Adjacent Lichen Sclerosis predicts local recurrence and second field tumour in women with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated if the presence of histologically abnormal epithelium adjacent to the primary tumour influenced the frequency, timing, and topography of local vulvar recurrences (LVR) following treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva (VSCC). METHODS: The study population comprised a cohort of 201 consecutive cases with incident VSCC. LVR were categorised as local relapses (LR) if they occurred <2cm from the tumour margins, and as second field tumours (SFT) when ≥2cm from these margins. Univariable and multivariable competing risk modelling was performed to identify the prognostic factors associated with local disease recurrence. RESULTS: The characterization of the epithelium adjacent to the invasive component was possible for 199 (99.0%) patients. Of these, 171 (85.9%) were found to have intraepithelial abnormalities found adjacent to the surgical specimen. Multivariable analyses revealed that, following adjustment, Lichen Sclerosis (LS) was associated with an increase in the incidence of LVR, LR and SFT (SHRs: 3.4, 2.7 and 4.4, respectively). Although the incidence of LR and SFT in women with LS associated VSCC was similar, the peak incidence of SFT occurred more than two years before that of LR. CONCLUSIONS: Women with VSCC arising in a field of LS may continue to have an increased risk of developing LR and SFT for many years after resection of their primary tumour. Our study suggests that these women should be followed up more regularly so that LVR can be detected earlier; unless a more robust surveillance programme or chemopreventative treatments become available.

The use of sentinel node sampling in vulval cancer.

Between March 2007 and December 2009, 38 patients underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) sampling, along with vulvectomy, in their management of vulval cancer. A review has been conducted to establish the reliability and accuracy of the new procedure compared with the traditional total inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy. We also aimed to establish both the short- and long-term morbidities of both total inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy and SLNB and to assess the duration of hospital stay in both groups. Our data have shown a reduced short- and long-term morbidity and reduced length of hospital stay for the SLNB procedure. We conclude that it is a reliable and safe procedure, however it should only be conducted in cancer centres.

Impact of improving outcome guidance in gynaecological cancer on squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva in the West Midlands, UK.

This study aimed to assess the benefits and outcomes of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the vulva managed in a cancer centre post-centralisation of cancer care in the UK. A retrospective study was performed to evaluate the demography and management outcomes of SCC of the vulva in a regional gynaecological cancer centre. The results were then compared with the Rhodes et al. (1998) population-based study. Over the years, disease demography remained largely unchanged. However, centralisation of cancer care has resulted in significant changes in the pattern of care. The number of cases managed has increased by 1.7 times and the permutation of surgeries have reduced from 15 to 4. There is also a significant increased in the number of lymphadenectomies performed (p = 0.003). These changes were accompanied by improvement in 5-year cause-specific survival (p = 0.055).

Fertility preservation in female cancer survivors.

The advancement of cancer therapies over the last few decades has significantly improved long-term survival of cancer patients, especially children and adolescents. As many of the therapeutic agents used are highly cytotoxic, cancer survivors have to pay the price of enduring various immediate and long-term side-effects. Unfortunately, gonadal failure and infertility are among the most common long-term side-effects, resulting in distress, lowered self-esteem and quality of life. Three modalities of fertility preservation can be offered to female patients prior to commencing their cancer treatment: embryo, oocyte and ovarian tissue cryopreservation. This paper reviews the outcomes for female patients who underwent fertility preservation in University College Hospital between 1995 and 2005, and post-therapeutic use of their frozen specimens. In addition, the effects of cytotoxic agents on fertility and ovarian function, and the range of fertility preservation available for female cancer sufferers are also discussed.