, its impact on patients' survival is considerable. Therefore, every effort should be made to avoid splenic injury which will result in unintended splenectomy for non-oncological reasons.

Prognostic Nutritional Index as a Predictive Biomarker of Post-Operative Infectious Morbidity in Gynecological Cancer Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Malnutrition significantly impacts the post-operative process of gynecological cancer patients. A prominent variable for determining perioperative morbidity is the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI). To investigate PNI's predictive value on the risk of post-operative infections, we conducted a prospective cohort study involving women who underwent surgery for gynecological malignancies. Out of the 208 patients enrolled, 28 (13.5%) were malnourished and post-operative infections occurred in 43 patients. Notably, there was a significant difference in PNI between patients who developed infections and those who did not (p = 0.027), as well as between malnourished patients and those with normal nutritional status (p = 0.043). Univariate analysis showed that preoperative PNI predicts the risk of post-operative infections better than post-operative white blood cell count (AUC of 0.562 vs 0.375). However, the most accurate diagnostic results in the multivariate analysis were obtained from random forest and classification tree models (AUC of 0.987 and 0.977, respectively). Essentially, PNI and post-operative white blood cell count provided the best information gain according to rank probabilities. In conclusion, PNI appears to be a critical parameter that merits further investigation during the preoperative evaluation of gynecological malignancies.

Maternal and neonatal outcomes following magnesium sulfate in the setting of chorioamnionitis: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) has been widely used in obstetrics as a mean to help decrease maternal and neonatal morbidity in various antenatal pathology. As a factor, it seems to regulate immunity and can, thus, predispose to infectious morbidity. To date, it remains unknown if its administration can increase the risk of chorioamnionitis. In the present meta-analysis, we sought to accumulate the available evidence. METHODS: We systematically searched Medline, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL, and Google Scholar databases in our primary search along with the reference lists of electronically retrieved full-text papers. RESULTS: Eight studies were included that investigated the incidence of chorioamnionitis among parturient that received MgSO4 and control patients. Magnesium sulfate was administered in 3229 women and 3330 women served as controls as they did not receive MgSO4. The meta-analysis of data revealed that there was no association between the administration of magnesium sulfate and the incidence of chorioamnionitis (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.73, 1.32). Rucker's analysis revealed that small studies did not significantly influence the statistical significance of this finding (OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.82, 1.53). Trial sequential analysis revealed that the required number to safely interpret the primary outcome was not reached. Two studies evaluated the impact of MgSO4 in neonates delivered in the setting of chorioamnionitis. Neither of these indicated the presence of a beneficial effect in neonatal morbidity, including the risk of cerebral palsy, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, sepsis, stillbirth, or neonatal death. CONCLUSION: Current evidence indicates that magnesium sulfate is not associated with an increased risk of maternal chorioamnionitis. However, it should be noted that its effect on neonatal outcomes of offspring born in the setting of chorioamnionitis might be subtle if any, although the available evidence is very limited.

Detection of High-Grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia by Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy in Women Diagnosed with Low-Grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia in Cytology.

The authors attempt to address the importance of timely detection and management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) to prevent cervical cancer. The study focused on the potential of electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) as an adjunct to colposcopy, aiming to enhance the accuracy of identifying high-grade cervical lesions. Colposcopy, a widely used technique, exhibited variable sensitivity in detecting high-grade lesions, which relies on the expertise of the operator. The study's primary objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of combining colposcopy with EIS in detecting high-grade cervical lesions among patients initially diagnosed with low-grade CIN based on cytology. We employed a cross-sectional observational design, recruiting 101 women with abnormal cervical cytology results. The participants underwent colposcopy with acetic acid and subsequent EIS using the ZedScan device. The ZedScan results are categorized into color-coded probability levels, with red indicating the highest likelihood of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) occurrence. Results revealed that ZedScan exhibits a sensitivity rate of 89.5% and a specificity rate of 84% for detecting high-grade lesions. Colposcopy, on the other hand, recorded a sensitivity rate of 85.5% and a specificity rate of 92%. The agreement rate between ZedScan and biopsy is 79.2%, as indicated by a kappa coefficient of 0.71, while the agreement rate between colposcopy and biopsy is 74.3%, with a kappa coefficient of 0.71.

Thoracic epidural analgesia as part of an enhanced recovery program in gynecologic oncology: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and the effectiveness of thoracic epidural analgesia as part of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) multimodal analgesic protocol in patients with gynecologic oncology who have undergone laparotomy for suspected or confirmed malignancy. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study, following an enhanced recovery after surgery pathway, among patients who had undergone laparotomy for confirmed or suspected gynecological malignancy between January 2020 and September 2021. All patients who underwent laparotomy at the gynecologic oncology department for the aforementioned reason during that time were considered eligible. Patients (n=217) were divided into two groups: epidural (n=118) and non-epidural (n=99) group. Both groups were treated with the standard ERAS departmental analgesic protocol. The primary outcomes were length of hospital stay, complications, and readmission rates. RESULTS: Data from 217 patients (epidural group, n=118 vs non-epidural group, n=99) with median age of 61 years (IQR 53-68) were analyzed. The most common type of cancer was of ovarian origin (85/217, 39.2%, p=0.055) and median (Aletti) surgical complexity score was 3 (p=0.42). No differences were observed in the patients' demographics, clinical, and surgical characteristics. Primarily, median length of stay was 4 days in both groups with statistically significant lower IQR in the epidural group (3-5 vs 4-5, p=0.021). Complication rates were more common in the non-epidural group (38/99, 38.3% vs 36/118, 30.5%, p<0.001) with similar rates of grade III (p=0.51) and IV (0%) complications and readmission rates (p=0.51) between the two groups. Secondarily, the epidural group showed lower pain scores (p<0.001) on the day of surgery and in the first post-operative day (p<0.001), higher mobilization rates on the day of surgery (94.1% vs 57.6%, p<0.001), faster removal of urinary catheter (p<0.001), shorter time to flatus (p<0.001), and less nausea on the day of surgery (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In this study we showed that thoracic epidural analgesia, when used as part of an ERAS protocol, is safe and offers more favorable pain relief along with a number of additional benefits, improving the peri-operative experience of patients with gynecologic cancer.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols in Obese Gynecological Oncology Patients: A Single-Center Experience.

Objective The aim of this study is to present our experience and evaluate the safety and outcomes of the implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols in obese patients who underwent surgery for suspected or confirmed gynecological malignancies. Method From January 2020 to September 2021, 217 patients underwent laparotomy for a confirmed or suspected gynecological malignancy following a 19-element ERAS pathway. The patients were divided into two groups: obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, n = 104) and non-obese (BMI < 30, n = 113). Both groups were treated with a 19-element ERAS protocol. Results After dividing the 217 patients into two groups, significantly more comorbidities were observed in the obese group (diabetes mellitus: 23% vs. 8%, p = 0.004; ASA score grade 3: 25.0% vs. 6.2%, p < 0.001), as well as higher rates of endometrial cancer (51.9% vs. 17.7%, p < 0.001) compared to the non-obese group. The overall ERAS compliance rates when matched element by element were similar. Postoperatively, complication rates of all grades were significantly higher in the obese group (46.1% vs. 27.4%, p < 0.001) without differences in the length of stay, readmission, and reoperation rates. Conclusion In this retrospective study, we showed that obese gynecological oncology patients can be safely managed with ERAS protocols perioperatively while potentially minimizing the adverse outcomes in these otherwise high-risk patients.

Optimal Time Interval between Neoadjuvant Platinum-Based Chemotherapy and Interval Debulking Surgery in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer.

BACKGROUND: There is limited data on the optimal time interval between the last dose of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and interval debulking surgery (IDS) in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC). METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients with stage IIIC/IV HGSC who received NACT followed by IDS during a 15-year period (January 2003-December 2018) in our Institution. RESULTS: Overall, 115 patients with stage IIIC/IV HGSC were included. The median age of diagnosis was 62.7 years (IQR: 14.0). A total of 76.5% (88/115) of patients were diagnosed with IIIC HGSC and 23.5% (27/115) with IV HGSC. Median PFS was 15.7 months (95% CI: 13.0-18.5), and median OS was 44.7 months (95% CI: 38.8-50.5). Patients were categorized in groups according to the time interval from NACT to IDS: <4 weeks (group A); 4-5 weeks (group B); 5-6 weeks (group C); >6 weeks (group D). Patients with a time interval IDS to NACT ≥4 weeks had significantly shorter PFS (p = 0.004) and OS (p = 0.002). Median PFS was 26.6 months (95% CI: 24-29.2) for patients undergoing IDS <4 weeks after NACT vs. 14.4 months (95% CI: 12.6-16.2) for those undergoing IDS later (p = 0.004). Accordingly, median OS was 66.3 months (95% CI: 39.1-93.4) vs. 39.4 months (95% CI: 31.8-47.0) in the <4 week vs. >4 week time interval NACT to IDS groups (p = 0.002). On multivariate analysis, the short time interval (<4 weeks) from NACT to IDS was an independent factor of PFS (p = 0.004) and OS (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated that performing IDS within four weeks after NACT may be associated with better survival outcomes. Multidisciplinary coordination among ovarian cancer patients is required to avoid any unnecessary delays.

New boundaries for fertility sparing management in endometrial cancer.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The increasing rates of endometrial cancer in premenopausal women that accompanies modern lifestyle options that enhance the prevalence of obesity as well as the trend of delayed childbearing are expected to increase the need for fertility sparing techniques. Currently, the cornerstone of fertility sparing treatment is hormonal handling with progestin treatment and is reserved for women with well differentiated endometrioid lesions that are limited in the myometrial layer. RECENT FINDINGS: Innovative approaches in the surgical treatment of patients with the use of operative hysteroscopy seem to offer decreased intervals to remission of lesions and longer progression free survival. Recent small case series also dictate that patients with endometrioid lesions of medium differentiation as well as those with superficial myometrial invasion may be adequately treated with the use of operative hysteroscopy. Moreover, the novel classification system may help better understand patients that will likely respond better to hormonal treatment. SUMMARY: In the near future, further data from clinical trials will be available that will help optimize patient selection as well select surgical and medical options that will help establish a personalized approach of fertility preservation in endometrial cancer patients.

Tumor free distance from serosa and survival rates of endometrial cancer patients: A meta-analysis.

Myometrial invasion and its extent have been directly associated with the risk of relapse as well as the overall survival of endometrial cancer patients. Tumor free distance from the serosal surface of the uterine wall has been investigated the last years by several studies, however, to date, its importance remains unknown. The present meta-analysis is based on a systematic search of the Medline, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL and Google Scholar databases and has been designed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Nine studies were included in the present systematic review that recruited pathology slides from 1,598 endometrial cancer patients and their meta-analysis indicated that TFD was significantly associated with the progression free survival of patients with endometrial cancer (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.20, 0.65). The disease specific survival was not affected by the TFD (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.09, 1.01). Sensitivity analyses revealed, however, that both the progression free and overall survival rates were associated with TFD. Significant discrepancies were observed in terms of histological subtypes and stage of the disease among included patients, hence, the actual importance of TFD in specific subgroups remains unknown. Future studies must evaluate the importance of this pathology marker particularly in patients with endometrioid subtypes and early-stage disease, as it is believed that in this group its importance will be more predictive as it will not be skewed by the presence of more important factors such as more aggressive histology and advanced stage disease.

Pre-Operative Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio as a Predictor of Post-Operative Infectious Morbidity in Gynecologic Oncology Patients.

Background: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been described as a predictor of progression-free and overall survival, and in the field of peri-operative care it seems to be a factor that can help discriminate patients at risk of developing post-operative complications. In the present study we sought to determine whether NLR is useful as a biomarker in predictive models that aim to identify patients with gynecologic cancer undergoing surgery at risk of developing post-operative infectious morbidity. Patients and Methods: We designed a prospective cohort study that enrolled 208 patients with gynecologic cancer. Post-operative infectious morbidity was evaluated based on a 30-day follow-up interval from the procedure. Results: Forty-three patients (20.5%) developed post-operative infectious morbidity. Using an optimal cutoff value of 1.7 for the pre-operative NLR we observed that the sensitivity of the biomarker was 76.7% and the specificity 73.3% with a produced area under the curve of 0.760 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.680-0.839). Univariable logistic regression indicated that NLR is a predictor of post-operative morbidity. Cox regression analysis revealed that NLR was the only factor that was associated with the timing of infectious morbidity (hazard ratio [HR], 1.339; 95% CI, 1.180-1.519; p < 0.001). Using random forest analysis and decision trees we achieved a diagnostic accuracy of the predictive model that exceeded 90%. Conclusions: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio may be a factor that could potentially help evaluate the risk of post-operative morbidity in patients with gynecologic cancer.