Role of perigastric arcade removal in serous epithelial ovarian cancers.

Introduction: Omentectomy is an essential part of cytoreductive surgery (CRS). However, removal of perigastric arcade (PGA) of the omentum is a controversial aspect of omentectomy in view of the fear of injury, vascular compromise and gastroparesis. Hence, we conducted a study to evaluate the necessity and effect of removal of PGA during omentectomy. Methods: The nature of the study was a prospective observational study. The study period was for 1 year between 1.3.2019 and 29.2.2020. Patients with stage III to IV serous epithelial ovarian cancers - chemo naive/post neoadjuvant chemotherapy, without macroscopic involvement of the PGA were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups - those who had PGA removed (group 1) and those whose PGA was preserved (group 2). Pre, intra and postoperative factors between the two groups were compared using standard statistical methods. Results: Micrometastasis to PGA was present in 36.4% of the patients in group 1. The predictors for this involvement included gross involvement and microscopic involvement of the mobile part of the omentum (p < 0.001), pre surgery Meyer's score (p < 0.05) and requirement of peritonectomy (p < 0.05) during the CRS implying that higher the peritoneal carcinomatosis, more are the chances of microscopic involvement of PGA. On comparing postoperative outcomes between the two groups, we noted a statistically significant difference in intra-operative time (p < 0.01), prolonged recovery time with increased intensive care unit and hospital stay (p < 0.001) in group 1, although all with small absolute difference. However, there was no significant difference in major post-operative complications or time taken to tolerate soft diet. Conclusion: Micrometastasis to PGA was noted in significant number of cases. Its removal is also a safe procedure with minimal morbidity and good postoperative outcomes especially in cases with significant peritoneal carcinomatosis. Hence, it should be considered, provided we are achieving a complete cytoreduction otherwise.

National Cancer Grid of India Consensus Guidelines on the Management of Cervical Cancer.

Standard guidelines for the management of early and locally advanced cervical cancer are available from various academic consortiums nationally and internationally. However, implementing standard-of-care treatment poses unique challenges within low- and middle-income countries, such as India, where diverse clinical care practices may exist. The National Cancer Grid, a consortium of 108 institutions in India, aims to homogenize care for patients with cervical cancer by achieving consensus on not only imaging and management, but also in addressing potential solutions to prevalent challenges that affect the homogenous implementation of standard-of-care treatment. These guidelines therefore represent a consensus statement of the National Cancer Grid gynecologic cancer expert group and will assist in homogenization of the therapeutic management of patients with cervical cancer in India.

Management of Ovarian Cancer in Elderly.

As a result of increasing life expectancy, the cancer incidence in older population is on the rise. Ovarian cancer (OC) is predominantly the disease of elderly women. More than half of all OC occur in women older than 65 years. The incidence of the disease increases with the advancing age, peaking during 7(th) decade of life and remains elevated until the age of 80 years. With the changing demographic scenario the percentage of elderly patients is increasing and gynaecologic oncologists need to focus more on these patients and their specific needs. Due to their higher risk of morbidity and mortality compared to younger patients, elderly patients with advanced ovarian cancer are challenging to treat and are often treated less radically. Their outcome is impaired despite no consistent prognostic effect of age itself. To offer optimal radical management of the elderly women with ovarian cancer and to avoid suboptimal treatment, biological age and functional status need to be considered before individualized treatment plans are defined. Pretreatment assessment can be achieved by using different assessment tools. Patients can tolerate surgery and chemotherapy, as long as they are individually assessed for their medical, psychological, and functional capabilities before therapeutic intervention is initiated. Prospective trials involving elderly women with ovarian cancer are the need of the day to offer justified evidenced based optimal treatment for those who will be benefited from the treatment.