Role of optimal cytoreduction in patients with dysgerminoma.

BACKGROUND: Dysgerminomas are malignant ovarian germ-cell tumors that typically affect young women. Although these tumors have an excellent response to chemotherapy, surgery is an integral part of primary treatment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate outcomes of initial cytoreduction in patients diagnosed with dysgerminomas. METHODS: Patients who underwent primary cytoreductive surgery for ovarian dysgerminoma between January 1985 and December 2013 were identified and included in the study. A comparison was made between patients who underwent optimal versus sub-optimal cytoreduction. Descriptive, comparative statistics and odds ratios were used to establish an association. Survival curves were performed with the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using a log-rank test. A value of p<0.05 was used to establish a statistical difference. RESULTS: A total of 180 patients with a histologically confirmed dysgerminoma were included in the analysis. A subsection of 37 patients in stages III/IV were analyzed. The median age at diagnosis was 21 years (IQR 18-26). Histologically, 166 (92.2%) patients had pure dysgerminomas, whereas the rest had mixed histologies. The median tumor size was 18 (IQR 12-22) cm. In all stages, factors associated with optimal cytoreduction, were higher lactate dehydrogenase levels (OR=1.01; p=0.03), higher CA125 levels (OR=1.01; p=0.04), receiving adjuvant chemotherapy (OR=0.22; p<0.01), or undergoing treatment in a specialized institution (OR=12.68; p<0.01). Patients in stages III/IV, initially managed outside our institution were less likely to be taken for cytoreduction (OR=16.88; p=0.013). Other factors, including age (OR=1.02; p=0.39), pelvic lymph-node positivity (OR=2.24; p=0.36), pregnancy during follow-up (OR=0.91: p=0.80), or recurrence of disease (OR=1.93; p=0.23) were found to be similar in both groups. Overall survival was higher in optimally cytoreducted patients (100% vs 95.7%; p=0.032) including all stages, but not if considering only stages III/IV (100% vs 90%, p=0.186); disease-free survival was the same for both groups regardless of stage (94.3% vs 91.1%; p=0.36). CONCLUSION: Patients with optimal surgeries were most likely to be treated in referral centers. Initial residual disease did not significantly alter recurrence, progression, disease-free survival, or overall survival.

Prognostic factors associated with uterine sarcomas: the experience of a single institution.

Uterine sarcomas are infrequent and heterogeneous mesenchymal tumours, associated with aggressive characteristics and a poor clinical outcome. The aim of the study is to describe the prognostic factors associated with uterine sarcomas. The clinical records between 2000 and 2014 of women diagnosed with uterine sarcomas and initially treated surgically were reviewed. A histological comparison was performed. The overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were calculated and compared. Seventy-three women had surgery (12.3% had endometrial stromal sarcomas, 24.7% undifferentiated endometrial sarcomas, 49.3% leiomyosarcomas and 13.7% other subtypes). Complete cytoreduction had a mean DFS of 25.1 months, while the incomplete cytoreduction averaged in a DFS of 4.33 months (p = .04). The median five-year OS with a complete cytoreduction was not reached; the incomplete cytoreduction OS was 10.1 months (p = .002). Our data suggests that undifferentiated endometrial sarcomas have the lowest DFS (p = .004); while OS was negatively influence by stage IV (p < .001). Impact statement What is already known about this subject? Uterine sarcomas compared with the more common endometrial carcinomas (epithelial neoplasms), behave aggressively and are associated with a poorer prognosis. The rarity of uterine sarcoma has made it difficult to perform large studies to identify risk factors. What do the results of this study add? Complete cytoreduction improves the DFS and OS and may be a valuable prognostic factor. Poorer DFS and OS prognosis was observed in undifferentiated endometrial sarcomas. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Our results demonstrate the importance of an early diagnosis, and thus an early identification of disease that benefits from complete cytoreduction regardless of histology. For the advanced clinical stage of uterine sarcomas further research is necessary and participation in clinical trials should be encouraged.

MicroRNA-125 modulates radioresistance through targeting p21 in cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in women worldwide, and it is estimated that ~500,000 new patients are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually and that ~270,000 deaths occur each year. Patients with cervical cancer are treated with different radiotherapy schedules, either alone or with adjuvant chemotherapy. Unfortunately, nearly 50% of all patients with cervical cancer do not respond to standard treatment due to tumor radioresistance. In this scenario, several microRNAs (miRNAs) have been associated with the acquisition of the radioresistance phenotype. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible role of miR­125a in the acquisition of radioresistance in cervical cancer. The expression of miR­125a was assessed by means of RT­qPCR in 30 cervical cancer samples from patients receiving standard treatment and 3 induced radioresistant cervical cancer cell lines. In addition, we employed miR­125a mimics and inhibitors to evaluate its function in the induction of radioresistance. We showed that miR­125a was downregulated in patients with cervical cancer who did not respond to standard treatment. Concordantly, radioresistant SiHa, CaSki and HeLa cell lines had low levels of miR­125a with respect to the sensitive cell lines. Finally, we demonstrated that overexpression of miR­125a sensitized cervical cancer cells to radiation therapy through the downregulation of CDKN1A. Our data corroborate previously published studies in which it was demonstrated that miRNAs could play a role in the regulation of the process of radioresistance. Additionally, we showed that overexpression of miR­125a could be used as a radioresistance biomarker in patients with cervical cancer.

Histology as Prognostic Factor in Early-Stage Cervical Carcinoma. Experience in a Third-Level Institution.

BACKGROUND: Cervical carcinoma (CC) is one of the most frequent neoplasms, especially in developing countries. The most common histopathological type is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), followed by adenocarcinoma (AC) and adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC). Prognosis according to histological type is controversial. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to describe and compare the prognoses of the most common histologies of CC in the early stages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed records of patients attended at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología of Mexico with CC surgically treated Stages IA2-IB1 and IIA1, including the histological types SCC, AC, and ASC. Patients who had another malignant neoplasm, cervical cancer in situ, locally advanced neoplasm, and metastatic neoplasm were excluded from the study. A descriptive and comparative analysis was conducted. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free period were calculated for each histological type with the Kaplan-Meier method and were compared with the log-rank test. RESULTS: A total of 202 records were obtained, of which 131 (64.9%) had SCC, 57 (28.2%) AC, and 14 (6.9%) ASC. The 5-year DFS was 94.4% for SCC, 98.1% for AC, and 92.3% for ASC, without a statistically significant difference (p = 0.55). The 5-year OS for SCC was 97.9%, for AC was 97.8%, and for ASC was 100%, without a statistically significant difference (p = 0.702). CONCLUSIONS: DFS and OS did not differ between the most common histological types of CC at the early stages.

[Laparoscopic anterior pelvic exenteration in a patient with locally advanced melanoma]. / Exenteración pélvica anterior laparoscópica en un paciente con melanoma localmente avanzado.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic exenteration is one of the most mutilating surgical procedures with high post-operative morbidity. The laparoscopic technique aims to reduce perioperative complications and reduce post-surgical recovery. OBJECTIVE: We present the first case of laparoscopic anterior exenteration for locally advanced melanoma, held at the National Cancer Institute and published in Mexico. CASE REPORT: Patient 60 years of age diagnosed with invasive vulvar melanoma with bladder extension upon whom laparoscopic anterior pelvic exenteration with external urinary reconstruction was performed. Time in surgery was 505minutes and estimated blood loss was 400ml. No complications occurred during or immediately after surgery. The final histopathological study reported: nodular lesion that completely replaces the clitoris and spreads to the left labia majora, measures 3×2.5×2cm and is located relative to the free margins with perineural invasion intraepithelial spread in space and urethra and bladder trigone. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic anterior pelvic exenteration is a safe alternative in well-selected patients, with acceptable time in surgery, surgical complications and recovery time.

[Laparoscopic radical trachelectomy for preservation of fertility in early cervical cancer. A case report]. / Traquelectomía radical laparoscópica para preservación de la fertilidad en cáncer de cérvix etapa temprana. Reporte de un caso.

BACKGROUND: Radical hysterectomy is the standard treatment for patients with early-stage cervical cancer. However, for women who wish to preserve fertility, radical trachelectomy is a safe and viable option. OBJECTIVE: To present the first case of laparoscopic radical trachelectomy performed in the National Cancer Institute, and published in Mexico. CLINICAL CASE: Patient, 34 years old, gravid 1, caesarean 1, stage IB1 cervical cancer, squamous, wishing to preserve fertility. She underwent a laparoscopic radical trachelectomy and bilateral dissection of the pelvic lymph nodes. Operation time was 330minutes, and the estimated blood loss was 100ml. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. The final pathology reported a tumour of 15mm with infiltration of 7mm, surgical margins without injury, and pelvic nodes without tumour. After a 12 month follow-up, the patient is having regular periods, but has not yet tried to get pregnant. No evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic radical trachelectomy and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy is a safe alternative in young patients who wish to preserve fertility with early stage cervical cancer.

Organ dysfunction in critically ill cancer patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

The aim of the present study was to observe the incidence of organ dysfunction and the intensive care unit (ICU) outcomes of critically ill cancer patients during the cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy post-operative period. The present study included 25 critically ill cancer patients admitted to the ICU of the National Cancer Institute (Mexico City, Mexico) between January 2007 and February 2013. The incidence of organ dysfunction was 68% and patients exhibiting ≤1 organ system dysfunction during ICU admittance remained in hospital for a significantly shorter period compared with patients who exhibited ≥2 organ system dysfunctions (12.4±10.7 vs. 24.1±12.8 days; P=0.025). Therefore, the present study demonstrated that a high incidence of organ dysfunction was associated with a longer ICU hospital stay.

[Primary ovarian carcinosarcoma. Report of eight cases]. / Carcinosarcoma primario de ovario. Reporte de ocho casos.

BACKGROUND: The carcinosarcoma, or Mixed Mullerian Malign Tumors, represent 1% of malignant ovarian neoplasm, they are formed by a component epithelium and another mesenquimal malignant both. OBJECTIVE: Report the experience of the Ginecological Department of the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (Mexico) in the treatment of patients with ovarian carcinosarcoma or primary malignant of the ovary. METHODS: A retrospective of 8 cases of carcinosarcoma primary of ovary at National Institute of Cancerology, from January, 2005 to December, 2008. RESULTS: The carcinosarcoma or Mixed Mullerian Malign Tumors appeared in 4.1% of all the malignant primary tumors of ovary, the clinical initial presentation was with pain and abdominal expansion both in 62.5% and mass palpable and bled vaginal in 25% of the patients. In 2/8 (25%) patients there was achieved a residual tumor minor of 1cm, in 4/8 (50%) cases one administered chemotherapy. In 3/8 (37.5%) they were kept free of disease in the follow-up of 42 months, 1/8 (12.5%) with stable disease and 4/8 (50%) they died for disease. CONCLUSIONS: Ovarian carcinosarcoma is a rare tumor, the clinical of this neoplasm is aggressive, usually presenting in advanced stages, with a poor prognosis with existing medical treatment.

Morbidity and mortality of cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: national cancer institute, Mexico city, Mexico.

Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) is generally considered a lethal disease, with a poor prognosis. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has emerged as a new approach for peritoneal surface disease. This study investigated the early experience with this combined modality treatment at a single institute. From January 2007 to March 2010, 24 patients were treated After aggressive CS, with HIPEC (cisplatin 25 mg/m(2)/L and mitomycin C 3.3 mg/m(2)/L was administered for 90-minutes at 40.5° C). These data suggest that aggressive CRS with HIPEC for the treatment of PC may result in low mortality and acceptable morbidity. Rigorous patient selection, appropriate and prudent operative procedures were associated with encouraging results in our experience.

Pathologic response and toxicity assessment of chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin versus cisplatin plus gemcitabine in cervical cancer: a randomized Phase II study.

PURPOSE: To compare gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC) with cisplatin (C) concurrent with radiotherapy in International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Stage IB2, IIA, and IIB cervical carcinoma in a preoperative setting. The main endpoints were the pathologic response rate and toxicity. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 83 patients were randomized to either C or GC. Treatment consisted of six doses of cisplatin at 40 mg/m(2) every week for Arm 1 (C) and six doses of gemcitabine at 125 mg/m(2) plus cisplatin at 40 mg/m(2) every week for or Arm 2 (GC) Both regimens were administered concurrent with 50 Gy of external beam radiotherapy in 2-Gy fractions for 5 weeks. After chemoradiotherapy, patients underwent radical hysterectomy. RESULTS: All 83 patients were studied for toxicity and 80 for response. The complete pathologic response rate in the C arm and GC arm was 55% (95% confidence interval, 35.5-73%) and 77.5% (95% confidence interval, 57-90%; p = 0.0201). Among those with a partial response, 7 patients each had high and intermediate-high risk factors for recurrence in their surgical specimens in the C arm vs. 2 and 3 patients, respectively, with these characteristics in the CG arm. The number of weekly doses and the dose intensity of GC were lower than for C. The time to complete external beam radiotherapy also favored the C arm. The CG combination produced greater GI and hematologic toxicity. CONCLUSION: The radiosensitizing combination of GC achieved a greater pathologic response rate than C in the treatment of cervical cancer.

Histerectomía radical: presentación de 24 casos y revisón de la literatura / Radical hysterectomy: report of 24 cases and review of the literature

Se presentan 24 casos de mujeres con cáncer del cérvix uterino, estadio clínico IB (75 por ciento fueron IB1 y 25 por ciento IB2) que fueron sometidas a histerectomía radical tipo III con linfadenectomía pélvica bilateral. El promedio de edad fue de 42.5 años (rango de 29 a 68 años). El 37.5 por ciento fueron asintomáticas. La sintomatología más frecuente fue el flujo y el sangrado transvaginal. El tipo histológico más común fue epidermoide (75 por ciento). El tiempo quirúrgico promedio fue de 3:56 horas. El sangrado promedio fue 550 mL. No se presentaron complicaciones posoperatorias. Sólo hubo una defunción y se debió a enfermedad metastática pulmonar. La supervivencia promedio a 24 meses de seguimiento fue de 95 por ciento. La histerectomía radical es un procedimiento con alto porcentaje de curabilidad y mínimas complicaciones para el manejo del cáncer cervicouterino en centros especializados.

Cáncer de trompa de Falopio. Presentación de un caso de revisión de la litertura / Cancer of fallopian tubes. Report of one case and literatue review

El cáncer de trompa de Falopio constituye menos del 1 por ciento de los cánceres ginecológicos; su etiología es desconocida y su diagnóstico preoperatorio es difícil. Los criterios histopatológicos para su diagnóstico fueron establecidos por Hu. Se presenta en etapas más tempranas comparativamente con el cáncer de ovario y endometrio; pero tiene mayor agresividad biológica. La edad promedio de presentación es de 50 años. Una tercera parte de las enfermas desarrolla enfermedad retroperitoneal. El manejo quirúrgico inicial es similar al cáncer de ovario y los esquemas de quimioterapia se basan en la utilización del platino. Es una neoplasia rara, biológicamente agresiva y la experiencia para su manejo es escasa