Fertility-sparing uterine displacement for pelvic malignancies: surgical options and radiotherapy dosimetry on a human cadaver.

BACKGROUND: Radio(chemo)therapy is often required in pelvic malignancies (cancer of the anus, rectum, cervix). Direct irradiation adversely affects ovarian and endometrial function, compromising the fertility of women. While ovarian transposition is an established method to move the ovaries away from the radiation field, surgical procedures to displace the uterus are investigational. This study demonstrates the surgical options for uterine displacement in relation to the radiation dose received.  METHODS: The uterine displacement techniques were carried out sequentially in a human female cadaver to demonstrate each procedure step by step and assess the uterine positions with dosimetric CT scans in a hybrid operating room. Two treatment plans (anal and rectal cancer) were simulated on each of the four dosimetric scans (1. anatomical position, 2. uterine suspension of the round ligaments to the abdominal wall 3. ventrofixation of the uterine fundus at the umbilical level, 4. uterine transposition). Treatments were planned on Eclipse® System (Varian Medical Systems®,USA) using Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy. Data about maximum (Dmax) and mean (Dmean) radiation dose received and the volume receiving 14 Gy (V14Gy) were collected. RESULTS: All procedures were completed without technical complications. In the rectal cancer simulation with delivery of 50 Gy to the tumor, Dmax, Dmean and V14Gy to the uterus were respectively 52,8 Gy, 34,3 Gy and 30,5cc (1), 31,8 Gy, 20,2 Gy and 22.0cc (2), 24,4 Gy, 6,8 Gy and 5,5cc (3), 1,8 Gy, 0,6 Gy and 0,0cc (4). For anal cancer, delivering 64 Gy to the tumor respectively 46,7 Gy, 34,8 Gy and 31,3cc (1), 34,3 Gy, 20,0 Gy and 21,5cc (2), 21,8 Gy, 5,9 Gy and 2,6cc (3), 1,4 Gy, 0,7 Gy and 0,0cc (4). CONCLUSIONS: The feasibility of several uterine displacement procedures was safely demonstrated. Increasing distance to the radiation field requires more complex surgical interventions to minimize radiation exposure. Surgical strategy needs to be tailored to the multidisciplinary treatment plan, and uterine transposition is the most technically complex with the least dose received.

Feasibility and operative outcomes of surgery in the liver area in advanced ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to characterize intra-and postoperative complications according to a standardized anatomo-surgical classification for ovarian cancer metastases in the liver area. METHODS: Data from all patients with advanced ovarian cancer undergoing primary or secondary surgery with perihepatic liver involvement (May-2016 to May-2022), were retrospectively retrieved and classified according to a standardized anatomo-surgical classification, and clustered into four Classes: Class I "Peritoneal", Class II "Hepatoceliac-lymph-nodes", Class III "Parenchymal" and Class IV Mixed (≥ 2 classes). RESULTS: Data from 615 patients were collected. Intraoperative complications were observed in 15%, and severe postoperative complications in 17.6% of cases. While surgical complexity scores were similar, Class IV had longer operative times, higher blood loss, and a 30.4% intraoperative transfusion rate. Class II showed a higher prevalence of vascular injuries (8%). Classes II and IV were significantly associated with severe postoperative complications. Specific complications varied among classes, such as perihepatic collection and intrahepatic hematoma/abscess in Class III (p = 0.003, p < 0.001, respectively), and pleuric effusion, sepsis, anemia, and "other complications" in Class IV (p = 0.002, p = 0.004, p = 0.03, p = 0.03, respectively). Multivariable analysis identified Class II and IV (Class II: OR 4.991, p = 0.045; Class IV: OR 5.331, p = 0.030), Surgical Complexity Score group 3 (OR:3.922, p = 0.003), and the presence of residual tumor (OR:1.748, p = 0.048) as independent risk factors for severe postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Liver procedures during advanced ovarian cancer surgery are feasible with acceptable complication rates According to the anatomo-surgical classification, metastatic patterns are related to both different surgical outcomes and postoperative complication profiles.

Obesity paradox: is a high body mass index positively influencing survival outcomes in gynecological cancers? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity represents an exponentially growing preventable disease leading to different health complications, particularly when associated with cancer. In recent years, however, an 'obesity paradox' has been hypothesized where obese individuals affected by cancer counterintuitively show better survival rates. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess whether the prognosis in gynecological malignancies is positively influenced by obesity. METHODS: This study adheres to PRISMA guidelines and is registered with PROSPERO. Studies reporting the impact of a body mass index (BMI) of >30 kg/m2 compared with <30 kg/m2 in patients with gynecological cancers listed in PubMed, Google Scholar and ClinicalTrials.gov were included in the analysis. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool (QUADAS-2) was used for quality assessment of the selected articles. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies were identified for the meta-analysis, including 14 108 patients with cervical, ovarian, or endometrial cancer. There was no benefit in 5-year overall survival for obese patients compared with non-obese patients (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.44, p=0.05; I2=71%). When pooling for cancer sub-groups, there were no statistically significant differences in 5-year overall survival in patients with cervical cancer and 5-year overall survival and progression-free survival in patients with ovarian cancer. For obese women diagnosed with endometrial cancer, a significant decrease of 44% in 5-year overall survival (p=0.01) was found, with no significant difference in 5-year disease-free survival (p=0.78). CONCLUSION: According to the results of the present meta-analysis, a BMI of ≥30 kg/m2 does not have a positive prognostic effect on survival compared with a BMI of <30 kg/m2 in women diagnosed with gynecological cancers. The existence of the 'obesity paradox' in other fields, however, suggests the importance of further investigations with prospective studies.

Survival associated with the use of one-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) to detect sentinel lymph node metastasis in cervical cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is part of surgical treatment of apparent early-stage cervical cancer. SLN is routinely analyzed by ultrastaging and immunohistochemistry. The aim of this study was to assess the survival of patients undergoing SLN analyzed by one-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) compared with ultrastaging. METHODS: Single-center, retrospective, cohort study. Patients undergoing primary surgery and SLN mapping ( ±pelvic lymphadenectomy) for apparent early-stage cervical cancer between May 2017 and January 2021 were included. SLN was analyzed exclusively with OSNA or with ultrastaging. Patients with bilateral SLN mapping failure, with SLN analyzed alternatively/serially with OSNA and ultrastaging, and undergoing neo-adjuvant therapy were excluded. Baseline clinic-pathological differences between the two groups were balanced with propensity-match analysis. RESULTS: One-hundred and fifty-seven patients were included, 50 (31.8%) in the OSNA group and 107 (68.2%) in the ultrastaging group. Median follow up time was 41 months (95%CI:37.9-42.2). 5-year DFS in patients undergoing OSNA versus ultrastaging was 87.0% versus 91.0% (p = 0.809) and 5-year overall survival was 97.9% versus 98.6% (p = 0.631), respectively. No difference in the incidence of lymph node recurrence between the two groups was noted (OSNA 20.0% versus ultrastaging 18.2%, p = 0.931). In the group of negative SLN, no 5-year DFS difference was noted between the two groups (p = 0.692). No 5-year DFS and OS difference was noted after propensity-match analysis (87.6% versus 87.0%, p = 0.726 and 97.4% versus 97.9%, p = 0.998, respectively). CONCLUSION: The use of OSNA as method to exclusively process SLN in cervical cancer was not associated with worse DFS compared to ultrastaging. Incidence of lymph node recurrence in the two groups was not different.

Ultrasound-guided robotic surgical procedures: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound has been nicknamed "the surgeon's stethoscope". The advantages of laparoscopic ultrasound beyond a substitute for the sense of touch are considerable, especially for robotic surgery. Being able to see through parenchyma and into vascular structures enables to avoid unnecessary dissection by providing a thorough assessment at every stage without the need for contrast media or ionising radiation. The limitations of restricted angulation and access within the abdominal cavity during laparoscopy can be overcome by robotic handling of miniaturised ultrasound probes and the use of various and specific frequencies will meet tissue- and organ-specific characteristics. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the reported applications of intraoperative ultrasound-guided robotic surgery and to outline future perspectives. METHODS: The study adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched up to October 2023. Manuscripts reporting data on ultrasound-guided robotic procedures were included in the qualitative analysis. RESULTS: 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority (53%) were related to the field of general surgery during liver, pancreas, spleen, gallbladder/bile duct, vascular and rectal surgery. This was followed by other fields of oncological surgery (42%) including urology, lung surgery, and retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy for metastases. Among the studies, ten (53%) focused on locating tumoral lesions and defining resection margins, four (15%) were designed to test the feasibility of robotic ultrasound-guided surgery, while two (10.5%) aimed to compare robotic and laparoscopic ultrasound probes. Additionally two studies (10.5%) evaluated the robotic drop-in probe one (5%) assessed the hepatic tissue consistency and another one (5%) aimed to visualize the blood flow in the splenic artery. CONCLUSION: The advantages of robotic instrumentation, including ergonomics, dexterity, and precision of movements, are of relevance for robotic intraoperative ultrasound (RIOUS). The present systematic review demonstrates the virtue of RIOUS to support surgeons and potentially reduce minimally invasive procedure times.

Consensus on surgical technique for sentinel lymph node dissection in cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to establish a consensus on the surgical technique for sentinel lymph node (SLN) dissection in cervical cancer. METHODS: A 26 question survey was emailed to international expert gynecological oncology surgeons. A two-step modified Delphi method was used to establish consensus. After a first round of online survey, the questions were amended and a second round, along with semistructured interviews was performed. Consensus was defined using a 70% cut-off for agreement. RESULTS: Twenty-five of 38 (65.8%) experts responded to the first and second rounds of the online survey. Agreement ≥70% was reached for 13 (50.0%) questions in the first round and for 15 (57.7%) in the final round. Consensus agreement identified 15 recommended, three optional, and five not recommended steps. Experts agreed on the following recommended procedures: use of indocyanine green as a tracer; superficial (with or without deep) injection at 3 and 9 o'clock; injection at the margins of uninvolved mucosa avoiding vaginal fornices; grasping the cervix with forceps only in part of the cervix is free of tumor; use of a minimally invasive approach for SLN biopsy in the case of simple trachelectomy/conization; identification of the ureter, obliterated umbilical artery, and external iliac vessels before SLN excision; commencing the dissection at the level of the uterine artery and continuing laterally; and completing dissection in one hemi-pelvis before proceeding to the contralateral side. Consensus was also reached in recommending against injection at 6 and 12 o'clock, and injection directly into the tumor in cases of the tumor completely replacing the cervix; against removal of nodes through port without protective maneuvers; absence of an ultrastaging protocol; and against modifying tracer concentration at the time of re-injection after mapping failure. CONCLUSION: Recommended, optional, and not recommended steps of SLN dissection in cervical cancer have been identified based on consensus among international experts. These represent a surgical guide that may be used by surgeons in clinical trials and for quality assurance in routine practice.

External beam radiotherapy boost versus surgical debulking followed by radiotherapy for the treatment of metastatic lymph nodes in cervical cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS) and treatment-related toxicity of two therapeutic strategies for treating bulky lymph nodes on imaging in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC): radiotherapy boost versus surgical debulking followed by radiotherapy. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of studies published up to October 2023. We selected studies including patients with LACC treated by external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) boost or lymph node debulking followed by EBRT (with or without boost). RESULTS: We included two comparative (included in the meta-analysis) and nine non-comparative studies. The estimated 3-year recurrence rate was 28.2% (95%CI:18.3-38.0) in the EBRT group and 39.9% (95%CI:22.1-57.6) in the surgical debulking plus EBRT group. The estimated 3-year DFS was 71.8% and 60.1%, respectively (p = 0.19). The estimated 3-year death rate was 22.2% (95%CI:11.2-33.2) in the EBRT boost group and 31.9% (95%CI:23.3-40.5) in the surgical debulking plus EBRT group. The estimated 3-year OS was 77.8% and 68.1%, respectively (p = 0.04). No difference in lymph node recurrence between the two comparative studies (p = 0.36). The meta-analysis of the two comparative studies showed no DFS difference (p = 0.13) but better OS in the radiotherapy boost group (p = 0.006). The incidence of grade≥3 toxicities (ranging 0-50%) was not different between the two approaches in the two comparative studies (p = 0.31). CONCLUSION: No DFS and toxicity difference when comparing EBRT boost with surgical debulking of enlarged lymph nodes and EBRT in patients with cervical cancer was evident. Radiotherapy boost had better OS. Further investigation is required to better understand the prognostic role of surgical lymph node debulking in light of radiotherapy developments.

Robotic-assisted versus conventional laparoscopic surgery in the management of obese patients with early endometrial cancer in the sentinel lymph node era: a randomized controlled study (RObese).

BACKGROUND: Nearly 65% of patients with endometrial cancer who undergo primary hysterectomy have concurrent obesity. Retrospective data show advantages in using robotic surgery in these patients compared with conventional laparoscopy, namely lower conversion rate, increased rate of same-day discharge, and reduced blood loss. Nevertheless, to date no prospective randomized controlled trials have compared laparoscopic surgery versus robotic-assisted surgery in morbidly obese patients. PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: The robotic-assisted versus conventional laparoscopic surgery in the management of obese patients with early endometrial cancer in the sentinel lymph node era: a randomized controlled study (RObese) trial aims to find the most appropriate minimally invasive surgical approach in morbidly obese patients with endometrial carcinoma. STUDY HYPOTHESIS: Robotic surgery will reduce conversions to laparotomy in endometrial cancer patients with obesity compared with those who undergo surgery with conventional laparoscopy. TRIAL DESIGN: This phase III multi-institutional study will randomize consecutive obese women with apparent early-stage endometrial cancer to either laparoscopic or robot-assisted surgery. MAJOR INCLUSION/EXCLUSION RITERIA: The RObese trial will include obese (BMI≥30 kg/m2) patients aged over 18 years with apparent 2009 Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IA-IB endometriod endometrial cancer. PRIMARY ENDPOINT: Conversion rate to laparotomy between laparoscopic surgery versus robot-assisted surgery. SAMPLE SIZE: RObese is a superiority trial. The clinical superiority margin for this study is defined as a difference in conversion rate of -6%. Assuming a significance level of 0.05 and a power of 80%, the study plans to randomize 566 patients. ESTIMATED DATES FOR COMPLETING ACCRUAL AND PRESENTING RESULTS: Patient recruitment will be completed by 2026, and follow-up will be completed by 2029 with presentation of data shortly thereafter. Two interim analyses are planned: one after the first 188 and the second after 376 randomized patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05974995.

Therapeutic role of para-aortic lymphadenectomy in patients with intermediate- and high-risk endometrial cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Lymph nodal involvement is a prognostic factor in endometrial cancer. The added value of para-aortic lymphadenectomy compared with pelvic nodal evaluation alone remains a matter of debate in the management of patients with intermediate- and high-risk endometrial cancer. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the prognostic value of para-aortic lymphadenectomy in terms of overall survival and disease-free survival in patients with intermediate- and high-risk endometrial cancer. METHODS: The study adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Google Scholar and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from January 2000 to April 2023. Studies on intermediate- and high-risk patients who underwent pelvic versus pelvic and para-aortic dissection were included in the analysis. The Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies (MINORS) and the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool (QUADAS-2) were used for quality assessment of the selected articles. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were identified, encompassing 9415 patients with a median age of 62 years (IQR 56.5-66.5). The majority had International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage I-II disease (76%) and endometrioid histology (89%). The 72% of patients who underwent only pelvic nodal evaluation and the 87% who underwent pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy received adjuvant treatment (p=0.44). Pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy was associated with a significant improvement in 5-year overall survival (RR=0.71, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.88, p<0.01), translating to a 41% reduction in the risk of overall death. However, no significant differences were observed in the 5-year risk of recurrence (RR=1.12, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.34, p=0.15). Additionally, patients undergoing pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy experienced a 26% increased risk of post-operative complications (RR=1.26, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.53, p=0.03) and prolonged operative times (MD=56.27, 95% CI 15.94 to 96.60, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy appears to confer a prognostic benefit in patients with intermediate- and high-risk endometrial cancer. Robust prospective studies are needed to further validate these findings and elucidate the precise role of para-aortic lymphadenectomy in the optimal management of these patients.

[Arguments for centralization of surgical treatment of ovarian cancer in France based on morbidity and mortality data]. / Intérêts de la centralisation de la chirurgie du cancer de l'ovaire en France.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the current state for ovarian cancer surgery in France from 2009 to 2016 and to examine the impact of the volume of activity on morbidity and mortality by institution. MATERIAL AND METHOD: National retrospective study analyzing surgical sessions for ovarian cancer from the program of medicalization of information systems (PMSI), from January 2009 to December 2016. Institutions were divided according to the number of annual curative procedures into 3 groups: A<10; B: 10-19; C≥20. A propensity score (PS) and the Kaplan-Meier method were employed for statistical analyses. RESULTS: In total, 27,105 patients were included. The 1-month mortality rate in group A, B and C was 1.6; 1 and 0.7 %, respectively (P<0.001). Compared to group C, the Relative Risk (RR) of death within the first month was 2.22 for group A and 1.32 for group B (P<0.01). After MS, the 3- and 5-year survival in group A+B and group C were 71.4 and 60.3% (P<0.05) and 56.6, and 60.3% (P<0.05), respectively. The 1-year recurrence rate was significantly lower in group C (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: An annual volume of activity>20 advanced stage ovarian cancers is associated with a decrease in morbidity, mortality, recurrence rate and improved survival.

Laparoscopic-Assisted Vaginal Trachelectomy with Prophylactic Cerclage: A Safe Fertility-Sparing Treatment for Early Stage Cervical Cancer.

BACKGROUND: In recent years fertility-sparing treatments are increasingly developing in patients with early stage cervical cancer.1,2 Among these, trachelectomy represents a milestone with a wide range of surgical approaches,3 evidence of oncological safety, and positive obstetric outcomes.4 PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 26-year-old patient underwent conization for CIN3 with a subsequent diagnosis of squamous cervical cancer stage FIGO IB1. After a negative laparoscopic bilateral pelvic nodes sampling and the radiologic evidence [positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)] of a disease limited to the cervix, the patient was a candidate for trachelectomy according to her fertility-sparing desire. RESULTS: The first laparoscopic time is dedicated to the safe opening of the vesicouterine and rectovaginal spaces until the medial pararectal fossa. Ureters are found and bilateral ureterolysis performed under vision. Colpotomy is then vaginally achieved, and the cervix is closed in a vaginal cuff to avoid tumor spread. Careful dissection of the anterior and posterior septa is carried out until reunification with laparoscopic dissection. Bilateral parametrectomy is performed. Vaginal trachelectomy is finalized with a negative deep margin at the frozen section. In the second laparoscopic time a monofilament polypropylene sling cerclage is bilaterally positioned from posterior to anterior through the broad ligaments and fixed anteriorly on the uterine isthmus to prevent an eventual preterm delivery. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal trachelectomy is a feasible procedure combining the conservative advantages of the vaginal approach and the oncological safety of laparoscopic spaces dissection with possible good obstetric outcomes.

International expert consensus on the surgical anatomic classification of radical hysterectomies.

BACKGROUND: The anatomic descriptions and extents of radical hysterectomy often vary across the literature and operative reports worldwide. The same nomenclature is often used to describe varying procedures, and different nomenclature is often used to describe the same procedure despite the availability of guideline and classification systems. This makes it difficult to interpret retrospective surgical reports, analyze surgical databases, understand technique descriptions, and interpret the findings of surgical studies. OBJECTIVE: In collaboration with international experts in gynecologic oncology, the purpose of this study was to establish a consensus in defining and interpreting the 2017 updated Querleu-Morrow classification of radical hysterectomies. STUDY DESIGN: The anatomic templates of type A, B, and C radical hysterectomy were documented through a set of 13 images taken at the time of cadaver dissection. An online survey related to radical hysterectomy nomenclature and definitions or descriptions of the associated procedures was circulated among international experts in radical hysterectomy. A 3-step modified Delphi method was used to establish consensus. Image legends were amended according to the experts' responses and then redistributed as part of a second round of the survey. Consensus was defined by a yes response to a question concerning a specific image. Anyone who responded no to a question was welcome to comment and provide justification. A final set of images and legends were compiled to anatomically illustrate and define or describe a lateral, ventral, and dorsal excision of the tissues surrounding the cervix. RESULTS: In total, there were 13 questions to review, and 29 experts completed the whole process. Final consensus exceeded 90% for all questions except 1 (86%). Questions with relatively lower consensus rates concerned the definitions of types A and B2 radical hysterectomy, which were the main innovations of the 2017 updated version of the 2008 Querleu-Morrow classification. Questions with the highest consensus rates concerned the definitions of types B1 and C, which are the most frequently performed radical hysterectomies. CONCLUSION: The 2017 version of the Querleu-Morrow classification proved to be a robust tool for defining and describing the extent of radical hysterectomies with a high level of consensus among international experts in gynecologic oncology. Knowledge and implementation of the exact definitions of hysterectomy radicality are imperative in clinical practice and clinical research.

Uterine transposition versus uterine ventrofixation before radiotherapy as a fertility sparing option in young women with pelvic malignancies: Systematic review of the literature and dose simulation.

BACKGROUND: (Chemo)radiation may be a required treatment in young women with pelvic malignancies. Irradiation may result in ovarian and uterine failure, compromising the fertility of those patients. While ovarian transposition is an established method to move the ovaries away from the irradiation field, similar surgical procedures regarding the uterus remain investigational. The aim of this study was to carry out a systematic review of the literature on uterine displacement techniques (ventrofixation/transposition) and to simulate the radiation dose received by the uterus in different heights place after the procedures. METHODS: The systematic review was performed according PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and EMBASE were queried to identify included study until March 2023. Retrospectively, a dosimetric study was also performed and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) radiotherapy treatment plans were calculated, to assess the dose received by the uterus according to hypothetical different displacement positions taking the case of irradiation for rectal or anal cancer as model. RESULTS: A total of 187 studies were included, after the screening 9 studies were selected for synthesis. Data from the dose simulation revealed that the transposition approach was the most protective with a maximum dose of about 3 and 8 Gy for anal and rectal cancer respectively. None of the simulated ventrofixation positions received a Dmean surpassing 14 Gy. CONCLUSION: According to the literature review and the simulation results of the present study we may conclude are feasible and safe as fertility sparing approach in young rectal/anal cancer patients.

Radiomics systematic review in cervical cancer: gynecological oncologists' perspective.

OBJECTIVE: Radiomics is the process of extracting quantitative features from radiological images, and represents a relatively new field in gynecological cancers. Cervical cancer has been the most studied gynecological tumor for what concerns radiomics analysis. The aim of this study was to report on the clinical applications of radiomics combined and/or compared with clinical-pathological variables in patients with cervical cancer. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature from inception to February 2023 was performed, including studies on cervical cancer analysing a predictive/prognostic radiomics model, which was combined and/or compared with a radiological or a clinical-pathological model. RESULTS: A total of 57 of 334 (17.1%) screened studies met inclusion criteria. The majority of studies used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) scan, CT scan, and ultrasound scan also underwent radiomics analysis. In apparent early-stage disease, the majority of studies (16/27, 59.3%) analysed the role of radiomics signature in predicting lymph node metastasis; six (22.2%) investigated the prediction of radiomics to detect lymphovascular space involvement, one (3.7%) investigated depth of stromal infiltration, and one investigated (3.7%) parametrial infiltration. Survival prediction was evaluated both in early-stage and locally advanced settings. No study focused on the application of radiomics in metastatic or recurrent disease. CONCLUSION: Radiomics signatures were predictive of pathological and oncological outcomes, particularly if combined with clinical variables. These may be integrated in a model using different clinical-pathological and translational characteristics, with the aim to tailor and personalize the treatment of each patient with cervical cancer.

Ovarian preservation in gynecologic oncology: current indications and techniques.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Early menopause represents a relevant clinical issue for women. Nevertheless, this issue should be balanced with the risks of ovarian metastasis, ovarian recurrence, and the risk of recurrence in hormone-sensitive gynecological cancers. The purpose of this review was to provide an overview on current indications and techniques of ovarian preservation in patients with gynecological cancers. RECENT FINDINGS: The potential discussion about ovarian conservation could be proposed to patients with FIGO-stage IA grade 1-2 endometrioid endometrial cancer aged 40 years or less, FIGO-stage IB1-IB2 node-negative cervical cancer with squamous cell carcinoma and HPV-associated adenocarcinoma, FIGO-stage IA-IC grade 1-2 serous, endometrioid, mucinous expansile pattern ovarian cancer, any stage germ cell ovarian tumors, and FIGO-stage IA sex cord-stromal tumors. Technique to perform ovarian transposition in cervix cancer is also reported. SUMMARY: Ovarian conservation is a surgical approach that involves preserving one or both ovaries during the treatment of gynecologic cancers. This approach has gained popularity in recent years, as it offers several benefits to the patient, including the preservation of hormonal function and fertility. The decision to perform ovarian conservation depends on several factors, such as the stage and type of cancer, the patient's age, fertility desire, and should be carefully discussed with patients.

Survival associated with extent of radical hysterectomy in early-stage cervical cancer: a subanalysis of the Surveillance in Cervical CANcer (SCCAN) collaborative study.

BACKGROUND: International guidelines recommend tailoring the radicality of hysterectomy according to the known preoperative tumor characteristics in patients with early-stage cervical cancer. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess whether increased radicality had an effect on 5-year disease-free survival in patients with early-stage cervical cancer undergoing radical hysterectomy. The secondary aims were 5-year overall survival and pattern of recurrence. STUDY DESIGN: This was an international, multicenter, retrospective study from the Surveillance in Cervical CANcer (SCCAN) collaborative cohort. Patients with the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2009 stage IB1 and IIA1 who underwent open type B/C1/C2 radical hysterectomy according to Querleu-Morrow classification between January 2007 and December 2016, who did not undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy and who had negative lymph nodes and free surgical margins at final histology, were included. Descriptive statistics and survival analyses were performed. Patients were stratified according to pathologic tumor diameter. Propensity score match analysis was performed to balance baseline characteristics in patients undergoing nerve-sparing and non-nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy. RESULTS: A total of 1257 patients were included. Of note, 883 patients (70.2%) underwent nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy, and 374 patients (29.8%) underwent non-nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy. Baseline differences between the study groups were found for tumor stage and diameter (higher use of non-nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy for tumors >2 cm or with vaginal involvement; P<.0001). The use of adjuvant therapy in patients undergoing nerve-sparing and non-nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy was 27.3% vs 28.6%, respectively (P=.63). Five-year disease-free survival in patients undergoing nerve-sparing vs non-nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy was 90.1% (95% confidence interval, 87.9-92.2) vs 93.8% (95% confidence interval, 91.1-96.5), respectively (P=.047). Non-nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy was independently associated with better disease-free survival at multivariable analysis performed on the entire cohort (hazard ratio, 0.50; 95% confidence interval, 0.31-0.81; P=.004). Furthermore, 5-year overall survival in patients undergoing nerve-sparing vs non-nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy was 95.7% (95% confidence interval, 94.1-97.2) vs non-nerve-sparing 96.5% (95% confidence interval, 94.3-98.7), respectively (P=.78). In patients with a tumor diameter ≤20 mm, 5-year disease-free survival was 94.7% in nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy vs 96.2% in non-nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy (P=.22). In patients with tumors between 21 and 40 mm, 5-year disease-free survival was 90.3% in non-nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy vs 83.1% in nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy (P=.016) (no significant difference in the rate of adjuvant treatment in this subgroup, P=.47). This was confirmed after propensity match score analysis (balancing the 2 study groups). The pattern of recurrence in the propensity-matched population did not demonstrate any difference (P=.70). CONCLUSION: For tumors ≤20 mm, no survival difference was found with more radical hysterectomy. For tumors between 21 and 40 mm, a more radical hysterectomy was associated with improved 5-year disease-free survival. No difference in the pattern of recurrence according to the extent of radicality was observed. Non-nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy was associated with better 5-year disease-free survival than nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy after propensity score match analysis.