In The Know-December 2021

December 2021
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In this edition of Ed’s List: In The Know, several significant studies in the field of gynecologic oncology are summarized. <br /><br />The first study focuses on the development of organoids as a model for studying high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Researchers generated induced pluripotent stem cells from healthy individuals and ovarian cancer patients with BRCA1 mutations. These organoids showed cellular abnormalities consistent with neoplastic transformation and can be used for personalized mechanistic and drug screening studies.<br /><br />Another study explored the mutational landscape of high-grade neuroendocrine gynecological malignancies. This aggressive form of cancer, commonly affecting young women, has limited treatment options. Genomic analysis identified potential therapeutic targets and highlighted the need to re-evaluate treatment options for this cancer type.<br /><br />A comparative effectiveness research study investigated the association between neoadjuvant chemotherapy and overall survival in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. The study found that patients treated in programs that increased administration of neoadjuvant chemotherapy achieved greater improvements in short-term mortality and equivalent gains in median overall survival compared to patients who received the treatment infrequently.<br /><br />A genetic association study examined the association between clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) variants and therapy-related myeloid neoplasms in patients with high-grade ovarian cancer treated with rucaparib. The study found that preexisting TP53-variant CHIP detected in peripheral blood cells was significantly associated with an increased risk of therapy-related myeloid neoplasms after rucaparib treatment.<br /><br />The long-term follow-up of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial evaluated the maintenance of olaparib in patients with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer and BRCA mutations. The study showed that maintenance olaparib for up to 2 years resulted in longer overall survival compared to placebo, supporting the use of olaparib as a standard of care in this setting.<br /><br />A study compared the outcomes of minimally invasive surgery and open surgery in patients with high-risk endometrial cancer. The study found no difference in oncologic outcomes between the two surgical approaches, suggesting that minimally invasive surgery is a safe and effective option for these patients.<br /><br />The impact of the national human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program in England on cervical cancer and grade 3 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia incidence was evaluated. The study found a substantial reduction in cervical cancer and CIN3 incidence in young women after the introduction of the HPV vaccination program.<br /><br />Two studies looked at the role of cytoreductive surgery in the management of recurrent ovarian cancer. Both studies found that secondary cytoreductive surgery followed by chemotherapy resulted in longer overall survival compared to chemotherapy alone.<br /><br />Lastly, the Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer provided an overview of cancer incidence, mortality, and trends in the United States. Overall, cancer death rates continue to decline, although there are exceptions such as uterine cancer. The report emphasizes the importance of prevention, early detection, and equitable implementation of effective interventions.<br /><br />These studies contribute to the field of gynecologic oncology by providing valuable insights into disease mechanisms, treatment strategies, and the impact of interventions on patient outcomes.
Keywords
gynecologic oncology
organoids
high-grade serous ovarian cancer
neuroendocrine gynecological malignancies
neoadjuvant chemotherapy
maintenance olaparib
minimally invasive surgery
human papillomavirus vaccination
cytoreductive surgery
cancer incidence