Development of a clinically relevant ovarian cancer model incorporating surgical cytoreduction to evaluate treatment of micro-metastatic disease.

OBJECTIVES: Mouse models of ovarian cancer commonly transfer large numbers of tumor cells into the peritoneal cavity to establish experimental metastatic disease, which may not adequately model early metastatic spread from a primary tumor site. We hypothesized we could develop an ovarian cancer model that predictably represents micro-metastatic disease. METHODS: Murine ID8VEGF ovarian cancer cells were transduced to express enhanced luciferase (eLuc) to enable intravital detection of microscopic disease burden and injected beneath the ovarian bursa of C57Bl/6 mice. At 6 or 10 weeks after orthotopic injection, when mice had detectable metastases, hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed to remove all macroscopic disease, and survival monitored. Immunohistochemistry and gene expression profiling were performed on primary and metastatic tumors. RESULTS: eLuc-transduced ID8VEGF cells were brighter than cells transduced with standard luciferase, enabling in vivo visualization of microscopic intra-abdominal metastases developing after orthotopic injection. Primary surgical cytoreduction removed the primary tumor mass but left minimal residual disease in all mice. Metastatic sites that developed following orthotopic injection were similar to metastatic human ovarian cancer sites. Gene expression and immune infiltration were similar between primary and metastatic mouse tumors. Surgical cytoreduction prolonged survival compared to no surgery, with earlier cytoreduction more beneficial than delayed, despite micro-metastatic disease in both settings. CONCLUSIONS: Mice with primary ovarian tumors established through orthotopic injection develop progressively fatal metastatic ovarian cancer, and benefit from surgical cytoreduction to remove bulky disease. This model enables the analysis of therapeutic regimens designed to target and potentially eradicate established minimal residual disease.

Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and homologous recombination deficiency are independently associated with improved survival in ovarian carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The presence of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and defects in homologous recombination (HR) are each important prognostic factors in ovarian carcinoma (OC). We characterized the association between HR deficiency (HRD) and the presence of TILs in a cohort of OC patients and the relative contribution to overall survival. METHODS: Patients with carcinoma of the ovary, fallopian tube, or peritoneum were prospectively enrolled. Malignant neoplasm and serum samples were collected. Immunohistochemistry for CD3+ T cells and CD68+ tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) was performed on specimens collected at primary surgery. Damaging germline and somatic mutations in genes in the HR-mediated repair (HRR) pathway were identified using BROCA sequencing. HRD was defined as a damaging mutation in one of 12 genes in the HRR pathway or promoter hypermethylation in BRCA1 or RAD51C. RESULTS: Ninety-eight of 250 patients included in the analysis had HRD OC (39.2%). HRD OC were enriched for CD3+ TILs and CD68+ TAMs. High CD3+ TIL was present in 65.3% of HRD OC compared to 43.4% of non-HRD OC (P = 0.001). High CD68+ TAM was present in 66.3% of HRD OC compared to 50.7% of non-HRD OC (P = 0.015). Patients with HRD OC and high CD3+ TILs had the longest median overall survival compared to non-HRD OC with low CD3+ TILs (70.9 vs. 35.8 months, adjusted HR 0.38, 95% CI (0.25-0.59)). CONCLUSIONS: Patients that have both CD3+ TILs and HRD OC are afforded the greatest improvement in overall survival. This finding may have therapeutic implications for OC patients treated with emerging immunotherapies.

Neoplastic cellularity is associated with clinical and molecular features of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Most molecular analyses of high-grade serous ovarian, peritoneal and fallopian tube carcinomas (HGSC) require ≥70% tumor (neoplastic) cell nuclei. We characterized the distribution of the percentage of neoplastic nuclei (PNN) in a large cohort of HGSC and correlated PNN with clinical outcomes to determine the fraction of cases outside this range and whether this cut-off introduces selection bias. METHODS: Subjects were prospectively enrolled and normal and neoplastic tissues were snap-frozen. All subjects had grade 2 to 3 HGSC. Subjects that received neoadjuvant chemotherapy were excluded. PNN was determined by estimating the fraction of neoplastic nuclei relative to non-neoplastic nuclei on a representative hematoxylin and eosin stained frozen section from the primary neoplasm. Germline BRCA mutation status was determined with Sanger or BROCA sequencing. RESULTS: PNN was <70% in 101 (33%) of 306 cases. PNN was significantly higher among subjects without optimal cytoreduction (P=0.018). 55 subjects had germline BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations. HGSC associated with BRCA2 but not BRCA1 mutations had significantly lower PNN compared to HGSC in non-carriers (54% vs. 70%, P=0.018). Overall survival was not significantly different between subjects with <70% or ≥70% PNN (median survival 51.8 vs. 46.6months, P=0.858). CONCLUSIONS: One-third of HGSC has PNN <70%. Higher PNN is associated with suboptimal cytoreduction, while lower PNN is associated with inherited BRCA2 mutations. Our findings suggest a nonrandom distribution of PNN that may reflect cancer biology. Further studies exploring the stromal microenvironment are needed. Molecular analyses of HGSC selected for high PNN exclude a significant fraction of patients.

Route of hysterectomy and surgical outcomes from a statewide gynecologic oncology population: is there a role for vaginal hysterectomy?

BACKGROUND: Recent policy changes by insurance companies have been instituted to encourage vaginal hysterectomy (VH) as the preferred route for removal of the uterus. It is not known if advantages of VH for benign indications apply to women with gynecologic cancer. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to assess trends in surgical approach to hysterectomy among gynecologic cancer patients and to evaluate outcomes by approach. We hypothesized that, among gynecologic oncology patients, postoperative complications and hospital stay would differ by surgical approach, and that advantages of VH for benign indications may not apply to gynecologic cancer patients. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a population-based retrospective cohort study of cervical, endometrial, or ovarian/fallopian tube cancer patients treated surgically in Washington State from 2004 through 2013 using the Comprehensive Hospital Abstract Reporting System. Surgery was categorized as abdominal hysterectomy (AH), laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH), or VH. We determined rate of surgical approach by year and the association with length of stay, 30-day readmission rate, and perioperative complications. RESULTS: We identified 10,117 patients who underwent surgery for gynecologic cancer, with 346 (3.4%) VH, 2698 (26.7%) LH, and 7073 (69.9%) AH. Patients undergoing AH had more comorbidities than patients with VH or LH (Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥2: 11.3%, 7.9%, and 8.1%, respectively; P < .001). From 2004 through 2013 AH and VH declined (94.4-47.9% and 4.4-0.8%, respectively; P < .001) while LH increased from 1.2-51.4% in 2013 (P < .001). Mean length of stay was 4.6 days for women undergoing AH and was 1.9 days shorter for VH (95% confidence interval, 1.6-2.3 days) and 2.6 days shorter for LH (95% confidence interval, 2.4-2.7 days) (P < .001). Risk of 30-day readmission for patients undergoing LH was 40% less likely compared to AH but not different for VH vs AH. CONCLUSION: AH and LH remain the preferred routes for hysterectomy in gynecologic oncology. Over the past decade, there has been a significant shift to LH with lower 30-day readmission and complication rates. There may be a limited role for VH in select patients. Current efforts to standardize the surgical approach to hysterectomy should not apply to patients with known or suspected gynecologic cancer.

Fertility preservation in patients with haematological disorders: a retrospective cohort study.

This study investigated the factors associated with utilization of fertility preservation and the differences in treatments and outcomes by prior chemotherapy exposure in patients with haematological diseases. This study included all 67 women with haematological diseases seen for fertility preservation consultation at two university hospitals between 2006 and 2011. Of the total, 49% had lymphoma, 33% had leukaemia, 7% had myelodysplastic syndrome and 4% had aplastic anaemia; 46% had prior chemotherapy; and 33% were planning for bone marrow transplantation, 33% pursued ovarian stimulation and 7% used ovarian tissue banking; and 48% of patients did not pursue fertility preservation treatment. All five cycle cancellations were in the post-chemotherapy group: three patients with leukaemia and two with lymphoma. Patients with prior chemotherapy had lower baseline antral follicle count (10 versus 22) and received more gonadotrophins to achieve similar peak oestradiol concentrations, with no difference in oocyte yield (10.5 versus 10) after adjustment for age. Embryo yield was similar between those who had prior chemotherapy and those who had not. Half of the patients with haematological diseases who present for fertility preservation have been exposed to chemotherapy. While ovarian reserve is likely impaired in this group, oocyte yield may be acceptable.

Engineered Adoptive T-cell Therapy Prolongs Survival in a Preclinical Model of Advanced-Stage Ovarian Cancer.

Adoptive T-cell therapy using high-affinity T-cell receptors (TCR) to target tumor antigens has potential for improving outcomes in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) patients. Ovarian tumors develop a hostile, multicomponent tumor microenvironment containing suppressive cells, inhibitory ligands, and soluble factors that facilitate evasion of antitumor immune responses. Developing and validating an immunocompetent mouse model of metastatic ovarian cancer that shares antigenic and immunosuppressive qualities of human disease would facilitate establishing effective T-cell therapies. We used deep transcriptome profiling and IHC analysis of human HGSOC tumors and disseminated mouse ID8VEGF tumors to compare immunologic features. We then evaluated the ability of CD8 T cells engineered to express a high-affinity TCR specific for mesothelin, an ovarian cancer antigen, to infiltrate advanced ID8VEGF murine ovarian tumors and control tumor growth. Human CD8 T cells engineered to target mesothelin were also evaluated for ability to kill HLA-A2+ HGSOC lines. IHC and gene-expression profiling revealed striking similarities between tumors of both species, including processing/presentation of a leading candidate target antigen, suppressive immune cell infiltration, and expression of molecules that inhibit T-cell function. Engineered T cells targeting mesothelin infiltrated mouse tumors but became progressively dysfunctional and failed to persist. Treatment with repeated doses of T cells maintained functional activity, significantly prolonging survival of mice harboring late-stage disease at treatment onset. Human CD8 T cells engineered to target mesothelin were tumoricidal for three HGSOC lines. Treatment with engineered T cells may have clinical applicability in patients with advanced-stage HGSOC.

Elevated tumor mutational burden and prolonged clinical response to anti-PD-L1 antibody in platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer.

•We report an ovarian cancer patient with a prolonged response to immunotherapy.•Comprehensive genomic profiling may detect patients who benefit from immunotherapy.•Mutational burden thresholds for ovarian cancer may be lower than other cancers.

Management of Large Ovarian Neoplasms in Pediatric and Adolescent Females.

The overwhelming majority of ovarian cysts in pediatric and adolescent girls are physiologic; however, large simple and complex ovarian lesions often require surgical intervention due to the increased risk of neoplasia. In this review article, we discuss the preoperative evaluation and intraoperative management of large ovarian neoplasms. We review the current literature regarding long term ovarian function and fertility, rates of recurrence and residual disease, and novel surgical approaches. Managing large ovarian neoplasms in the pediatric and adolescent population requires careful preoperative and intraoperative care to optimally resect neoplasia while maximizing fertility and minimizing pain.

Association of the very early rise of human chorionic gonadotropin with adverse outcomes in singleton pregnancies after in vitro fertilization.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if very early serum hCG, a marker of trophoblast differentiation, is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes in singleton pregnancies. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: University fertility program. PATIENT(S): A total of 360 singleton IVF live births. INTERVENTION(S): Serial hCG measurements were used to determine the within-woman slope for hCG (hCG rise). MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURE(S): Primary outcomes included birth weight and gestational age at delivery. Statistical comparisons used t test, chi-square test, and linear and logistic regressions as appropriate. RESULT(S): hCG rise was positively associated with birth weight but not gestational age at delivery. Infant sex, gestational age, and type of embryo transfer (fresh vs. frozen/thawed) were significantly associated with birth weight and confounded the associations of interest. hCG rise was slower among subjects delivering an infant with low birth weight (slope 0.386 ± 0.05 vs. 0.407 ± 0.06) or small for gestational age (slope 0.371 ± 0.07 vs. 0.406 ± 0.06). Analysis of hCG rise by quartile showed that, compared with the first quartile (slowest), subjects with a rate of hCG rise in the fourth quartile (fastest) had a significantly decreased risk of delivering an infant of low birth weight. No relationship was noted between hCG rise and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. CONCLUSION(S): Slower very early first-trimester hCG rise is associated with low birth weight but not gestational age at delivery among singleton IVF conceptions. The rate of increase in serum hCG may reflect early trophoblast differentiation and placentation and, possibly, may predict subsequent development.

Differences in Serum Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Rise in Early Pregnancy by Race and Value at Presentation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether variation in serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) measures, used to assess early gestation viability, are associated with differences in clinical presentation and patient factors. METHOD: This retrospective cohort study included 285 women with first-trimester pain and bleeding and a pregnancy of unknown location for whom a normal intrauterine pregnancy was ultimately confirmed. Serial samples were collected at three U.S. sites and hCG changes were analyzed for differences by race, ethnicity, and clinical factors. A nonlinear, mixed-effects regression model was used assuming a random subject shift in the time axis. RESULTS: The hCG rise in symptomatic women with ongoing intrauterine pregnancy differs by patient factors and level at presentation. The 2-day minimum (first percentile) rise in hCG was faster when presenting hCG values were low and slower when presenting hCG value was high. African American women had a faster hCG rise (P<.001) compared with non-African American women. Variation in hCG curves was associated with prior miscarriage (P=.014), presentation of bleeding (P<.001), and pain (P=.002). For initial hCG values of less than 1,500, 1,500-3,000 and greater than 3,000 milli-international units/mL, the predicted 2-day minimal (first percentile) rise was 49%, 40%, and 33%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The rise of hCG levels in women with viable intrauterine pregnancies and symptoms of potential pregnancy failure varies significantly by initial value. Changes in hCG rise related to race should not affect clinical care. To limit interruption of a potential desired intrauterine pregnancy, a more conservative "cutoff" (slower rise) is needed when hCG values are high. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, https://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00194168.

Premalignant alterations in breast and endometrium associated with a PTEN mutation in a woman with Cowden syndrome: implications for preventive care.

•This case report documents the in vivo process of malignant transformation in a patient with Cowden syndrome.•PTEN-driven oncogenesis may proceed through a stage of pre-invasive intra-epithelial neoplasm.•Our findings have important implications for preventive care and for pathologic sampling at the time of prophylactic surgery.

Contraceptive use and the role of contraceptive counseling in reproductive-aged women with cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Few data on contraceptive choices in women with cancer exist. Contraception is challenging for women with cancer, particularly those with breast cancer, who are limited to nonhormonal methods. This study characterized contraceptive use during cancer treatment in a group of reproductive-aged women with a recent cancer diagnosis and assessed the impact of contraceptive counseling on the methods they selected. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional, survey study of reproductive-aged women at a large tertiary care health system with a recent cancer diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 107 women completed the survey. Eighty-two women reported 101 contraceptive choices. Twenty-seven percent (27/101) of all methods selected were Tier I/II, and 35% (35/101) were Tier III/IV. Only 4 used an intrauterine device (IUD). Among women reporting sexual activity after diagnosis, 19 (27%) of 71 reported using Tier I/II methods, 21 (30%) of 71 reported using Tier III/IV methods, 16 (23%) of 71 reported abstinence and 10 (14%) of 71 reported using no method. Factors significantly associated with Tier I/II use in the multivariable model included not having a college degree [odds ratio (OR) 0.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.05-0.92, p=.038], intercourse during treatment (OR 5.92, 95% CI 1.48-23.66, p=.012) and non-breast cancer (OR 3.60, 95% CI 1.03-12.64, p=.046). Report of contraceptive counseling was positively associated with Tier I/II contraceptive use during cancer treatment (OR 6.92, 95% CI 1.14-42.11, p=.036). CONCLUSION: Reproductive-aged women diagnosed with cancer underutilized Tier I/II contraceptive agents, especially IUDs. Contraceptive counseling by physicians increases contraceptive use, particularly methods most effective at preventing pregnancy. IMPLICATIONS: The study uniquely described the contraceptive practices of over 100 women with cancer. The study sample commonly reported abstinence and use of contraceptive methods with high failure rates. Our data suggest that contraceptive counseling from a health care provider may increase use of more effective methods among women with cancer.

Preserving Fertility in Adolescent Girls and Young Women Requiring Craniospinal Irradiation: A Case Report and Discussion of Options to Be Considered Prior to Treatment.

Craniospinal irradiation (CSI) is associated with infertility risk for adolescent/young adult women. We explore two methods of reducing ovarian exposure: oophoropexy (surgical removal of the ovaries from the path of the X-ray beam) and proton therapy (to allow the beam to stop without exposing the ovaries/uterus). In the case discussed, oophoropexy followed by X-ray CSI reduced ovarian dose to that at which 50% of oocytes are expected to survive, and the patient appears to have viable oocytes; this technique did not reduce uterine dose. Proton therapy would have eliminated the ovarian and uterine dose and the need for oophoropexy.

Validation of a clinical risk scoring system, based solely on clinical presentation, for the management of pregnancy of unknown location.

OBJECTIVE: To assess a scoring system to triage women with a pregnancy of unknown location. DESIGN: Validation of prediction rule. SETTING: Multicenter study. PATIENT(S): Women with a pregnancy of unknown location. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Scores assigned to factors identified at clinical presentation, total score calculated to assess risk of ectopic pregnancy (EP) in women with a pregnancy of unknown location, and a proposed three-tiered clinical action plan. RESULT(S): The cohort of 1,400 women (284 ectopic pregnancies, 759 miscarriages, and 357 intrauterine pregnancies) was more diverse than the original cohort used to develop the decision rule. The recommendations of the action plan were low risk, intermediate risk, and high risk; the recommendation based on the model score was compared with clinical diagnosis. A total of 29.4% intrauterine pregnancies were identified for less frequent follow-up observation, and 18.4% nonviable gestations were identified for more frequent follow-up observation (to rule out an ectopic pregnancy) compared with intermediate risk (i.e., monitor in current standard fashion). For a decision of possible less frequent monitoring, the specificity was 90.8% (89.0-92.6) with negative predictive value of 79.0% (76.7-81.3). For a decision of more intense follow-up observation, the specificity was 95.0% (92.7-97.2). Test characteristics using the scoring system were replicated in the diverse validation cohort. CONCLUSION(S): A scoring system based on symptoms at presentation has value to stratify risk and influence the intensity of outpatient surveillance for women with pregnancy of unknown location but does not serve as a diagnostic tool.

Thyroid function during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation as part of in vitro fertilization.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the exact nature and timing of alterations in thyroid function throughout controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: University fertility clinic. PATIENT(S): Fifty-seven women undergoing COH as part of planned in vitro fertilization. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Timing and magnitude of change in serum thyroid hormones, including TSH, total and free T(4), E(2), and thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG), measured at six time points from before stimulation to 2 weeks after serum pregnancy test. RESULT(S): Geometric mean serum TSH increased during stimulation, peaking 1 week after hCG administration compared with baseline (2.44 vs. 1.42 mIU/L), as did free T(4) (1.52 vs. 1.38 ng/dL) and TBG (32.86 vs. 21.52 µg/mL). Estradiol levels increased, peaking at hCG administration (1743.21 vs. 71.37 pg/mL). Of 50 women with baseline TSH ≤ 2.5 mIU/L, 22 (44.0%) had a subsequent rise in TSH to >2.5 during or after COH. The pattern of change over time in TSH concentrations was significantly influenced by baseline hypothyroidism and whether pregnancy was achieved. CONCLUSION(S): COH led to significant elevations in TSH, often above pregnancy appropriate targets. These findings were particularly evident in women with preexisting hypothyroidism and may have important clinical implications for screening and thyroid hormone supplementation.

Performance of human chorionic gonadotropin curves in women at risk for ectopic pregnancy: exceptions to the rules.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the accuracy of serial hCG to predict outcome of a pregnancy of unknown location in an ethnically and geographically diverse setting. DESIGN: Multisite cohort study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENT(S): Women with a pregnancy of unknown location. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Patients were followed until diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy (EP), intrauterine pregnancy (IUP), or miscarriage. To predict outcome, observed hCG level was compared with recommended thresholds to assess deviation from defined normal curves. Predicted outcome was compared with standard of care. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, and accuracy were calculated, stratified by diagnosis. RESULT(S): The final diagnosis of 1,005 patients included 179 EPs, 259 IUPs, and 567 miscarriages. The optimal balance in sensitivity and specificity used the minimal expected 2-day increase in hCG level of 35%, and the minimal 2-day decrease in hCG level of 36%-47% (depending on the level) achieving 83.2% sensitivity, 70.8% specificity to predict EP. However, 16.8% of EPs and 7.7% of IUPs would be misclassified solely using serial hCG levels. Consideration of a third hCG and early ultrasound decreased IUP misclassification to 2.7%. CONCLUSION(S): Solely using serial hCG values can result in misclassification. Clinical judgment should trump prediction rules and continued surveillance with a third hCG may be prudent, especially when initial values are low or when values are near suggested thresholds.

Ovarian preservation in a young patient with Gorlin syndrome and multiple bilateral ovarian masses.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of bilateral ovarian fibromas and ovarian leiomyomas in a young patient with Gorlin syndrome and to highlight issues of fertility preservation, ovarian conservation, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis in this population. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENT(S): A 15-year-old female patient with Gorlin syndrome and bilateral ovarian masses. INTERVENTION(S): Ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, hormone analysis, and laparotomy with resection of ovarian fibromas. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Preservation of ovarian function, pathologic diagnosis. RESULT(S): Our patient represented an adolescent case of bilateral ovarian fibromas and leiomyomas in Gorlin syndrome presenting with menstrual irregularities. She was managed surgically with resection of the lesions and conservation of normal ovarian tissue. CONCLUSION(S): In Gorlin syndrome, ovarian fibromas are a common clinical manifestation. Patients with ovarian involvement may present with complex gynecologic needs and may have decreased fertility potential. Careful surgical management, follow-up, and counseling on options for future fertility should be offered to all patients.