Prognosis Following Surgery for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer and Diagnostic Criteria Predictive of Cytoreduction Success: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

For women achieving clinical remission after the completion of initial treatment for epithelial ovarian cancer, 80% with advanced-stage disease will develop recurrence. However, the standard treatment of women with recurrent platinum-sensitive diseases remains poorly defined. Secondary (SCS), tertiary (TCS) or quaternary (QCS) cytoreduction surgery for recurrence has been suggested to be associated with increased overall survival (OS). We searched five databases for studies reporting death rate, OS, cytoreduction rates, post-operative morbidity/mortality and diagnostic models predicting complete cytoreduction in a platinum-sensitive disease recurrence setting. Death rates calculated from raw data were pooled based on a random-effects model. Meta-regression/linear regression was performed to explore the role of complete or optimal cytoreduction as a moderator. Pooled death rates were 45%, 51%, 66% for SCS, TCS and QCS, respectively. Median OS for optimal cytoreduction ranged from 16-91, 24-99 and 39-135 months for SCS, TCS and QCS, respectively. Every 10% increase in complete cytoreduction rates at SCS corresponds to a 7% increase in median OS. Complete cytoreduction rates ranged from 9-100%, 35-90% and 33-100% for SCS, TCS and QCS, respectively. Major post-operative thirty-day morbidity was reported to range from 0-47%, 13-33% and 15-29% for SCS, TCS and QCS, respectively. Thirty-day post-operative mortality was 0-6%, 0-3% and 0-2% for SCS, TCS and QCS, respectively. There were two externally validated diagnostic models predicting complete cytoreduction at SCS, but none for TCS and QCS. In conclusion, our data confirm that maximal effort higher order cytoreductive surgery resulting in complete cytoreduction can improve survival.

The peritoneal cancer index as a predictor of complete cytoreduction at primary and interval cytoreductive surgery in advanced ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The peritoneal cancer index quantitatively assesses cancer distribution and tumor burden in the peritoneal cavity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between the peritoneal cancer index and completeness of surgical cytoreduction for ovarian cancer and to identify a cut-off above which complete cytoreduction is unlikely. METHODS: This is a single-center prospective cohort observational study. A total of 100 consecutive patients who underwent ovarian cancer surgery were included. Peritoneal cancer index scores prior to and after surgery were calculated, and a cut-off value for incomplete cytoreduction was identified using a receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve. Surgical complexity, blood loss, length of surgery, and complications were analyzed and associations with the peritoneal cancer index score were evaluated. RESULTS: The overall median peritoneal cancer index score was 9.5 (range 0-36). The median age of the patients was 61 years (range 24-85). The most common stage was III (13% stage II, 53% stage III, 34% stage IV) and the most common histologic sub-type was high-grade serous (76% high-grade serous, 8% low-grade serous, 5% clear cell, 4% serous borderline, 2% endometrioid, 2% adult granulosa cell, 2% adenocarcinoma, 1% carcinosarcoma). Complete cytoreduction was achieved in 82% of patients, with a median score of 9 (range 0-30). The remaining 18% had a median score of 28.5 (range 0-36). The best predictor of incomplete cytoreduction was the peritoneal cancer index score, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.928 (95% CI 0.85 to 1.00). ROC curve analysis determined a peritoneal cancer index cut-off score of 20. Major complications occurred in 15% of patients with peritoneal cancer index scores >20 and in 2.5% of patients with scores ≤20, which was statistically significant (p=0.014). CONCLUSIONS: In our study we found that a peritoneal cancer index score of ≤20 was associated with a high likelihood of complete cytoreduction. Incorporating the peritoneal cancer index into routine surgical practice and research may impact treatment plans.

Patient outcomes following interval and delayed cytoreductive surgery in advanced ovarian cancer: protocol for a multicenter, international, cohort study (Global Gynaecological Oncology Surgical Outcomes Collaborative).

BACKGROUND: The Global Gynecological Oncology Surgical Outcomes Collaborative (GO SOAR) has developed a network of gynecological oncology surgeons, surgical departments, and other interested parties that have the long-term ability to collaborate on outcome studies. Presented is the protocol for the GO SOAR2 study. PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: To compare survival following interval and delayed cytoreductive surgery, between delayed cytoreductive surgery and no surgery (chemotherapy alone); and international variations in access to cytoreductive surgery for women with stage III-IV epithelial ovarian cancer. STUDY HYPOTHESES: There is no difference in survival following interval and delayed cytoreductive surgery; there is poorer survival with no surgery compared with delayed cytoreductive surgery; and there are international disparities in prevalent practice and access to cytoreductive surgery in women with stage III-IV epithelial ovarian cancer. TRIAL DESIGN: International, multicenter, mixed-methods cohort study. Participating centers, will review medical charts/electronic records of patients who had been consecutively diagnosed with stage III-IV ovarian cancer between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2021. Qualitative interviews will be conducted to identify factors determining international variations in prevalent practice and access to cytoreductive surgery. MAJOR INCLUSION/EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Inclusion criteria include women with stage III-IV epithelial ovarian cancer, undergoing interval (after 3-4 cycles of chemotherapy) or delayed (≥5 cycles of chemotherapy) cytoreductive surgeries or no cytoreductive surgery (≥5 cycles of chemotherapy alone). PRIMARY ENDPOINTS: Overall survival (defined from date of diagnosis to date of death); progression-free survival (defined from date of diagnosis to date of first recurrence); facilitator/barriers to prevalent practice and access to cytoreductive surgery. SAMPLE SIZE: In order to determine whether there is a difference in survival following interval and delayed cytoreductive surgery and no surgery, data will be abstracted from 1000 patients. ESTIMATED DATES FOR COMPLETING ACCRUAL AND PRESENTING RESULTS: It is estimated that recruitment will be completed by 2023, and results published by 2024. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05523804.

The impact of nutritional risk factors and sarcopenia on survival in patients treated with pelvic exenteration for recurrent gynaecological malignancy: a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study is to investigate the prognostic significance of nutritional risk factors and sarcopenia on the outcome of patients with recurrent gynaecological malignancies treated by pelvic exenteration. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated muscle body composite measurements based on pre-operative CT scans, nutritional risk factors as assessed by a validated pre-operative questionnaire, and clinical-pathological parameters in 65 consecutive patients with recurrent gynaecological malignancies, excluding ovarian cancer, treated by pelvic exenteration at the Royal Marsden Hospital London. Predictive value for postoperative morbidity was investigated by logistic regression analyses. Relevant parameters were included in uni- and multivariate survival analyses. RESULTS: We found only (1) low muscle attenuation (MA)-an established factor for muscle depletion-and (2) moderate risk for malnutrition to be independently associated with shorter overall survival (p = 0.006 and p = 0.008, respectively). MA was significantly lower in overweight and obese patients (p = 0.04). Muscle body composite measurements were not predictive for post-operative morbidity. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that pre-operative low MA and moderate risk for malnutrition are associated with shorter survival in patients with recurrent gynaecological malignancies treated with pelvic exenteration. Further studies are needed to validate these findings in larger cohorts.

An audit of gynae-oncology practices in ovarian cancer treatment based on enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol amongst two gynae-oncology units, in UK and in Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To compare peri-operative practices and complications in ovarian cancer patients undergoing upfront surgery for primary disease under enhanced recovery after surgery protocol and traditional practices. METHODS: The retrospective cross-sectional study was done at the gynaecology departments of St Georges Hospital, United Kingdom, and the Aga Khan Hospital, Pakistan, and comprised data of an equal number of ovarian cancer patients from each centre who underwent ovarian cancer surgery from January 2015 to December 2016. The former centre practiced the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol, while the latter centre followed traditional practices. Data was analysed using SPSS 19. RESULTS: Of the 100 patients, there were 50(50%) in each group. Baseline variables were comparable except for diabetes which was more prevalent in the local group (p=0.03). Mechanical bowel preparation was performed in 47(94%) of local patients compared to 1(2%) in the other group, while the duration for nil-per-mouth status as well as the use of nasogastric tube and peritoneal drain were significantly different (p<0.05). Epidural anaesthesia was used in 39(78%) of patients in Pakistan compared to 4(8%) in the United Kingdom. The duration of thromboprophylaxis was also significantly different (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery protocol was found to have the potential to improve postoperative outcomes and good functional recovery without compromising patient safety.

Chemotherapy Induces Tumor-Associated Macrophages that Aid Adaptive Immune Responses in Ovarian Cancer.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) may stimulate anticancer adaptive immune responses in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), but little is known about effects on innate immunity. Using omental biopsies from HGSOC, and omental tumors from orthotopic mouse HGSOC models that replicate the human tumor microenvironment, we studied the impact of platinum-based NACT on tumor-associated macrophages (TAM). We found that chemotherapy reduces markers associated with alternative macrophage activation while increasing expression of proinflammatory pathways, with evidence of inflammasome activation. Further evidence of a shift in TAM functions came from macrophage depletion via CSF1R inhibitors (CSF1Ri) in the mouse models. Although macrophage depletion in established disease had no impact on tumor weight or survival, CSF1Ri treatment after chemotherapy significantly decreased disease-free and overall survival. This decrease in survival was accompanied by significant inhibition of adaptive immune response pathways in the tumors. We conclude that chemotherapy skews the TAM population in HSGOC toward an antitumor phenotype that may aid adaptive immune responses, and therapies that enhance or sustain this during remission may delay relapse.

Laparoscopic assessment improves case selection for exenterative surgery in recurrent cervical and endometrial cancer.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the role of laparoscopy in the case selection of patients for pelvic exenteration to treat recurrent cervical or endometrial cancer. Pelvic exenteration is a rare surgical procedure performed by specialised multidisciplinary surgical teams. We performed a review of 55 consecutive laparoscopies for patients being evaluated for possible exenterative surgery for recurrent cervical or endometrial cancer at a single centre in the UK with a significant exenterative surgical practice. All patients had no evidence of metastatic disease on imaging prior to the laparoscopy. Despite thorough radiological assessment laparoscopy detected peritoneal, nodal or extrapelvic metastases in 20.8% of cases. 5.6% of the patients who underwent exenterative surgery were found to have unresectable pelvic disease intraoperatively. In these cases, the extent of disease was not determined radiologically or during the initial exploratory laparotomy. In our view, laparoscopic assessment is an essential component of the pre-operative work up of patients with recurrent cervical or endometrial cancer being considered for exenterative surgery.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Pelvic exenteration is potentially curative in cases of recurrent pelvic malignancy. Case selection is essential to determine those patients without metastases and with resectable pelvic disease - this will improve patient outcomes, avoid the unnecessary morbidity of major surgery, as well as the psychological consequences of abandoned procedures. The only two previous studies, published in 1998 (Plante and Roy 1998) and 2002 (Köhler et al. 2002) have shown laparoscopic assessment to be safe and improve case selection.What do the results of this study add? This study provides evidence that in the context of modern imaging modalities, including PET-CT scans, laparoscopic assessment continues to improve case selection for exenterative surgery.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study provides further evidence of the benefit of laparoscopy in the assessment of patients being considered for exenterative surgery for recurrent pelvic cancer. Routine laparoscopy improves case selection and will enhance patient experiences and outcomes.

Clinical management and outcomes of primary ovarian leiomyosarcoma - Experience from a sarcoma specialist unit.

Ovarian sarcomas account for 1% of all ovarian malignancies and amongst these, primary ovarian leiomyosarcoma is the rarest subtype. Primary ovarian leiomyosarcoma has a very poor prognosis, with less than 20% of patients being alive at 5 years. Only a few cases have been published in the literature and there is very limited knowledge on the clinical behaviour and optimal management of these tumours. We have performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database to identify all primary ovarian leiomyosarcoma diagnosed and treated at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust between 1998 and 2020. Sixteen patients were identified from our database and fifteen were eligible for the analysis. Twelve patients presented with localized disease and underwent initial surgery and three patients had metastatic disease at presentation. Recurrence-free survival post-surgery was 16 months. Eight patients received first-line chemotherapy and four patients received second-line chemotherapy. Two patients had indolent metastatic disease and benefited from local therapies only. The median overall survival in the metastatic setting in our cohort was 51 months, which is consistent with previously published cases. Primary ovarian leiomyosarcoma is an extremely rare malignancy with a poor prognosis. This study is the largest case series of primary ovarian leiomyosarcoma published to date, providing clinically important information regarding survival and metastatic rate as well as treatment outcomes in the metastatic setting.

Ovarian Extravascular Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia (Masson Tumor) Mimicking a Primary Gynecologic Malignancy.

Papillary endothelial hyperplasia or Masson tumor most commonly occurs within the extremities and head and neck. It is usually of intravascular type, associated with thrombus formation and organization within a preexisting vessel or vascular malformation, but rarely can be extravascular. We describe the first 2 cases of this extravascular type to occur within the ovary, one of which mimicked malignancy radiologically. This condition is thought to represent a reactive phenomenon with reparative response secondary to thrombosis although with an unclear underlying pathogenesis. The prognosis is generally good, with complete surgical resection usually representing adequate treatment.

Primary cytoreductive surgery with or without hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for FIGO stage III epithelial ovarian cancer: OVHIPEC-2, a phase III randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The addition of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) to interval cytoreductive surgery improves recurrence-free and overall survival in patients with FIGO stage III ovarian cancer who are ineligible for primary cytoreductive surgery. The effect of HIPEC remains undetermined in patients who are candidates for primary cytoreductive surgery. PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: The primary objective is to evaluate the effect of HIPEC on overall survival in patients with FIGO stage III epithelial ovarian cancer who are treated with primary cytoreductive surgery resulting in no residual disease, or residual disease up to 2.5 mm in maximum dimension. STUDY HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesize that the addition of HIPEC to primary cytoreductive surgery improves overall survival in patients with primary FIGO stage III epithelial ovarian cancer. TRIAL DESIGN: This international, randomized, open-label, phase III trial will enroll 538 patients with newly diagnosed FIGO stage III epithelial ovarian cancer. Following complete or near-complete (residual disease ≤2.5 mm) primary cytoreduction, patients are randomly allocated (1:1) to receive HIPEC or no HIPEC. All patients will receive six courses of platinum-paclitaxel chemotherapy, and maintenance PARP-inhibitor or bevacizumab according to current guidelines. MAJOR ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Patients with FIGO stage III primary epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer are eligible after complete or near-complete primary cytoreductive surgery. Patients with resectable umbilical, spleen, or local bowel lesions may be included. Enlarged extra-abdominal lymph nodes should be negative on FDG-PET or fine-needle aspiration/biopsy. PRIMARY ENDPOINT: The primary endpoint is overall survival. SAMPLE SIZE: To detect a HR of 0.67 in favor of HIPEC, 200 overall survival events are required. With an expected accrual period of 60 months and 12 months additional follow-up, 538 patients need to be randomized. ESTIMATED DATES FOR COMPLETING ACCRUAL AND PRESENTING RESULTS: The OVHIPEC-2 trial started in January 2020 and primary analyses are anticipated in 2026. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT03772028.

Visualizing the autonomic and somatic innervation of the female pelvis with 3D MR neurography: a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of female pelvic malignancies often causes pelvic nerve damage. Magnetic resonance (MR) neurography mapping the female pelvic innervation could aid in treatment planning. PURPOSE: To depict female autonomic and somatic pelvic innervation using a modified 3D NerveVIEW sequence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study in 20 female volunteers (n = 6 normal, n = 14 cervical pathology) who underwent a modified 3D short TI inversion recovery (STIR) turbo spin-echo (TSE) scan with a motion-sensitive driven equilibrium (MSDE) preparation radiofrequency pulse and flow compensation. Modifications included offset independent trapezoid (OIT) pulses for inversion and MSDE refocusing. Maximum intensity projections (MIP) were evaluated by two observers (Observer 1, Observer 2); image quality was scored as 2 = high, 1 = medium, or 0 = low with the sciatic nerve serving as a reference. Conspicuity of autonomic superior (SHP) and bilateral inferior hypogastric plexuses (IHP), hypogastric nerves, and somatic pelvic nerves (sciatic, pudendal) was scored as 2 = well-defined, 1 = poorly defined, or 0 = not seen, and inter-observer agreement was determined. RESULTS: Images were of medium to high quality according to both observers agreeing in 15/20 (75%) of individuals. SHP and bilateral hypogastric nerves were seen in 30/60 (50%) of cases by both observers. Bilateral IHP was seen in 85% (34/40) by Observer 1 and in 75% (30/40) by Observer 2. Sciatic nerves were well identified in all cases, while pudendal nerves were seen bilaterally by Observer 1 in 65% (26/40) and by Observer 2 in 72.5% (29/40). Agreement between observers for scoring nerve conspicuity was in the range of 60%-100%. CONCLUSION: Modified 3D NerveVIEW renders high-quality images of the female autonomic and pudendal nerves.

Introducing robotic radical hysterectomy for stage 1bi cervical cancer-A prospective evaluation of clinical and economic outcomes in a single UK institution.

BACKGROUND: We have assessed the impact of introducing robotics for a stage 1b cervical cancer service on laparotomy rates, complications, and costs. METHODS: Data were collected prospectively from 90 consecutive patients who had a radical hysterectomy between 1 April 2010 and 31 December 2017. RESULTS: There were 37 women before the first robotic procedure and 53 after. The laparotomy rate reduced from 75% (9/12) in 2010 to 0% (0/18) in 2017. The length of stay reduced from 6 days (range 3-39) to 3 days (range 1-15) (P < 0.0001). The complication rate before robotics was 68% (25/37) compared with 45% (24/53) afterwards (P = 0.0493). The blood transfusion rate reduced from 43% (16/37) to 11% (6/53) (P = 0.0007). There were no differences between the total costs before and after the introduction of robotics or between each route. CONCLUSIONS: In this series, introducing robotics for cervical carcinoma reduced hospital stay and complications. No cost differences were demonstrated.

European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO) Guidelines for Ovarian Cancer Surgery.

METHODS: The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology council nominated an international multidisciplinary development group made of practicing clinicians who have demonstrated leadership and interest in the care of ovarian cancer (20 experts across Europe). To ensure that the statements are evidence based, the current literature identified from a systematic search has been reviewed and critically appraised. In the absence of any clear scientific evidence, judgment was based on the professional experience and consensus of the development group (expert agreement). The guidelines are thus based on the best available evidence and expert agreement. Before publication, the guidelines were reviewed by 66 international reviewers independent from the development group including patients representatives. RESULTS: The guidelines cover preoperative workup, specialized multidisciplinary decision making, and surgical management of diagnosed epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancers. The guidelines are also illustrated by algorithms.

An Unusual Case of YWHAE-NUTM2A/B Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma With Confinement to the Endometrium and Lack of High-Grade Morphology.

Endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) characterized by YWHAE-NUTM2A/B genetic fusion is a recently recognized entity that is classified as a high-grade (HG) ESS in the 2014 World Health Organization Classification. These are myoinvasive neoplasms and typically contain a monomorphous HG round-cell cyclinD1-positive component with or without an accompanying low-grade (LG) component that is only focally positive/negative for cyclinD1. We report a case of YWHAE-NUTM2A/B ESS in a 46-yr-old woman that showed a number of unusual histologic features, including being entirely confined to the endometrium with no myoinvasion or lymphovascular space invasion. The initial hysteroscopic biopsy showed a cyclinD1-positive classic LG ESS-like component which merged with a smaller cyclinD1 negative/focally positive fibroblastic component with no HG areas. YWHAE-NUTM2A/B genetic fusion was shown by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing. In the subsequent hysterectomy specimen, the tumor was entirely confined to the endometrium and was largely composed of cellular and classic LG ESS-like areas (80%) which were strongly and diffusely positive for cyclinD1 and a focal fibroblastic component (20%) which was largely cyclinD1 negative. Despite the cellular areas showing mild nuclear enlargement, the entire tumor had a very low mitotic and proliferation index and showed strong and diffuse positivity for estrogen and progesterone receptors. The patient remains alive and well with no evidence of disease 14 mo following diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of YWHAE-NUTM2A/B ESS that is confined to the endometrium and which exhibits entirely LG morphology.

European Society of Gynaecologic Oncology Quality Indicators for Advanced Ovarian Cancer Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The surgical management of advanced ovarian cancer involves complex surgery. Implementation of a quality management program has a major impact on survival. The goal of this work was to develop a list of quality indicators (QIs) for advanced ovarian cancer surgery that can be used to audit and improve the clinical practice. This task has been carried out under the auspices of the European Society of Gynaecologic Oncology (ESGO). METHODS: Quality indicators were based on scientific evidence and/or expert consensus. A 4-step evaluation process included a systematic literature search for the identification of potential QIs and the documentation of scientific evidence, physical meetings of an ad hoc multidisciplinarity International Development Group, an internal validation of the targets and scoring system, and an external review process involving physicians and patients. RESULTS: Ten structural, process, or outcome indicators were selected. Quality indicators 1 to 3 are related to achievement of complete cytoreduction, caseload in the center, training, and experience of the surgeon. Quality indicators 4 to 6 are related to the overall management, including active participation to clinical research, decision-making process within a structured multidisciplinary team, and preoperative workup. Quality indicator 7 addresses the high value of adequate perioperative management. Quality indicators 8 to 10 highlight the need of recording pertinent information relevant to improvement of quality. An ESGO-approved template for the operative report has been designed. Quality indicators were described using a structured format specifying what the indicator is measuring, measurability specifications, and targets. Each QI was associated with a score, and an assessment form was built. CONCLUSIONS: The ESGO quality criteria can be used for self-assessment, for institutional or governmental quality assurance programs, and for the certification of centers. Quality indicators and corresponding targets give practitioners and health administrators a quantitative basis for improving care and organizational processes in the surgical management of advanced ovarian cancer.

Selective marginal resections in the management of aggressive angiomyxomas.

AIM: Aggressive angiomyxomas (AA) are rare tumors, most commonly presenting in the pelvis of women of childbearing age. This study presents the results of selective marginal resection of this disease in patients managed at a single institution. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with AA from July 2001 to July 2015 were identified from a prospectively maintained histopathology database. RESULTS: Seventeen patients were diagnosed with AA in the study period. The median age at diagnosis was 48 years. Females were more commonly affected with a M:F of 1:8.5. The most common differential diagnoses were an ischiorectal abscess or Bartholin's cyst. Fifteen cases occurred in the pelvis, with two cases at other sites. Median maximum tumor diameter was 10 cm. Of the pelvic cases, 12 were managed operatively via perineal, abdominal, or abdominoperineal approaches. Excision was performed in a marginal fashion with minimal morbidity. Local recurrence developed in 58.3% with a median local recurrence free survival of 25 months. No patients developed metastatic disease or died from disease. CONCLUSION: AA are rare tumors with a propensity for local recurrence. Atypical presentations of other perineal pathologies should prompt further investigation. Surgery should be reserved for symptomatic patients and is associated with low rates of morbidity. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:828-832. © 2016 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Dermatomyositis as a paraneoplastic phenomenon in ovarian cancer.

A 60-year-old woman diagnosed with papillary serous ovarian cancer had Klean-Prep and MRI contrast preoperatively. Afterwards, she developed swelling and an urticarial rash around her eye as she proceeded to have planned debulking surgery. Postoperatively the swelling and rash had spread over her face, neck, back and chest. Dermatology advised a possible allergy to Klean-Prep and MRI contrast. Subsequently over the next few months, the patient became severely debilitated from proximal myopathy of the upper and lower limbs, suffered severe pain restricting mobility and small bowel obstruction. Medical oncologist reviewed the patient, clinically diagnosed dermatomyositis and initiated treatment with high-dose intravenous steroids, resulting in remission of the patient's condition. The main purpose of this study is to describe the severity, diagnostic challenges and underline the clinical significance of dermatomyositis manifestations as a paraneoplastic effect in patients with ovarian cancer.

Outcome of Appendicectomies at Surgery for Mucinous Ovarian Neoplasms: Report From A UK Center and Review of Literature.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the frequency of malignant pathology in a macroscopically normal appendix during surgery for a borderline or malignant mucinous ovarian tumor (MOT). METHODS: Women with borderline and malignant MOT were identified from the pathology database from 2000 to 2014. Women who had a benign MOT and had an appendicectomy were excluded from the study. Data were collected from the electronic patient record and case notes. RESULTS: Of 310 women identified with MOT, 203 patients with benign MOT were excluded. Of the remaining 107 patients, 15 patients with previous appendicectomy were also excluded. The study population consisted of 92 patients. There were 57 (62%) patients with borderline MOT and 35 (38%) patients with malignant MOT. In the borderline subgroup, 40/57 (70%) patients had appendicectomy of whom 8 (20%) had macroscopically abnormal appendices. One patient had pseudomyxoma peritonei secondarily involving the appendix and 7 patients had a histologically normal appendix. Normal histology was found in all macroscopically normal appendices. In the malignant subgroup, 29/35 (83%) patients had an appendicectomy. There were 8 (27.5%) macroscopically abnormal appendices with a malignant pathology in 7 (87.5%) patients and 1 patient had a resolving appendicitis. There were 21 macroscopically normal appendices of which, serrated adenoma was found in 1 (4.8%) patient, whereas the remaining 20 (95.2%) patients had normal histology. CONCLUSIONS: In MOT, an abnormal appearing appendix should be excised. If the appendix is grossly normal, our data do not support performing an appendicectomy as part of a surgical staging procedure.

Human Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells Display Phagocytic and Antigen-Presenting Functions to Contribute to Intraperitoneal Immunity.

Mesothelial cells lining the peritoneal cavity are strategically positioned to respond to and counter intraperitoneal infections, cancer cells, and other challenges. We have investigated human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs) for phagocytic activity, expression of surface Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II and accessory molecules involved in antigen presentation, and the ability to present recall antigens to T cells. Phagocytosis of dextran, latex beads, and Escherichia coli was observed by flow cytometry, and internalization was visualized using confocal and electron microscopy. Flow cytometry and/or cellular enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed constitutive expression of ICAM-1, LFA-3, and B7-1, but not B7-2 or MHC class II. Interferon-gamma induced MHC II and ICAM-1 expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Importantly, HPMCs induced autologous CD3 T-lymphocyte proliferation (H incorporation) after pulse with recall antigen. Human peritoneal mesothelial cells equipped with phagocytic and antigen-presenting machinery are anticipated to have an integral role in intraperitoneal immune surveillance.