HPV Vaccination Practices Among Medical Trainees in Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Family Medicine.

OBJECTIVE: The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has been proven effective in preventing HPV-related cancer. However, vaccination uptake in the United States remains unacceptably low. The aim of this study is to determine whether residents' HPV vaccination status, demographics, or residency training setting are predictive of vaccination prescribing practices. METHODS: This was an anonymous, IRB-approved, opt-in survey of OBGYN, Family Medicine, and Pediatric residents. Using the National Residency Match Program Web site, surveys were sent to program directors requesting their residents' participation. Demographics, practice settings, HPV vaccination status, reasons for being inappropriately vaccinated, and resident vaccination-prescribing practices were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 853 residents participated. A total of 56.7% of respondents were fully vaccinated against HPV. The most common reasons for being unvaccinated were as follows: age (51.7%, n = 122), monogamous (30.9%, n = 73), do not believe it works (22.5%, n = 53), and affordability/insurance did not cover (14.4%, n = 34). Residents working in an urban setting were more likely to be vaccinated than those in suburban (odds ratio [OR] = 1.93, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.364-3.229, p < .001) or rural (OR = 2.08, 95% CI 1.461-3.359, p 0.01) settings. Males were less likely than females (OR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.702-0.997, p < .001) to be vaccinated. Single residents were more likely to be vaccinated than married (OR = 2.56, 95% CI 2.444-2.704, p < .001) or divorced (OR = 2.15, 95% CI 1.822-3.264, p 0.21) residents. Vaccinated residents were more likely to recommend HPV vaccination to their patients than those who were unvaccinated (OR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.321-2.548, p .004). CONCLUSIONS: A significant portion of Family Medicine, Pediatrics, and OBGYN residents have not received appropriate vaccination against HPV. Vaccination is highest among residents who identify as female, single, or working in urban settings. Vaccinated residents were also found to be almost 2 times as likely to recommend vaccination to their patients. As such, our data suggest that targeted provider education is needed to increase vaccination rates for both trainees and their patients.

Let's chat about cervical cancer: Assessing the accuracy of ChatGPT responses to cervical cancer questions.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the accuracy of ChatGPT in answering commonly asked questions pertaining to cervical cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship/quality-of-life (QOL). METHODS: ChatGPT was queried with 64 questions adapted from professional society websites and the authors' clinical experiences. The answers were scored by two attending Gynecologic Oncologists according to the following scale: 1) correct and comprehensive, 2) correct but not comprehensive, 3) some correct, some incorrect, and 4) completely incorrect. Scoring discrepancies were resolved by additional reviewers as needed. The proportion of responses earning each score were calculated overall and within each question category. RESULTS: ChatGPT provided correct and comprehensive answers to 34 (53.1%) questions, correct but not comprehensive answers to 19 (29.7%) questions, partially incorrect answers to 10 (15.6%) questions, and completely incorrect answers to 1 (1.6%) question. Prevention and survivorship/QOL had the highest proportion of "correct" scores (scores of 1 or 2) at 22/24 (91.7%) and 15/16 (93.8%), respectively. ChatGPT performed less well in the treatment category, with 15/21 (71.4%) correct scores. It performed the worst in the diagnosis category with only 1/3 (33.3%) correct scores. CONCLUSION: ChatGPT accurately answers questions about cervical cancer prevention, survivorship, and QOL. It performs less accurately for cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment. Further development of this immensely popular large language model should include physician input before it can be utilized as a tool for Gynecologists or recommended as a patient resource for information on cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Trends in use of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and combination chemoradiotherapy in advanced uterine cancer before, during, and after GOG 258.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the use of Gynecologic Oncology Group 258 (GOG 258) study regimens before, during, and after the study. METHODS: Patients aged 18 years or older with endometrial cancer between 2004-2019 were identified in the National Cancer Database. Inclusion criteria were stage III or IVA of any histology and stage I-IVA clear cell or serous histologies with positive washings that received adjuvant therapy. Adjuvant therapy use was examined in the pre-GOG 258 era (before 2009), during GOG 258 enrollment and maturation (2010-2017), and after results presentation in 2017 (2018-2019). Two-sided Cochran-Armitage tests, Wilcoxen rank sum tests, and χ2 tests were used for continuous and categorical variables. Multi-variable logistic regression assessed factors associated with the receipt of chemoradiotherapy compared with chemotherapy only or radiation therapy only. RESULTS: From 2004 to 2019, 41 408 high-risk endometrial cancer patients received adjuvant therapy (12% radiation therapy, 38% chemotherapy, 50% chemoradiotherapy). Chemoradiotherapy increased over the GOG 258 study period (40% before study opening, 54% during enrollment, and 59% after results). Serous (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.6 to 0.7) and clear cell histology (0.7, 0.6 to 0.8), higher grade (0.8, 0.7 to 0.9), and lymph node positivity (0.8, 0.7 to 0.9) were negatively associated with receipt of chemoradiotherapy compared with single-modality treatment. Non-Hispanic Black ethnicity (0.8, 0.8 to 0.9) and residing ≥50 miles from the treatment facility (0.8, 0.7 to 0.9) were also negatively associated with chemoradiotherapy. Private insurance (1.2, 1.0 to 1.4) and treatment at community hospitals (1.2, 1.2 to 1.3) were positively associated with chemoradiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Despite the lack of benefit in the GOG 258 experimental arm, chemoradiotherapy use increased during study enrollment and after results publication.

The impact of the ban on elective surgery in New York City during the coronavirus outbreak on gynecologic oncology patient care.

Introduction: Elective surgical procedures were suspended during the coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19) in New York City (NYC) between March 16 and June 15, 2020. This study characterizes the impact of the ban on surgical delays for patients scheduled for surgery during this first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: Patients who were scheduled for surgical treatment of malignant or pre-invasive disease by gynecologic oncologists at three NYC hospitals during NYC's ban on elective surgery were included. Outcomes of interest were the percentage of patients experiencing surgical delay and the nature of delays. Kruskal-Wallis, chi-square, and logistic regression tests were performed with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Of the 145 patients with malignant or pre-invasive diseases scheduled for surgery during the ban on elective surgery, 40% of patients experienced one or more surgical delays, 10% experienced two or more and 1% experienced three surgical delays. Of patients experiencing an initial delay, 77% were hospital-initiated and 11% were due to known or suspected personal COVID-19. Overall, 81% of patients completed their planned treatment, and 93% of patients underwent their initially planned surgery. Among patients for whom adjuvant therapy was recommended, 67% completed their planned treatment, and the most common reasons for not completing treatment were medically indicated followed by concerns regarding COVID-19. Conclusion: During the ban on elective surgery in NYC during the first outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, many patients experienced minor surgical delays, but most patients obtained appropriate, timely care with either surgery or alternative treatment.

Qualitative analysis of gynecologic oncology patients' experience with treatment holidays.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with advanced or recurrent gynecologic malignancies occasionally take breaks from systemic treatment colloquially referred to as "treatment holidays" or "chemotherapy holidays." There are no data from the patient perspective that help describe this experience. METHODS: Patients with recurrent or advanced primary gynecologic malignancies who had decided to enter a treatment holiday were recruited and interviewed. A treatment holiday was defined as a planned temporary break or delay in treatment for a patient with recurrent or advanced primary gynecologic malignancy for reasons other than pursuit of hospice or best supportive care, research protocol violation or unacceptable toxicity. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and then analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Of 6 total patients identified for participation, 5 completed interviews with ages ranging from 57 to 80 years. Two participants returned to their previous treatment regimen after their holiday therapy, two switched therapies, and one remained on an extended break from systemic treatment. Treatment holidays were experienced as a break from the physical and psychological routine of being a cancer patient, but also brought about feelings of a lack of structure, uncertainty, and led to a confrontation with mortality issues. Overall, participants had favorable experiences which were initiated by their providers in whom they had a deep sense of trust. CONCLUSION: Patients experience treatment holidays as a positive and valuable break from the physical and psychosocial routine of cancer treatment and illness. These experiences produce distinct emotional needs that clinicians should address to best support patients electing treatment holidays.

Enhanced recovery Pathways in gynecologic surgery: Are they safe and effective in the elderly?

OBJECTIVE: To compare perioperative outcomes of the elderly versus non-elderly patients on ERPs undergoing laparotomy for gynecologic surgery. METHODS: From January 2016 to June 2017, patients undergoing elective laparotomies for gynecologic surgery were enrolled in a perioperative ERP protocol. Outcomes were compared between the elderly (age ≥ 70 years) and the non-elderly (age ≤ 69 years). Primary outcomes were length of stay and perioperative complication rates. Comparisons were performed using chi-squared tests or Fisher's exact tests for categorical data and Student's t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum tests for continuous variables, with p < 0.05 for significance. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-nine patients were enrolled in the study, including 16 patients ≥ 70 years old. The median age was 75 years for the elderly and 45 years for the non-elderly. Elderly patients were more likely to have more complex surgery and longer operative times (absolute median difference of 39 min). Despite the increasing complexity of surgical procedures for elderly patients, there were no statistically significant differences in serious inpatient complications (Clavien-Dindo score 3A or greater), pain and nausea scores, 30-day complications and readmission rates. Elderly patients had a longer median length of stay compared to non-elderly patients by one day (p < 0.001), however, this was not statistically significant on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: In our series, elderly patients on the ERP had similar rates of complications and readmission when compared to non-elderly patients, despite undergoing more complex surgeries. This suggests that ERP may be feasible and safe in the elderly population undergoing elective gynecologic laparotomy.

Preoperative MRI and LDH in women undergoing intra-abdominal surgery for fibroids: Effect on surgical route.

INTRODUCTION: Our institution implemented a preoperative protocol to identify high-risk cases for which power morcellation should be avoided. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, an institutional protocol requiring preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging with diffusion-weighted imaging and serum Lactate Dehydrogenase levels was implemented. Chart review was performed including all women who underwent intra-abdominal surgery for symptomatic fibroids from 4/23/2013 to 4/23/2015. RESULTS: A total of 1,085 women were included, 479 before and 606 after implementation of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Lactate Dehydrogenase protocol. The pre-protocol group had more post-menopausal women (4% vs. 2%, p = 0.022) and women using tamoxifen (2% vs. 0%, p = 0.022) than those in the post-protocol group, but baseline patient characteristics were otherwise similar between groups. Incidence of malignant pathological diagnoses did not change significantly over the time period in relation to protocol implementation. The rate of open surgery for both hysterectomy and myomectomy remained the same in the year preceding and the year following initiation of the protocol (open hysterectomy rate was 19% vs. 16% in pre- and post-protocol groups, respectively, P = 0.463, and open myomectomy rate was 10% vs. 9% rates in pre- and post-protocol groups, respectively, P = 0.776). There was a significant decrease in the use of power morcellation (66% in pre- and 50% in post-protocol cohorts, p<0.001) and an increased use of containment bags (1% in pre- and 19% in post-protocol cohort). When analyzing the subset of women who had abnormal Magnetic Resonance Imaging / and Lactate Dehydrogenase results, abnormal Magnetic Resonance Imaging results alone resulted in higher rates of open approach (65% for abnormal vs. 35% for normal). Similarly, a combination of abnormal Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Lactate Dehydrogenase tests resulted in higher rates of open approach (70% for abnormal and 17% for normal). Abnormal Lactate Dehydrogenase results alone did not influence route. CONCLUSIONS: Rates of MIS procedures were decreased for women with abnormal preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging results. False positive results appear to be one of the main drivers for the use of an open surgical route.

Determinants of Clinic Absenteeism in Gynecologic Oncology Clinic at a Safety Net Hospital.

There have long been noted significant health disparities related to cancer in populations comprised of low-income and minority individuals, including those with gynecologic cancers. Compliance with appointments related to cancer care is critical to ensuring timely diagnosis, treatment, and detection of disease progression. At a public safety net hospital in New York City, the rate of clinic absenteeism in gynecologic oncology clinic was noted to be nearly 20%. This prospective, survey-based study catalogued reasons for clinic absenteeism and noted that the most common reason an appointment was missed was the patient being unaware it existed. Next most common reasons were medical conflicts and family obligations. Patients at this clinic would benefit from a clinic navigator to assist with scheduling appointments, remind patients of upcoming appointments, and resolve conflicting medical appointments.

Prognostic significance of lymphovascular space invasion for stage IA1 and IA2 cervical cancer.

BACKGROUND: Data regarding the prognostic significance of lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) for stage IA1 and IA2 cervical cancer are limited. Specifically, the role of LVSI as an independent risk factor for mortality in stage IA disease has not been shown. OBJECTIVE: We examined the association between LVSI and nodal metastases and survival for women with stage IA1 and IA2 cervical cancer. STUDY DESIGN: We used the National Cancer Database to identify patients with stage IA adenocarcinoma or squamous carcinoma of the cervix from January 2010 through December 2015 for whom LVSI status was known. Mixed-effect log-Poisson models were used to identify predictors of LVSI. Cox proportional hazard models and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to compare all-cause mortality. RESULTS: We identified 3239 patients with stage IA1 and 1049 patients with stage IA2 carcinoma of the cervix. Among patients with stage IA1 and IA2 disease, 10.5% and 18.8% had LVSI, respectively. Less than 1% of patients with stage IA1 disease without LVSI had positive nodes compared with 7.8% of those with LVSI (p<0.001). Lymphatic metastases were identified in 1.7% of stage IA2 cases without LVSI versus 14.6% for those with LVSI (p<0.001). Among both stage IA1 and IA2 patients, squamous histology, grade 3 tumor differentiation, and white race were associated with LVSI (p<0.05 for all). In a univariable model, the hazard ratio for death associated with LVSI was 1.05 (95% CI 0.45 to 2.45) for women with stage IA1 tumors and 2.36 (95% CI 1.04 to 5.33) for those with IA2 neoplasms. CONCLUSIONS: LVSI is associated with lymph node metastases in patients with stage IA cervical cancer. LVSI is associated with decreased survival for women with stage IA2 cervical cancer.

Facilitated referral pathway for genetic testing at the time of ovarian cancer diagnosis: uptake of genetic counseling and testing and impact on patient-reported stress, anxiety and depression.

BACKGROUND: Timely genetic testing at ovarian cancer diagnosis is essential as results impact front line treatment decisions. Our objective was to determine rates of genetic counseling and testing with an expedited genetics referral pathway wherein women with newly-diagnosed ovarian cancer are contacted by a genetics navigator to facilitate genetic counseling. METHODS: Patients were referred for genetic counseling by their gynecologic oncologist, contacted by a genetics navigator and offered appointments for genetic counseling. Patients completed quality of life (QoL) surveys immediately pre- and post-genetic assessment and 6 months later. The primary outcome was feasibility of this pathway defined by presentation for genetic counseling. RESULTS: From 2015 to 2018, 100 patients were enrolled. Seventy-eight had genetic counseling and 73 testing. Median time from diagnosis to genetic counseling was 34 days (range 10-189). Among patients who underwent testing, 12 (16%) had pathogenic germline mutations (BRCA1-7, BRCA2-4, MSH2-1). Sixty-five patients completed QoL assessments demonstrating stress and anxiety at time of testing, however, scores improved at 6 months. Despite the pathway leveling financial and logistical barriers, patients receiving care at a public hospital were less likely to present for genetic counseling compared to private hospital patients (56% versus 84%, P = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: Facilitated referral to genetic counselors at time of ovarian cancer diagnosis is effective, resulting in high uptake of genetic counseling and testing, and does not demonstrate a long term psychologic toll. Concern about causing additional emotional distress should not deter clinicians from early genetics referral as genetic testing can yield important prognostic and therapeutic information.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with advanced endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by interval debulking surgery (IDS) is a treatment strategy for ovarian cancer patients with unresectable disease or poor performance status (PS). This strategy has been used in the treatment of advanced endometrial cancer and a survival benefit has been shown in patients who are subsequently able to undergo interval cytoreduction. This study sought to review our single institution experience with NACT for advanced endometrial cancer. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of all patients who received NACT for advanced endometrial cancer at two institutions in New York City between 2002 and 2016. RESULTS: We identified 39 patients (median age 61, range 35-89). The histologic subtype distribution was: serous (44%), endometrioid (28%), carcinosarcoma (10%), clear cell (8%), mixed (8%), neuroendocrine (3%). Contraindications to primary surgery included: unresectable disease (72%), poor PS (15%), unresectable disease and poor PS (13%). Twenty-three patients (59%) did not undergo IDS due to: progression of disease (70%), medical ineligibility (4%), unresectable disease (17%), lost to follow-up (4%), death (4%). Sixteen patients (41%) underwent IDS, 81% had an optimal cytoreduction. Disease status at NACT completion was: partial response (56%), stable disease (3%) and progression of disease (41%). There were no complete responses. Patients who responded to NACT had a significantly longer overall survival than those who did not (15 vs. 5 months. P = 0.015). IDS was also associated with an improvement in overall survival versus no surgery (16 vs. 6 months, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Unlike ovarian cancer, less than half of the patients undergoing NACT for endometrial cancer underwent IDS, none had a complete response, and 41% had disease progression during NACT. However, endometrial cancer patients who underwent IDS had a high rate of optimal cytoreduction. Both response to NACT and IDS were associated with improved survival.

Ultrasound and Histopathologic Correlation of Ovarian Cystadenofibromas: Diagnostic Value of the "Shadow Sign".

OBJECTIVES: Cystadenofibromas (CAFs) are rare benign ovarian tumors without a widely accepted ultrasound (US) pattern. They are usually described by as thin-walled, unilocular or multilocular, and at times septated cysts with scant blood flow and no solid components. We describe a unique US feature, the "shadow sign," seen in prospectively diagnosed benign CAFs. We also provide the histopathologic basis for this typical US appearance. METHODS: Ultrasound (US) examinations were performed in our obstetric and gynecologic US unit. Pathologic examinations were performed by a dedicated gynecologic pathology team. The US and pathology department's database was searched for the diagnosis of a CAF between 2010 and 2017. RESULTS: We identified 20 patients who underwent transvaginal US examinations with a sole US diagnosis of a CAF, and the tumors were surgically removed. The common US feature across the 20 cases was the presence of hyperechoic avascular shadowing nodules. The correlating histologic features were unilocular or multilocular cysts with a smooth internal wall surface lined by a simple epithelium and occasional robust polypoid fibrous stroma. CONCLUSIONS: This US marker helps in differentiating CAFs from borderline ovarian tumors, which do not show this US feature. We hope that recognizing the suggested shadow sign as an additional descriptor of CAFs will lead to minimizing their unnecessary removal and eliminating additional and unnecessary imaging by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Carboplatin/Paclitaxel Induction in Ovarian Cancer: The Finer Points.

The carboplatin/paclitaxel doublet remains the chemotherapy backbone for the initial treatment of ovarian cancer. This two-drug regimen, with carboplatin dosed using the Calvert formula, yielded convincing noninferior outcomes when compared with the prior, more toxic, regimen of cisplatin/paclitaxel. Carboplatin's dose-limiting toxicity is thrombocytopenia; however, when this drug is properly dosed and combined with paclitaxel, the doublet's cycle 1 dose in chemotherapy-naive women is generally safe. Carboplatin (unlike cisplatin) contributes minimally to the cumulative sensory neuropathy of paclitaxel, thus ensuring noticeable reversibility of neuropathy symptoms following completion of 6 cycles and only occasionally requiring cessation or substitution of the taxane. Paclitaxel is responsible for the hair loss associated with the carboplatin/paclitaxel doublet; preventive measures must be considered for patients who would otherwise refuse treatment. Several first-line phase III trials, as well as ongoing trials for which only preliminary results have been published, have fueled debates on the optimal dose and schedule; these have focused not only on weekly vs q3-weeks paclitaxel, but also on other modifications and the advisability of adding bevacizumab. Our view is that results of this doublet in the first-line treatment of ovarian cancer are driven primarily by carboplatin, given that ovarian cancer is a platinum-sensitive disease. Consequently, the roles of the accompanying paclitaxel dose and schedule and the addition of bevacizumab are currently unsettled, and questions regarding these issues should be decided based on patient tolerance and comorbidities until additional data are available.

Timing is everything: intraperitoneal chemotherapy after primary or interval debulking surgery for advanced ovarian cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IP) compared with those of intravenous chemotherapy (IV) in patients with advanced ovarian cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and interval debulking surgery (IDS) or primary debulking surgery (PDS). METHODS: Patients with advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma treated with PDS or NACT and IDS from 2006 to 2015 were identified. Comparative statistics were used to evaluate covariates, and survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with log-rank tests. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients received NACT followed by IDS with residual disease of ≤ 1 cm; 42 of these patients (63.6%) received IP therapy; and 24 patients (36.3%) had IV therapy only after IDS. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 16.0 months in the IP group and 13.5 months in the IV group (p = 0.13). The estimated median overall survival (OS) was 64.0 months with IP and 50.0 months with IV (p = 0.44). During the same study period, 149 patients underwent optimal PDS after which 93 patients (62.4%) received IP and 56 patients (37.6%) were given IV chemotherapy. Patients after IP demonstrated improved survival outcomes when compared to patients after IV therapy. The median PFS was 28.0 months after IP and 16.5 months after IV (p = 0.0006), and the median OS was not reached for IP and 50.0 months after IV (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Although IP chemotherapy after PDS is associated with improved survival, IP therapy after NACT and IDS, despite high rates of completion, may not have the same degree of survival advantage over IV therapy.

Laparoscopy decreases the disparity in postoperative complications between black and white women after hysterectomy for endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Black race has been associated with increased 30-day morbidity and mortality following surgery for endometrial cancer. Black women are also less likely to undergo laparoscopy when compared to white women. With the development of improved laparoscopic techniques and equipment, including the robotic platform, we sought to evaluate whether there has been a change in surgical approach for black women, and in turn, improvement in perioperative outcomes. METHODS: Using the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Project's database, patients who underwent hysterectomy for endometrial cancer from 2010 to 2015 were identified. Comparative analyses stratified by race and hysterectomy approach were performed to assess the relationship between race and perioperative outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 17,692 patients were identified: of these, 13,720 (77.5%) were white and 1553 (8.8%) were black. Black women were less likely to undergo laparoscopic hysterectomy compared to white women (49.3% vs 71.3%, p<0.0001). Rates of laparoscopy in both races increased over the 6-year period; however these consistently remained lower in black women each year. Black women had higher 30-day postoperative complication rates compared to white women (22.5% vs 13.6%, p<0.0001). When laparoscopic hysterectomies were isolated, there was no difference in postoperative complication rates between black and white women (9.2% vs 7.5%, p=0.1). CONCLUSIONS: Overall black women incur more postoperative complications compared to white women undergoing hysterectomy for endometrial cancer. However, laparoscopy may mitigate this disparity. Efforts should be made to maximize the utilization of minimally invasive surgery for the surgical management of endometrial cancer.

Society of Gynecologic Oncology Future of Physician Payment Reform Task Force report: The Endometrial Cancer Alternative Payment Model (ECAP).

Health care in the United States is in the midst of a significant transformation from a "fee for service" to a "fee for value" based model. The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 has only accelerated this transition. Anticipating these reforms, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology developed the Future of Physician Payment Reform Task Force (PPRTF) in 2015 to develop strategies to ensure fair value based reimbursement policies for gynecologic cancer care. The PPRTF elected as a first task to develop an Alternative Payment Model for thesurgical management of low risk endometrial cancer. The history, rationale, and conceptual framework for the development of an Endometrial Cancer Alternative Payment Model are described in this white paper, as well as directions forfuture efforts.

"Best practices in risk reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: the influence of surgical specialty".

BACKGROUND: Risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (RRBSO) increases survival in patients at high risk of developing ovarian cancer. While many general gynecologists perform this procedure, some argue it should be performed exclusively by specialists. In this retrospective observational study, we identified how often optimal techniques were used and whether surgeons' training impacted implementation. METHODS: We used the ACOG guidelines highlighting various aspects of the procedure to determine which elements were consistent with best practices to maximize surgical prophylaxis. All cases of RRBSO from 2006 to 2010 were identified. We abstracted data from the operative and pathology reports to review the techniques employed. Fisher's exact test and chi-square were utilized to compare differences between groups (InStat, La Jolla, CA). RESULTS: Among 263 RRBSOs, 22 were performed by general gynecologists and 241 by gynecologic oncologists. Gynecologic oncologists were more likely to perform pelvic washings-217/241 vs. 10/22 (p < .0001). They were more likely to include a description of the upper abdomen-220/241 vs. 12/22 (p < .0001). Oncologists were more likely to utilize a retroperitoneal approach to skeletonize the infundibulopelvic ligaments-157/241 vs. 3/22 (p < .0001). When operations were performed by oncologists, the specimens were more often completely sectioned-217/241 vs. 16/22 (p = .003). The use of a retroperitoneal approach among gynecologic oncologists increased over the study period (chi-square for trend, p < .0001). There was no visible trend in performance improvement in any other area when looking at either group. CONCLUSION: Gynecologic oncologists are more likely to adhere to best practice techniques when performing RRBSO, though there was room for improvement for both groups.

Multigene panels in Ashkenazi Jewish patients yield high rates of actionable mutations in multiple non-BRCA cancer-associated genes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of multigene panel testing among Ashkenazi Jewish compared with non-Ashkenazi Jewish patients. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records for all patients who underwent multigene panel testing and targeted BRCA1/2 testing at a single institution between 6/2013-1/2015. Clinical actionability for identified pathogenic mutations was characterized based on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines and consensus statements and expert opinion for genes not addressed by these guidelines. RESULTS: Four hundred and fifty-four patients underwent multigene panel screening, including 138 Ashkenazi Jewish patients. The median patient age was fifty-two years. Three hundred and fifty-four patients (78%) had a personal history of cancer. Two hundred and fifty-one patients had breast cancer, 49, ovarian cancer, 26, uterine cancer and 20, colorectal cancer. We identified 62 mutations in 56 patients and 291 variants of uncertain significance in 196 patients. Among the 56 patients with mutations, 51 (91%) had actionable mutations. Twenty mutations were identified by multigene panels among Ashkenazi Jewish patients, 18 of which were in genes other than BRCA1/2. A review of targeted BRCA1/2 testing performed over the same study period included 103 patients and identified six mutations in BRCA1/2, all of which occurred in Ashkenazi Jewish patients. Among all Ashkenazi Jewish patients undergoing genetic testing, 25/183 (14%) had a mutation, 24/25 of which were actionable (96%) and 17/25 patients (68%) had mutations in non BRCA1/2 genes. CONCLUSIONS: With the rapid acceptance of multigene panels there is a pressing need to understand how this testing will affect patient management. While traditionally many Ashkenazi Jewish patients have undergone targeted BRCA1/2 testing, our data suggest consideration of multigene panels in this population as the majority of the results are clinically actionable and often in genes other than BRCA1/2.