Strategies for primary HPV test-based cervical cancer screening programme in resource-limited settings in India: Results from a quasi-experimental pragmatic implementation trial.

BACKGROUND: In order for low and middle income countries (LMIC) to transition to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) test based cervical cancer screening, a greater understanding of how to implement these evidence based interventions (EBI) among vulnerable populations is needed. This paper documents outcomes of an implementation research on HPV screening among women from tribal, rural, urban slum settings in India. METHODS: A mixed-method, pragmatic, quasi-experimental trial design was used. HPV screening on self-collected cervical samples was offered to women aged 30-60 years. Implementation strategies were 1) Assessment of contextual factors using both qualitative and quantitative methods like key informant interviews (KII), focus group discussions (FGDs), pre-post population sample surveys, capacity assessment of participating departments 2) enhancing provider capacity through training workshops, access to HPV testing facility, colposcopy, thermal ablation/cryotherapy at the primary health care centers 3) community engagement, counselling for self-sampling and triage process by frontline health care workers (HCWs). Outcomes were assessed using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance) framework. RESULTS: Screening rate in 8 months' of study was 31.0%, 26.7%, 32.9%, prevalence of oncogenic HPV was 12.1%, 3.1%, 5.5%, compliance to triage was 53.6%, 45.5%, 84.6% in tribal, urban slum, rural sites respectively. Pre-cancer among triage compliant HPV positive women was 13.6% in tribal, 4% in rural and 0% among urban slum women. Unique challenges faced in the tribal setting led to programme adaptations like increasing honoraria of community health workers for late-evening work and recalling HPV positive women for colposcopy by nurses, thermal ablation by gynaecologist at the outreach camp site. CONCLUSIONS: Self-collection of samples combined with HCW led community engagement activities, flexible triage processes and strengthening of health system showed an acceptable screening rate and better compliance to triage, highlighting the importance of identifying the barriers and developing strategies suitable for the setting. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CTRI/2021/09/036130.

The BRCA mutation spectrum among breast and ovarian cancers in India: highlighting the need to screen BRCA1 185delAG among South Indians.

Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 significantly elevate the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Limited data exists regarding the prevalence of BRCA mutations, and optimal, cost-effective testing strategies in developing countries like India. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of a Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) panel for BRCA1/2 mutation testing among women diagnosed with, or at risk of developing hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. We also aimed to identify population specific BRCA1/2 mutation hotspots, to enable the development of more affordable testing strategies. We identified 921 patients with breast and ovarian cancer who underwent mutation testing. The target enrichment was followed by targeted NGS in 772 patients and an allele-specific PCR (ASPCR) based genotyping for BRCA1:c.68_69delAG (or 185delAG), was carried out in 149 patients. We identified 188 (20.4%) patients with BRCA1/2 variants: 118 (62.8%) with pathogenic/likely pathogenic and 70 (37.2%) with VUS. The 185delAG was identified as a recurrent mutation in the Southern Indian population, accounting for 24.6% of the pathogenic variants. In addition, a family history of breast, ovary, pancreas, or prostate (BOPP) cancer was found to be associated with an increased risk of identifying a deleterious BRCA1/2 variant [OR = 2.11 (95% CI 1.45-3.07) p ≤ 0.001]. These results suggest that Targeted NGS is a sensitive and specific strategy for BRCA testing. For Southern Indian patients, a two-tiered approach can be considered: Initial screening with ASPCR for BRCA1 185delAG followed by NGS for those testing negative. Expanding the gene panel and identifying other population-specific mutation hot spots is a promising area with potential for improvements in testing and treatment strategies.

Analysis of patients with endometrial carcinoma using the ProMise classifier: a pilot study from India.

BACKGROUND: Molecular subtyping of endometrial carcinomas (EC) has been shown to classify tumors into prognostically relevant groups. Characterizing EC with a limited number of markers viz., POLE mutations, p53 mutations, and MMR status, can provide valuable information. DESIGN: Paraffin sections of a cohort of 48 EC from a tertiary care center were characterized for the above-mentioned molecular markers and analyzed in the context of survival. METHODS: Formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues from 48 EC were characterized for POLE mutations by Sanger sequencing (exons 9-14), for MMR (MLH1, MH2, MSH6) using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and copy number (high/low) using p53 IHC. Mutational status was integrated along with the clinicopathological details and survival analysis performed. RESULTS: Eleven (22.9%) patients were MMR deficient, 3 (6.3%) had POLE mutation, while 2 (4.1%) had both POLE and P53 mutations (regarded as multiple classifiers). Twelve (25%) patients were found to have P53 mutations, while the remaining 20 (41.7%) had no specific molecular profile (NSMP). Median follow-up duration was 43.5 (2-62) months with 8 recurrences and 9 deaths. Tumors with POLE mutation had the most favorable prognosis followed by the NSMP and the MMR mutated group while the P53 and multiple classifier groups had the worst prognosis in terms of OS (Log-rank p: 0.006) and PFS (Log-rank p: 0.001). CONCLUSION: The integration of molecular-clinicopathologic data for endometrial cancer classification, through cost-effective, clinically applicable assays appears to be a highly objective tool that can be adopted even in resource-limited settings. It has the potential to cause a shift in the paradigm of EC pathology and management practice.

The clinico pathological features and survival in serous endometrial cancers.

Background & Introduction: Serous cancers are a biologically aggressive variety of endometrial cancer (EC) with a high rate of recurrence and mortality among all the subtypes. Herein we describe our experience with serous endometrial cancer. Objective: This study was conducted to identify the clinicopathological characteristics, treatment modalities and survival outcomes in women diagnosed with serous endometrial malignancies. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive analysis of data on patients diagnosed with serous endometrial tumours between January 2010 to September 2019 in our institute collected from electronic medical records. Descriptive statistics such as proportions, means and standard deviations and Cox regression hazards model on risk factors were performed. Survival was plotted by Kaplan-Meier curves. Results: During the study period, 32 (5.7%) patients out of 564 diagnosed cases of endometrial cancer had serous histology. The mean age at diagnosis was 62.5 years (SD 7.6) while mean BMI was 26.4 kg/m2 (SD 4.6). Staging laparotomy was done in 27(84%) of the patients. Advanced stages (III and IV) were detected in 16 patients (50%) at primary surgery.Adjuvant chemo therapy and radiation was received by 21(65.6%) patients therapy. Out of 32 patients, 13 (40%) developed recurrence while another 13 expired. Stage at diagnosis and type of adjuvant therapy were important factors in determining the outcome. Median recurrence free and overall survival was 22(95% CI 1.4-42) and 36 months (95% CI 10.1-61.8) respectively. Conclusion: Serous endometrial cancers are an intrusive subtype of EC. Comprehensive surgical staging with optimal cytoreduction should be aimed at. Adequate upfront molecular categorization of these tumors is mandated. Adjuvant therapy with chemotherapy and radiation is given in postoperative setting. Targeted therapies and immunotherapy could be considered in recurrences.

Malignant metastatic steroid cell tumor NOS: A rare presentation of a subtype of sex cord stromal tumor.

Steroid cell tumors - not otherwise specified (NOS) - are rare sex cord stromal tumors that lack characteristic histology, are benign, and usually present with androgenic manifestations. Metastatic malignant steroid cell tumors pose treatment challenges due to their chemoresistance nature. This is a case report of a metastatic steroid cell tumor - NOS with extensive peritoneal disease.

HPV and molecular mimicry in systemic lupus erythematosus and an impact of compiling B-cell epitopes and MHC-class II binding profiles with in silico evidence.

Epidemiological link between HPV and SLE is evolving. The possibility of HPV infection-induced molecular mimicry and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was elucidated through detailed in silico analyses. Conserved regions in the structural protein sequences of high-risk HPV types were inferred, and sequence homologies between viral and human peptides were identified to delineate proteins implicated in SLE. B-cell epitopes and MHC-class II binding were compiled using Immune Epitope Database and ProPred II analysis tool. Molecular modeling and molecular dynamics/simulation (MDS) were performed using AutoDock Vina and GROMACS, respectively. Sequence alignment revealed 32 conserved regions, and 27/32 viral peptides showed varying similarities to human peptides, rich in B-cell epitopes with superior accessibility, high hydrophilicity, antigenicity and disposition to bind many class-II HLA alleles. Molecular docking of 13 viral peptides homologous (100%) to human peptides implicated in SLE showed that VIR-PEP1 (QLFNKPYWL) and VIR-PEP2 (DTYRFVTS) exhibited higher binding affinities than corresponding human peptides to SLE predisposing HLA-DRB1 allele. MDS of these peptides showed that the viral peptides had superior folding, compactness, and a higher number of hydrogen bonds than human peptides throughout the simulation period. SASA analysis revealed that the VIR-PEP1&2 fluctuated less frequently than corresponding human peptides. MM-PBSA revealed that the VIR-PEP2 complex exhibited higher binding energy than the human peptide complex. This suggests that highly conserved structural peptides of high-risk HPV types homologous to human peptides could compete and bind avidly to the HLA allele associated with SLE and predispose HPV-infected individuals to SLE through molecular mimicry.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

A longitudinal study of sexual health and quality of life in endometrial carcinoma survivors.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess sexual health and quality of life (QoL) in endometrial cancer survivors and the factors influencing these variables. METHODS: A mixed method design comprising quantitative (cohort design) and qualitative (face-to-face interviews) aspects was chosen. A total of 132 patients who underwent surgery alone, surgery followed by adjuvant vaginal brachytherapy, or surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation were included. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy General (FACT-G) questionnaires were used to assess the participants' sexual health and QoL at 6 months and 1 year post-treatment. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the factors associated with general and sexual well-being. RESULTS: At 1 year, 89% of the participants still had low sexual function scores. Survivors over 50 years (OR 284.7, 95% CI 13 to 364, p<0.001) and educated below graduate level (OR 26.8, 95% CI 2 to 370, p=0.014) had low sexual function scores. Patients who had surgery alone had better QoL than those who received adjuvant radiation. Women who had surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation had the lowest QoL scores (OR 6.4, 95% CI 2.1 to 19.5, p=0.001). All scores improved with time. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the high prevalence of low sexual function and poor QoL in endometrial cancer survivors. There was a communication gap between the women and their partners as well as their healthcare providers. This study highlights the need for discussion about the survivors' sexual well-being and QoL.

Survival outcomes of epithelial ovarian cancer treated at a tertiary-level hospital in India.

BACKGROUND: One needs to choose wisely between primary neoadjuvant chemotherapy and primary cytoreductive surgery in ovarian cancer. The aim was to determine the recurrence free survival and overall survival after surgery for epithelial ovarian cancer and also the risk factors for recurrence and death. METHODS: Electronic medical records of 322 women operated for ovarian, fallopian or primary peritoneal cancer between 2011 and 2015table were reviewed. Descriptive statistics were used to describe patients and their clinical outcomes. Cox proportional hazard models were used for risk factor analysis. Adjusted hazard ratios were obtained for recurrence and death, adjusted for stage, primary treatment modality, residual disease and histology. Kaplan-Meier curves were drawn for probability of recurrence-free survival and overall survival. The log rank test was used to compare survival probabilities. RESULTS: The majority were stage III or stage IV (78%), serous histology (71%) and high grade (64%). Primary cytoreduction was done in 48% and interval cytoreduction in 52%. The median duration of follow up (survival) was 77 months (95% CI 72-82). There were 179 known recurrences (55.6 %). The estimated median time to recurrence was 22 (95% CI 14.5- 29.5) months. The independent risk factors for recurrence were neoadjuvant chemotherapy [HR 2.14, 95% CI 1.48-3.09], stage III/IV [HR 2.75; 95% CI 1.40-5.41], high grade serous histology [HR 1.69; 95% CI 1.12-2.54] and sub-optimal debulking [HR 3.15, 95% CI 2.19-4.55]. There were 78 known deaths (24.2 %) with a mean time to death of 24.3 (SD 16.1) months. The independent risk factors for death were sub-optimal debulking [HR 3.07; 95% CI 1.78-5.29] and stages III and IV cancer [HR 3.07; 95% CI 1.14-8.27]. CONCLUSIONS: Most ovarian cancers recur within 2 years. Risk factors for mortality are advanced stage and sub-optimal debulking. Maximal efforts at down staging and surgical resection will increase survival.

Vulval Intraepithelial Neoplasia 3: A Clinico-Pathological Review in a Tertiary Care Centre Over 10 Years.

Objectives: Vulval Intraepithelial Neoplasia 3 (VIN) is a chronic, premalignant condition affecting the vulval skin. The age standardised incidence is approximately one per 100,000 women, with a peak at 30-49 years of age, and has risen over recent decades. This study would analyse the pattern of presentation, diagnosis, treatment and follow up of patients diagnosed with VIN 3 over a period of ten years at a tertiary care centre in India. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted on all patients diagnosed to have VIN 3 between 1 January 2010 to 30 November 2019 in the Department of Gynaecologic Oncology, Christian Medical College, Vellore were included in this study. The outpatient records of the patients were obtained from an electronic registry. Results: A total of 18 patients were diagnosed of VIN 3 during this time period. Sixteen patients were older than 50 years. Abnormal PAP was noted in 10 patients (HSIL-7, LSIL-2, ASC-H-1). Four patients had coexisting VAIN 3. About 16 patients underwent primary simple vulvectomy or wide local excision. Two patients were managed conservatively. Nine patients had recurrence with mean disease free interval of 12.5 months (4-36 months). Cryotherapy was used in 2 patients. Imiquimod was used in 3 patients. Surgical margins was achieved in 7 patients out of which 5 patients had recurrence. About 50% of patients with involved margins on biopsy had recurrence. Mean duration of follow up was 17 months (4-105 months). About 8 patients developed squamous cell carcinoma of genital tract on follow up. Conclusion: VIN 3 has a high rate of progression to invasive SCC. Regression of VIN is rare. Proper follow up and treatment of VIN 3 goes a long way in preventing the morbidity associated with vulval cancer.

ERAS: An Audit of Existing Practices.

Objectives: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is a set of multidisciplinary, evidence proven guidelines which enhance perioperative recovery in various surgical branches. This study was planned as a pilot effort with the aim of evaluating the surgical team's compliance to ERAS, in the absence of a structured programme, in the department of gynaecologic oncology of a tertiary care hospital in India. Methods: This is a retrospective audit of patients who underwent elective surgery, in the department of gynaecologic oncology, in a tertiary care centre in India, between 15th August 2019 to 15th October 2019. Emergency operations and those surgeries with palliative intent were excluded from the study. Electronic outpatient and inpatient records of patients chosen by convenient sampling were examined. Adherence to 18 components (pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative) from the ERAS guidelines pertaining to surgical care were analysed. Results: A total of 50 patients were included. Mean age group was 50 years (22-76 years). Majority of patients (60%) had a Charlson Deyo score of 0. Excellent compliance was noted with respect to preoperative counselling (94%), intraoperative management (86%) and post-operative factors such as early ambulation, thromboprophylaxis and early discharge. Practices which required improvement included reduction of period of pre-operative fasting, prehabilitation, carbohydrate loading, gum chewing and coffee consumption and early initiation of feeding in post-operative period. Conclusion: Dedicated and co-ordinated team effort will ensure that an ERAS protocol is enforced. Periodic auditing will reveal inconsistencies in compliance and guarantee benefit to patients.

Platinum-Pemetrexed Chemotherapy for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer (ROC): A Single Center Experience.

In this retrospective analysis of 36 patients with recurrent ovarian cancer (ROC) treated with platinum pemetrexed doublet ± bevacizumab, the median age was 54.5 years (47-60) and 33 (91.7%) had serous histology. The overall response rate [ORR = complete (CR)+partial (PR) response] was 83.3%. At a median follow-up of 16 months, the median PFS was 13.8 months (95% CI: 10.849-20.580) and median OS 30.6 months, (95% CI: 21.46 months-NR). The incidence of Grade 3/4 anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia and non-hematological toxicity was 19.4%, 3.9%, 16.6%, and 8.3%. Platinum pemetrexed chemotherapy in ROC is safe and effective treatment option.

Role of Hysterectomy in Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia.

Hysterectomy has a limited role in the management of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia because of the high effectiveness of chemotherapy and the young age of patients. In selected patients, it is believed to help in reducing the number of chemotherapy cycles, overcoming chemo-resistance, and treating acute haemorrhagic events. The present study aimed to evaluate the indications and outcomes of hysterectomy in patients with GTN at a tertiary care centre in India. Between 2012 and 2019, we identified all patients with GTN from the hospital database. Demographic, clinical, and follow-up details of patients who underwent hysterectomy were obtained from the electronic medical records. During the study period, 98 cases of GTN were treated at our centre of which 54% were low-risk and 46% were high-risk cases. Twenty-six patients (26%) underwent hysterectomy as part of their management for GTN. The patients belonging to the high-risk group had more hysterectomies (65%) with an odds ratio of 2.96. The common pathological diagnosis was choriocarcinoma in 44% and an invasive mole in 30% of patients. Bleeding, either intraperitoneal or vaginal, was the most common indication for hysterectomy (48%). The median number of chemotherapy cycles received was 5 in patients who had primary hysterectomy and 6 in patients who did not have hysterectomy. The majority of patients received EMACO (57.7%) chemotherapy. The mean duration of follow-up was 18 months (range 1-67). After treatment, complete remission was achieved in 94 out of 98 (95.9%) and also in all patients (100%) who had undergone hysterectomy as adjuvant procedure. Three patients died during treatment (3.06%), all belonging to the high-risk group, and one patient had a recurrence (0.01%). In selected cases of GTN, hysterectomy may be an effective means to reduce or eliminate tumour bulk, to overcome chemoresistance and manage acute bleeding events.

Treatment Outcomes of Early Carcinoma Cervix Before and After Sub-specialization.

This study aimed to compare the treatment outcomes in carcinoma cervix before and after gynecologic oncology sub-specialization at a tertiary care hospital, in India. This was a retrospective cohort study comparing women with operable cervical cancer who underwent radical hysterectomy before and after gynecologic oncology sub-specialization. Electronic medical records of women operated for early carcinoma cervix between 2001 and 2010 and 2011-2015 were reviewed and compared for treatment and oncological outcomes. Seventy-four patients were operated over 5 years after sub-specialization as against 59 over 10 years before sub-specialization, with similar clinical characteristics. After surgical-pathological examination, both cohorts were comparable with regard to mean tumor size, lymph nodes retrieved, deep stromal invasion, and involvement of lymph nodes, parametrium, and vaginal margins. After sub-specialization, the rate of intraoperative (3% versus 14%, p = 0.018) and postoperative complications (15% versus 46%, p < 0.001) was lower. Adjuvant radiation was used more after sub-specialization (50% versus 24%, p < 0.001). The follow-up rates were similar in both groups with comparable 5-year recurrence-free survival and overall survival rates. The hazard ratio for death after sub-specialization was 0.39 (95% CI 0.12 to 1.22) after adjusting for histology, stage, grade, and presence of intermediate or high risk factors. Gynecological oncologic sub-specialization decreased intraoperative and postoperative complications, improved pathological reporting, and enabled appropriate tailoring of adjuvant therapy.

Metastatic Tumors to the Ovary-a Surgeon's Dilemma.

The ovary is a common site of metastasis. Differential diagnosis of ovarian carcinomas, including secondary tumors, remains a challenging task. Clinical decision-making depends on an accurate diagnosis of the type of ovarian cancer. This study was done to evaluate the pattern of metastatic tumors to the ovary and clinical details and to analyze the survival outcomes over a period of 5 years. Patients who had metastatic tumors to the ovary are identified from the electronic database from 1 January 2015 to 30 September 2019. Clinical details are collected from the electronic charts. Survival data is collected over the phone. The total number of ovarian cancers treated during the time period was 720, of which primary high-grade mucinous tumors contributed 9 (1.2%), and metastatic tumors to ovary 70 (10%). The highest levels of CEA were seen in carcinoma rectum, colon, and cholangiocarcinoma. CA 19-9 was very high in carcinoma gall bladder, pancreas, and cholangiocarcinoma. Common primaries were stomach (23%), gall bladder (13%), and colon (13%). Adenocarcinoma with signet ring cells was found in 29% of the patients. The median follow-up was 7 months (range 1 to 40 months). The median overall survival was 10 months after diagnosis (95% CI,7.9-12.0). There was no statistically significant difference in survival between patients who had peritoneal carcinomatosis with enlarged ovaries and those who had metastasis confined to ovaries (p value 0.360). A diagnosis of metastatic tumors to the ovary is associated with a very poor prognosis and the focus of treatment should be to improve the quality of life. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13193-020-01267-4.

Endometriosis and malignancy: The intriguing relationship.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and study the association of ovarian, uterine, and breast cancers with endometriosis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of all women with a tissue-proven diagnosis of endometriosis postoperatively in a tertiary care hospital between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2019, was conducted to determine the prevalence of coexistent malignancy. Patient details were obtained from electronic clinical records. Univariate analysis followed by multivariate analysis was done to find independent risk factors associated with malignancy. RESULTS: Out of 800 patients, 104 (13.0%) were found to have coexistent malignancy: ovarian (50, 6.2%); endometrial (33, 4.1%); synchronous ovarian and endometrial (7, 0.9%); and breast (14, 1.8%). Increasing age (odds ratio [OR] 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-1.16), higher levels of cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) (OR 1.002; 95% CI 1.001-1.005), postmenopausal status (OR 6.2; 95% CI 2.0-19.2), duration of endometriosis over 5 years (OR 4.7; 95% CI 2.5-9.0), and endometriomas larger than 8 cm (area under the curve 0.83) were predictive of coexistent malignancy. CONCLUSION: Endometriosis is associated with an increased risk of ovarian, endometrial, and breast malignancy. Increasing age, postmenopausal status, higher levels of CA 125, larger endometrioma, and long-standing disease are predictive risk factors.

Complications and Outcomes of Diaphragm Surgeries in Epithelial Ovarian Malignancies.

To achieve optimal debulking, cytoreductive surgery often involves diaphragm stripping. We describe our complications and survival outcomes after diaphragm surgery in epithelial ovarian cancer. A retrospective analysis on patients with advanced stage epithelial ovarian cancer between January 2012 and September 2019. The details of the diaphragmatic resections and stripping and their complications were looked into. During the study period, 616 patients with epithelial ovarian cancers were operated of which, 81 (13.2%) had diaphragm surgery. The majority underwent diaphragm stripping (60%) while 33% had resection and 7% cases had diaphragmatic nodule excision. Optimal debulking was achieved in 89% of cases. The complexity of surgery was intermediate in 64% of patients and complex in 33% as per Aletti's scoring. Mean operating time was 300 min (SD113). Moderate to severe pleural effusion was seen in 26 (32. %) patients necessitating pleural tapping in 16% and single lumen pleurex catheter insertion in 11%. Median recurrence-free and overall survival were 22 (95% CI 16.9-27) and 32 months (95% CI 25.5-38) respectively. Diaphragm stripping and resection is an important step in achieving optimal debulking of advanced and recurrent ovarian cancer. Diaphragmatic disease clearance is a necessary skill to be acquired by the gynaecologic oncology surgeons. Choosing the patients correctly and anticipation of complications can reduce morbidity and mortality.

Training for next-generation gynaecologic surgical & radiation oncologists - opportunities & challenges.

The global increase in cancer burden is a challenge for countries with scarce resources. Amongst all the malignancies, gynaecological cancer still continues to have a high incidence and prevalence leading to significant morbidity and mortality. While a multipronged strategy of decreasing the gynaecological cancer burden is a global priority, one of the key strategies to decrease the morbidity and mortality is to train gynaecological oncology specialists. Most of the developed nations have an established gynaecologic oncology training programme in the form of a well-designed curriculum and skill training. However, in developing countries where the actual disease burden of these cancers is highest, such focused training programmes have only started emerging and evolving over the past two decades. While it is a positive step to initiate such training programmes in a country like India, there are still gaps in the uniformity of curriculum and training. Also, exposure to modern practices in gynaecologic oncology surgery, chemotherapy and technology in radiation oncology, especially brachytherapy, is still insufficient in many centres. This review discusses some of the challenges and opportunities in the still evolving programmes for training gynaecologic oncologists in India.

Evaluating the PGMY-centre hospitalier universitaire vaudois assay as a cost-effective tool for human papillomavirus genotyping in HIV-infected women.

Aims: Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer among women, worldwide. HIV-positive women tend to have persistent infection and infection with multiple human papillomavirus (HPV) types. There is a need for affordable HPV DNA tests as viable alternatives to the existing costly commercial assays. The aim of the study was to establish PGMY-CHUV reverse hybridization assay as a cost-effective tool for HPV genotyping. Study Design: This was a prospective study conducted in a tertiary care centre from March 2011 to July 2012. Subjects and Methods: Fifty cervical brush samples from HIV-infected women and 43 WHO reference samples were tested by both the CHUV assay and linear array (LA). Results: The CHUV assay in comparison to the LA showed a sensitivity of 91%, specificity of 52% and a moderate agreement for all samples that were compared. However, most high-risk HPV types were identified amongst the clinical samples, and the entire range of genotypes in the WHO reference panel was detected. Statistical Analysis: The accuracy indices such as sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were calculated. The level of agreement (kappa value) between the two assays was also calculated. Conclusion: The CHUV assay had an acceptable sensitivity, but it lacked specificity for HPV detection. Despite the lower rates of detection of multiple infections from clinical samples, better results were obtained with the WHO reference samples and the ability of the assay to identify the entire range of genotypes suggests that it can be an efficient tool for genotyping.

Inadequately Staged Endometrial Cancer: a Clinical Dilemma.

Incidental diagnosis of carcinoma endometrium following hysterectomy requires clinical expertise from a gynecologic oncologist, with regard to subsequent management. We report our experience with completion staging in endometrial cancer, to determine the benefits and risks of completion staging in women with posthysterectomy diagnosis of endometrial cancer. DESIGN: A retrospective case series of 20 women with postoperative diagnosis of endometrial cancer, who had undergone completion staging. SETTING: A gynaecologic oncology unit in a tertiary level hospital in Tamil Nadu, India. PATIENTS: Electronic medical records of patients who underwent completion staging between January 2011 and December 2014 for endometrial cancer were reviewed. Two hundred and sixty four women with endometrial cancer were evaluated during this period. Twenty women with carcinoma endometrium, with a mean age of 53 (range 31-67) who were previously inadequately staged, were found to be at risk of extrauterine disease, following histopathological review, consented to undergo completion staging over an average of 57 days (range 30-91) following the initial surgery. Forty-five percent (9/20) had a BMI of more than 30, and 40% (8/20) had metabolic syndrome. The most common indications for the initial surgery were perimenopausal abnormal uterine bleeding and postmenopausal bleeding. Only eight patients had a pre-hysterectomy endometrial sampling/biopsy (40%) of whom, one had a pre-operative diagnosis of carcinoma endometrium. Sixteen (80%) had pathological risk factors for lymph nodal involvement and in the others, besides histological grading, surgicopathological details for risk assessment were unavailable. Adnexae were retained in 11, and uterus was bisected/cored during surgery in three women. Following completion staging, 5/20 (25%) patients were upstaged, 9 (45%) required no adjuvant treatment, 5 required vaginal brachytherapy therapy alone and 5 were advised chemotherapy and radiation. Two patients during the study period of 48 months had disease recurrence, and two women died of disease progression. Complications of surgery included the following: iliac vein injury (1) and bladder injury (1). Patients with incidental diagnosis of endometrial cancer following hysterectomy after clinical and radiological assessment and histopathological review, should be offered completion staging, if at risk for extrauterine disease. Completion staging permits appropriate prognostication of disease and thereby allows tailoring of adjuvant treatment, avoiding risks of overtreatment and undertreatment.