Non-Excisional therapeutic modalities in vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia.

Vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia is an uncommon Human Papilloma Virus-related premalignant lesion of the lower genital tract. There is still no consensus regarding its management. Therapeutic modalities include observation, laser ablation, topical agents, radiation and surgical approach. Due to the current increasing adherence to minimally invasive therapies the aim of this study is to identify and characterize non-excisional treatment modalities. Expectant management is the first therapeutical option in low-grade lesions management. Up to 81% of lesions through an expectant approach regressed spontaneously and most of them were low-grade lesions. In contrast, high-grade lesions, due to its higher potential to invasion progression and low regression rate, require treatment, which should be selected depending on its characteristics and the patient's preference. Laser ablation is suitable for multifocal lesions in sexually active young women with a cure rate up to 90% and recurrence rate up to 6.3%. Brachytherapy can be 71.4%-90% efficient with a maximum of 5.8% and 20% of persistence rate and recurrence rate, respectively. However, due to its toxicity, it should be reserved for selected cases only. Topical modalities for multifocal lesions, such as Imiquimod 5% and 5-Flouorouracil, have a good therapeutic effect, low pharmacological morbidity, and 25%-98% cure rate, 11.1%-75% persistence rate and 5.6%-94.4% recurrence rate.

The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD), the European College for the Study of Vulval Disease (ECSVD), and the European Federation for Colposcopy (EFC) consensus statement on the management of vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia.

The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD), the European College for the Study of Vulval Disease (ECSVD), and the European Federation for Colposcopy (EFC) developed consensus statements on pre-invasive vulvar lesions in order to improve the quality of care for patients with vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VaIN). The management of VaIN varies according to the grade of the lesion: VaIN 1 (low grade vaginal squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL)) can be subjected to follow-up, while VaIN 2-3 (high-grade vaginal SIL) should be treated. Treatment needs individualization according to the patient's characteristics, disease extension and previous therapeutic procedures. Surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment and should be performed if invasion cannot be excluded. Total vaginectomy is used only in highly selected cases of extensive and persistent disease. Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser may be used as both an ablation method and an excisional one. Reported cure rates after laser excision and laser ablation are similar. Topical agents are useful for persistent, multifocal lesions or for patients who cannot undergo surgical treatment. Imiquimod was associated with the lowest recurrence rate, highest human papillomavirus (HPV) clearance, and can be considered the best topical approach. Trichloroacetic acid and 5-fluorouracil are historical options and should be discouraged. For VaIN after hysterectomy for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 3, laser vaporization and topical agents are not the best options, since they cannot reach epithelium buried in the vaginal scar. In these cases surgical options are preferable. Brachytherapy has a high overall success rate but due to late side effects should be reserved for poor surgical candidates, having multifocal disease, and with failed prior treatments. VaIN tends to recur and ensuring patient adherence to close follow-up visits is of the utmost importance. The first evaluation should be performed at 6 months with cytology and an HPV test during 2 years and annually thereafter. The implementation of vaccination against HPV infection is expected to contribute to the prevention of VaIN and thus cancer of the vagina. The effects of treatment can have an impact on quality of life and result in psychological and psychosexual issues which should be addressed. Patients with VaIN need clear and up-to-date information on a range of treatment options including risks and benefits, as well as the need for follow-up and the risk of recurrence.

Vaginal cancer treated with curative radiotherapy with or without concomitant chemotherapy: oncologic outcomes and prognostic factors.

BACKGROUND: Vaginal cancer is a rare disease for which prospective randomized trials do not exist. We aimed to assess survival outcomes, patterns of recurrence, prognostic factors, and toxicity in the curative treatment using image-guided radiotherapy (RT). METHODS: In this retrospective review, we identified 53 patients who were treated at a single center with external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy with or without concomitant chemotherapy from 2000 to 2021. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 64.5 months, the Kaplan-Meier 2-, 5-, and 7-year overall survival (OS) was found to be 74.8%, 62.8%, and 58.9%, respectively. Local and distant control were 67.8%, 65.0%, and 65.0% and 74.4%, 62.6%, and 62.6% at 2, 5, and 7 years, respectively. In univariate Cox proportional hazards ratio analysis, OS was significantly correlated to FIGO stage (hazard ratio [HR] 1.78, p = 0.042), postoperative RT (HR 0.41, p = 0.044), and concomitant chemotherapy (HR 0.31, p = 0.009). Local control rates were superior when an equivalent dose in 2-Gy fractions (EQD2) of ⩾65 Gy was delivered (HR 0.216, p = 0.028) and with the use of concurrent chemotherapy (HR 0.248, p = 0.011). Not surprisingly, local control was inferior for patients with a higher TNM stage (HR 3.303, p = 0.027). Minimal toxicity was observed with no patients having documentation of high-grade toxicity (CTCAE grade 3+). CONCLUSION: In treatment of vaginal cancer, high-dose RT in combination with brachytherapy is well tolerated and results in effective local control rates, which significantly improve with an EQD2(α/ß=10) ⩾65 Gy. Multivariate analyses revealed concomitant chemotherapy was a positive prognostic factor for overall and progression-free survival.

The impact of distance to closest negative margin on survival after pelvic exenteration.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of distance to closest negative margin on survival after pelvic exenteration (PE). METHODS: In this retrospective analysis of PE at Moffitt Cancer Center from 2000 to 2019, baseline characteristics, clinical details, and outcomes were ascertained. Distance to closest negative margin was measured. Close and distant negative margins were defined as <3 mm and ≥3 mm from malignancy to nearest surgical margin, respectively. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were determined, and Kaplan-Meier curves were compared. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to examine the association of margin status with OS and PFS. RESULTS: Of 124 PEs with malignancy, 80 (64.5%) had negative margins. Median survival was 62 (95% confidence interval [CI] 27-70) months for negative and 21 (95% CI 15-29) months for positive margins. Of 76 with negative margins and documented margin length, 26 had close and 50 had distant margins. Median survival was 32 (95% CI 14-62) months for close and 111 (95% CI 42-166) months for distant margins. Distant margins were associated with improved OS (p = 0.0054) and PFS (p = 0.0099) compared to close margins. After adjusting for other prognostic factors, patients with distant margins had significantly decreased risk of all-cause mortality (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.19-0.78; p = 0.008) and progression (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.23-0.99; p = 0.04) compared to positive margins. No significant differences in OS or PFS were observed between close and positive margins. This survival benefit remained among those with cervical cancer. Median survival in this cohort was 34.1 (95% CI 2.0-69.8) months for close and 165.7 (95% CI 24.5-165.7) for distant margins. CONCLUSIONS: Distant margins following PE are associated with improved OS and PFS compared to close margins.

Combined modality including novel sensitizers in gynecological cancers.

Standard treatment of locally advanced gynecological cancers relies mainly on platinum-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy followed by brachytherapy. Current chemotherapeutic drugs are only transiently effective and patients with advanced disease often develop resistance and subsequently, distant metastases despite significant initial responses of the primary tumor. In addition, some patients still develop local failure or progression, suggesting that there is still a place for increasing the anti-tumor radiation effect. Several strategies are being developed to increase the probability of curing patients. Vaginal cancer and vulva cancer are rare diseases, which resemble cervical cancer in their histology and pathogenesis. These gynecological cancers are predominantly associated with human papilloma virus infection. Treatment strategies in other unresectable gynecologic cancers are usually derived from evidence in locally advanced cervical cancers. In this review, we discuss mechanisms by which novel therapies could work synergistically with conventional chemoradiotherapy, from pre-clinical and ongoing clinical data. Trimodal, even quadrimodal treatment are currently being tested in clinical trials. Novel combinations derived from a metastatic setting, and being tested in locally advanced tumors, include anti-angiogenic agents, immunotherapy, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes therapy, adoptive T-cell therapy and apoptosis inducers to enhance chemoradiotherapy efficacy through complementary molecular pathways. In parallel, radiosensitizers, such as nanoparticles and radiosensitizers of hypoxia aim to maximize the effect of radiotherapy locally.

18F-FDG PET/CT in Patients with Vulvar and Vaginal Cancer: A Preliminary Study of 20 Cases.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the growing evidence supporting the use of 2-[F-18]-fluor-2-desoxi-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in cervical and ovarian malignant tumours, data on vulvar and vaginal cancer is sparse. Our aim was to assess the role of 2-[F-18]-fluor-2-desoxi-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in patients with vulvar and vaginal cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on a cohort of 20 patients with biopsy-proven vulvar (n = 17) and vaginal (n = 3) cancer who performed 2-[F-18]-fluor-2-desoxi-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography, between January 2013 and April 2018. We collected the clinical data of all patients, as well as the indication for 2-[F-18]-fluor-2-desoxi-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography, its results, and the main lesion maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax). In addition, we correlated the results of 2-[F-18]-fluor-2-desoxi-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography with other diagnostic modalities, namely histological findings, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Patients were divided into two groups, one with newly diagnosed disease and another with recurrent disease. RESULTS: Six patients had newly diagnosed disease and 14 had recurrent disease. The main lesion was detected by 2-[F-18]-fluor-2-desoxi-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in five out of six patients with newly diagnosed disease and in all 14 patients with recurrent disease. Additional sites of 2-[F-18]-fluor-2-desoxi-D-glucose uptake were identified in inguinal and iliac lymph nodes and in distant lesions. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography were performed in 12 cases. In four patients with recurrent disease, abnormalities (main lesion/ metastatic lymph nodes) identified by 2-[F-18]-fluor-2-desoxi-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography were not detected as suspicious by computed tomography. DISCUSSION: In our study, 2-[F-18]-fluor-2-desoxi-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography identified abnormalities more often than conventional computed tomography scans in recurrent disease. In comparison with histology, 2-[F-18]-fluor-2-desoxi-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography had a sensitivity of 95% and a positive predictive value of 100% in identifying the primary tumour and the recurrent main lesion. Little data is available regarding the usefulness of 2-[F-18]-fluor-2-desoxi-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in the management of vulvar and vaginal cancers. The existing evidence supports a high accuracy in detecting lymph node metastases and a change of 36.0% - 61.5% in patient management. Our findings reinforce the usefulness of this technique in vulvar and vaginal cancer. Limitations of our study include its retrospective nature and the rareness of both vulvar and vaginal cancer, which leads to a small sample size and few comparative imaging tests. CONCLUSION: In this preliminary study, 2-[F-18]-fluor-2-desoxi-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography demonstrated it can be a useful method in patients with vulvar and vaginal cancers, namely in defining the extent of disease and contributing to accurate staging and restaging.

Introdução: Apesar da crescente evidência que suporta o uso da tomografia por emissão de positrões/ tomografia computadorizada com 2-[F-18]-fluor-2-desoxi-D-glucose em tumores malignos do colo do útero e do ovário, os dados sobre o carcinoma da vulva e da vagina são escassos. O nosso objetivo foi avaliar o papel da tomografia por emissão de positrões/ tomografia computadorizada com 2-[F-18]-fluor-2-desoxi-D-glucose em doentes com carcinoma da vulva e da vagina. Material e Métodos: Entre janeiro de 2013 e abril de 2018 foi realizado um estudo retrospetivo numa coorte de 20 doentes com carcinoma da vulva (n = 17) e da vagina (n = 3), comprovados por biópsia, que efetuaram tomografia por emissão de positrões/ tomografia computadorizada com 2-[F-18]-fluor-2-desoxi-D-glucose. Recolheram-se os dados clínicos de todos os doentes, bem como a indicação clínica para a realização da tomografia por emissão de positrões/ tomografia computadorizada com 2-[F-18]-fluor-2-desoxi-D-glucose, os seus resultados e o valor de captação padronizado máximo da lesão principal (SUVmax). Para além disso, correlacionaram-se os resultados da tomografia por emissão de positrões/ tomografia computadorizada com 2-[F-18]-fluor-2-desoxi-D-glucose com os de outras modalidades diagnósticas, nomeadamente com os achados histológicos, a tomografia computadorizada e a ressonância magnética. Os doentes foram divididos em dois grupos, um com doença recém diagnosticada e outro com doença recorrente. Resultados: Seis doentes tinham doença recém diagnosticada e 14 tinham doença recorrente. A lesão principal foi detetada em cinco dos seis doentes com doença recém diagnosticada e nos 14 com doença recorrente. Foram identificados outros locais de captação de 2-[F-18]-fluor-2-desoxi-D-glucose, nomeadamente gânglios linfáticos ilíacos e inguinais, e lesões à distância. Em 12 casos foram realizadas ressonância magnética e tomografia computadorizada. Em quatro casos com doença recorrente, as anomalias (lesão principal /gânglios linfáticos metastáticos) identificadas na tomografia por emissão de positrões/ tomografia computadorizada com 2-[F-18]-fluor-2-desoxi-D-glucose não haviam sido descritas como suspeitas pela tomografia computadorizada. Discussão: No nosso estudo, a tomografia por emissão de positrões/ tomografia computadorizada com 2-[F-18]-fluor-2-desoxi-D-glucose identificou mais anomalias que a tomografia computadorizada na doença recorrente. Comparando com os resultados histológicos, a tomografia por emissão de positrões/ tomografia computadorizada com 2-[F-18]-fluor-2-desoxi-D-glucose apresentou sensibilidade de 95% e um valor preditivo positivo de 100% na identificação do tumor primário/ lesão principal recorrente. Poucos dados estão disponíveis sobre a utilidade da tomografia por emissão de positrões/ tomografia computadorizada com 2-[F-18]-fluor-2-desoxi-D-glucose no seguimento de carcinomas da vulva e da vagina. As evidências atuais sugerem uma elevada exatidão na deteção de metástases ganglionares e uma mudança de 36,0% - 61,5% no tratamento destes doentes. Os nossos achados reforçam a utilidade desta técnica no carcinoma da vulva e da vagina. As limitações do nosso estudo decorrem da sua natureza retrospetiva e da raridade das patologias estudadas, o que condiciona o tamanho da amostra e a quantidade de exames de imagem comparativos. Conclusão: Neste estudo preliminar, a tomografia por emissão de positrões/ tomografia computadorizada com 2-[F-18]-fluor-2-desoxi-D-glucose demonstrou poder ser um método útil em doentes com carcinoma da vulva e da vagina, nomeadamente na definição da extensão da doença e na contribuição para o estadiamento e restadiamento precisos.

Tumor del saco vitelino primario de vagina en una niña. A propósito de un caso / Primary vaginal yolk sac tumor in a girl. Case report

Las neoplasias ginecológicas en niñas son raras. Representan menos del 5 % de todos los cánceres en pediatría. No existen estadísticas sobre la incidencia de tumores de vagina en esta etapa de la vida. Se presenta el caso de una niña de 9 meses con sangrado por genitales. La ecografía evidencia una masa sólida en vagina, y la vaginoscopia, un tumor friable. Presenta valores de α-fetoproteína elevados, por lo que se diagnostica tumor de saco vitelino, confirmado por biopsia. Se realiza tratamiento quimioterápico. A menos de 1 año del diagnóstico, se encuentra en remisión completa. Este caso resulta de interés no solo por la rareza, sino también porque el diagnóstico rápido de tumor de saco vitelino permite mejorar los resultados y la sobrevida de las pacientes

Gynecological neoplasms in girls are rare and represent only less than 5 % of all childhood tumors. There are no statistics on the incidence of vaginal tumors at this stage in life. We present a 9-month-old girl evaluated for genital bleeding. Ultrasound reveals a vaginal solid mass and vaginoscopy reports a friable tumor. AFP is elevated. A yolk sac tumor is confirmed by biopsy she receives chemotherapy. Within a year after diagnosis, she remains tumor-free. This is a case of interest, not only because of its rarity, but also because a rapid diagnosis of a yolk sac tumor improves outcomes and patient's survival rates.

[Primary vaginal yolk sac tumor in a girl. Case report]. / Tumor del saco vitelino primario de vagina en una niña. A propósito de un caso.

Gynecological neoplasms in girls are rare and represent only less than 5 % of all childhood tumors. There are no statistics on the incidence of vaginal tumors at this stage in life. We present a 9-month-old girl evaluated for genital bleeding. Ultrasound reveals a vaginal solid mass and vaginoscopy reports a friable tumor. AFP is elevated. A yolk sac tumor is confirmed by biopsy she receives chemotherapy. Within a year after diagnosis, she remains tumor-free. This is a case of interest, not only because of its rarity, but also because a rapid diagnosis of a yolk sac tumor improves outcomes and patient's survival rates.

Las neoplasias ginecológicas en niñas son raras. Representan menos del 5 % de todos los cánceres en pediatría. No existen estadísticas sobre la incidencia de tumores de vagina en esta etapa de la vida. Se presenta el caso de una niña de 9 meses con sangrado por genitales. La ecografía evidencia una masa sólida en vagina, y la vaginoscopia, un tumor friable. Presenta valores de α-fetoproteína elevados, por lo que se diagnostica tumor de saco vitelino, confirmado por biopsia. Se realiza tratamiento quimioterápico. A menos de 1 año del diagnóstico, se encuentra en remisión completa. Este caso resulta de interés no solo por la rareza, sino también porque el diagnóstico rápido de tumor de saco vitelino permite mejorar los resultados y la sobrevida de las pacientes.

Clinical and ultrasound characteristics of vaginal lesions.

OBJECTIVE: Ultrasound examination represents the most important diagnostic method to preoperatively assess gynecological diseases. However, the ultrasound characteristics of vaginal pathologies are poorly investigated. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and ultrasound characteristics of vaginal lesions detected at ultrasound. METHODS: This was a single center, prospective, observational study including patients with vaginal masses examined from January 2017 to May 2019. Morphologic sonographic characteristics of the lesions were described as unilocular, multilocular, unilocular-solid, multilocular-solid, and solid. For the analysis, patients were grouped into a 'malignant group', including patients with confirmed malignancy at final histology, and a 'benign group', including patients with a confirmed benign pathology at final histology and patients without a histological diagnosis but with a lesion that manifested no changes during follow-up. RESULTS: 44 patients were enrolled. 22 (50%) of 44 lesions were benign: 12 (54.5%) of these underwent ultrasound follow-up and did not show any changes at the 12 month follow-up whereas 10 (45.5%) lesions had surgical excision which confirmed the benign nature. The remaining 22 (50%) of 44 lesions underwent surgery because of suspicion of malignancy: histology confirmed a malignancy in 20 (90.9%) of 22 cases. Benign lesions were described as follow: 11/24 (45.8%) unilocular, 3/24 (12.5%) multilocular with two locules, and 10/24 (41.7%) solid lesions. Malignant lesions were solid in 19/20 (95%) cases and multilocular-solid in 1/20 (5%). Most benign lesions had a color score of 1-2 (20/24, 83.4%) while malignant lesions had a color score of 3-4 (18/20, 90%). CONCLUSION: A typical ultrasound image of a benign lesion was a unilocular cyst or hypoechoic solid mass with no or minimal vascularization on color Doppler examination. Malignant vaginal lesions were hypoechoic solid tumors with irregular margins and moderate/rich vascularization or multilocular-solid. Ultrasound should be used to supplement the clinician in the management of vaginal lesions.

Leiomiomatosis vulvovaginal: reporte de un caso y revisión bibliográfica / Vulvo-Vaginal Leiomyomatosis: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: Los leiomiomas son los tumores pélvicos más frecuentes en la mujer; sin embargo, su localización vaginal es excepcional. Suelen ser asintomáticos y encontrarse como un hallazgo clínico. En los últimos 20 años solo se han reportado 85 casos, y solo dos han sido recurrentes. OBJETIVO: Reportar un caso de miomatosis vaginal recurrente en una paciente histerectomizada y revisar la bibliografía al respecto. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 58 años, histerectomizada, con una tumoración vaginal. El reporte histopatológico informó una proliferación fusocelular, debidamente delimitada, dispuesta en haces entrecruzados. Los núcleos eran alargados, monomorfos y de extremos romos. El estroma era escaso y colagénico. No se observaron atipias citonucleares ni necrosis. El estudio inmunohistoquímico de la lesión con actina de anticuerpos antimúsculo liso y desmina se reportó positivo. Se diagnosticó miomatosis vulvovaginal recurrente. Se trató mediante resección quirúrgica. CONCLUSIÓN: Los leiomiomas vulvovaginales son extremadamente raros y la bibliografía al respecto es poca; su recurrencia es verdaderamente excepcional. De ahí la importancia de la publicación de estos casos, que aporta información que pueden tomar en cuenta otros clínicos al momento del diagnóstico.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Leiomyomas are the most frequent pelvic tumors in women; however, their vaginal location is unusual. They are usually asymptomatic and present as a clinical finding. In the last 20 years only 85 cases have been reported, and only two have been recurrent. OBJECTIVE: To report a case of recurrent vaginal myomatosis in a hysterectomized patient and review the literature. CLINICAL CASE: A 58-year-old hysterectomized patient with a vaginal tumor. The histopathologic report reported a fusocellular proliferation, properly delimited, arranged in crisscross bundles. The nuclei were elongated, monomorphous and blunt ended. The stroma was sparse and collagenous. No cytonuclear atypia or necrosis were observed. Immunohistochemical study of the lesion with anti-smooth muscle antibody actin and desmin was reported positive. Recurrent vulvovaginal myomatosis was diagnosed. It was treated by surgical resection. CONCLUSION: Vulvovaginal leiomyomas are extremely rare, and the literature is sparse; their recurrence is truly exceptional. Hence the importance of publishing these cases, providing information to be considered by other clinicians at the time of diagnosis.

Application of vaginoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of occult vaginal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective:To investigate the application value of vaginoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of vaginal squamous intraepithelial lesions post hysterectomy.Methods:From May 2017 to June 2020, patients with high-risk (HR)-HPV infection and (or) cytological abnormalities after hysterectomy in Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University were examined by colposcopy, and those who were not satisfied with exposure under colposcopy were further examined by vaginoscopy. The role of vaginoscopy in the detection and treatment of occult vaginal squamous intraepithelial lesions was analyzed.Results:A total of 153 patients with HR-HPV infection and (or) cytological abnormalities, and inadequate colposcopy were enrolled in this study. The average age was (49.8±8.1) years. All cases were successfully performed vaginoscopy with no vaginal perforation, no bladder and intestinal injury. During vaginoscopy, 11 (7.2%, 11/153) cases with unclear high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) boundary under colposcopy were found with clear HSIL boundary, and new HSIL was found in 23 (15.0%, 23/153) cases. According to colposcopy, there were 89 cases of normal or inflammation, 45 cases of vaginal low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) and 19 cases of vaginal HSIL. According to vaginoscopy, there were 56 cases of normal or chronic inflammation, 55 cases of vaginal LSIL, 40 cases of vaginal HSIL (including 2 cases of vaginal HSIL could not exclude cancer) and 2 cases of vaginal carcinoma. There were significant difference between colposcopy and vaginoscopy ( P<0.01). The missed diagnosis rate of vaginal apex blind curettage under colposcopy was 54.8%. For the 40 cases with vaginal HSIL under vaginoscopy, 15 cases were completely curettaged with vaginal endoscopic claw forceps, and 22 cases were vaporized by Versapoint. Among the 37 cases of vaginal HSIL treated by vaginoscopy, 34 cases were followed up for 6 months with 31 cases of vaginal HSIL cured. The cure rate was 91.2% (31/34), the positive rate of HR-HPV decreased from 100.0% (34/34) to 79.4% (27/34). Conclusion:For patients with inadequate exposure of vaginal apex during colposcopy posthysterectomy, vaginoscopy is helpful to detect the occult lesions in the vaginal apex, and it could also be used for the treatment of vaginal squamous intraepithelial lesions.

Recurrent Extra-gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor of the Vagina: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Gastrointestinal tumors are uncommonly found outside the gastrointestinal tract, and extremely rare in the vaginal wall. In this case report, a 39-year-old female, she was finally diagnosed with an extra gastrointestinal stromal tumor (EGIST) when she presented with a recurrent vaginal tumor, while misdiagnosed after the first surgery. She had definitive surgical clearance and was taking targeted drug therapy with no sign of recurrence after follow-up for 13 months. Immunohistochemistry and cytogenetic's remain the most definitive method to diagnose EGISTs. Surgical resection and postoperative adjuvant targeted therapy are the optimum treatment options.

In vivo optical cellular diagnosis for uterine cervical or vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia using flexible gastrointestinal endocytoscopy -a prospective pilot study.

BACKGROUUND: For patients with any kind of atypical squamous intraepithelial lesion of the uterine cervix or vagina, colposcopy and punch biopsy are common procedures for histological determination following cytology. However, colposcopy-guided biopsy does not provide a high level of diagnostic accuracy. The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of optical biopsy in vivo using endocytoscopy compared with conventional procedures using colposcopy. METHODS: Between May 2018 and March 2019, patients who were scheduled for cervical conization or mapping biopsies of the vagina were prospectively enrolled. Endocytoscopy was performed by senior endoscopists prior to scheduled procedures, and endocytoscopic images and biopsy samples were taken from the most prominent site and surrounding area of the cervical or vaginal lesions. The collection process of images was randomized and anonymous, and three doctors separately evaluated the images according to the ECA classification. ECA 4 and 5 are indicative of endoscopic malignancy. The primary endpoint was diagnostic accuracy (benign or malignant: cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 3 or vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN) 3 or worse) of cell images at the most prominent site in each patient. RESULTS: A total of 28 consecutive patients were enrolled. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of endocytoscopic images were 95.0% (84.8-98.6%), 87.5% (61.9-96.5%), 95.0% (84.8-98.6%), 87.5% (61.9-96.5%) and 92.9% (78.2-98.0%), respectively. Inter-observer agreement among three reviewers was 0.78 (0.08-9.88, P < 0.01). On the other hand, the accuracy of colposcopy-guided biopsy was 74.1% (64.0-84.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Optical cell diagnosis of cervical or vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia using endocytoscopy provides a high level of diagnostic accuracy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered with the UMIN database (ID: 000031712 ). UMIN000031712 . Registered 16 March 2017.

Palliative treatment with electrochemotherapy in recurrent or metastatic vaginal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Vaginal metastases are very rare events with a poor prognosis. To improve the quality of life, local treatments should be considered. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of electrochemotherapy as palliative treatment in vaginal cancer not amenable to standard treatments due to poor performance status, previous treatments, or advanced disease. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study on patients diagnosed with vaginal cancer and treated from January 2017 to December 2018 with palliative electrochemotherapy. We collected data on patients with vaginal cancer treated by electrochemotherapy with the aim of local control. Data regarding electrochemotherapy, hospital stay, adverse events, and patient outcomes were analyzed. Intravenous bleomycin was injected as a bolus in 2-3 min at a dose of 15 000 UI/m2 and electrical pulses started 8 min after chemotherapy. Electrochemotherapy response was defined according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. RESULTS: Five patients with vaginal recurrence (two squamous, two melanomas, and one leiomyosarcoma) and one with vaginal metastasis from intestinal adenocarcinoma received one treatment and two patients were re-treated. Imaging reported nodal metastasis (inguinal or pelvic) in two patients, distant metastases in two, and both node and distant metastasis in two patients, respectively. Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors showed a complete response in one patient, partial response in three patients, stable disease in one patient, and progressive disease in one patient, with an overall response rate of 67% and a clinical benefit rate (complete response, partial response, stable disease) of 83%. Two patients were re-treated and had a new response (partial response and stable disease, respectively). At last follow-up, two patients had died of the disease, two were alive with stable disease, one was alive with progressive disease, and one was alive without disease. Median post-electrochemotherapy overall survival was 12.9 months (range 1.6-26.9) and 1-year overall survival was 66.7%. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary experience showed a tumor response or stabilization in 83% of patients requiring palliative management for vaginal cancer. Further studies are needed to evaluate treatment outcome in larger and prospective series.