In The Know-July 2021

July 2021
Pdf Summary
Ed's List is a monthly compilation of abstracts related to the field of gynecologic oncology prepared by Edward Pavlik, PhD, Professor and Director of Ovarian Screening Research Program at the University of Kentucky. This edition covers literature from July 2021 to June 2021. Some highlights from the list include:<br /><br />1. A study on cervical cancer screening strategies with varying levels of HPV vaccination showed that HPV-based screening modalities detected more abnormal cervical cells than traditional liquid-based cytology approaches, but at the cost of increased false positives. However, as HPV vaccination increased, HPV-based screening resulted in fewer unnecessary colposcopies than traditional methods.<br /><br />2. A targeted methylation-based multi-cancer early detection test using cell-free DNA sequencing and machine learning demonstrated high specificity and accuracy in detecting cancer signals across multiple cancer types.<br /><br />3. A sub-millimeter endoscope showed feasibility in in vivo reflectance imaging, fluorescence imaging, and cell collection in the fallopian tubes. This device has the potential for future clinical trials.<br /><br />4. Platelet-targeted therapy in ovarian cancer was investigated, as platelets play a role in tumor metastasis and chemotherapy resistance. Targeting platelet-tumor interactions with antiplatelet agents in combination with anticancer drugs could be an effective treatment strategy.<br /><br />5. The association between RAD51C promoter methylation and PARP inhibitor resistance in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma was studied. Methylation loss in the RAD51C promoter was found to cause PARP inhibitor resistance in patients, highlighting the importance of assessing methylation status when considering PARP inhibitor therapy.<br /><br />6. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) coexpressing CD39, CD103, and PD-1 were found to have superior prognostic impact in ovarian cancer. These TILs exhibited an activated/exhausted phenotype and showed potential as targets for combination immunotherapy.<br /><br />7. The use of oral contraceptives was associated with a decreased risk of ovarian cancer in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers, with longer duration of use showing a greater reduction in risk.<br /><br />8. A meta-analysis of maintenance PARP inhibitor therapy in platinum-sensitive, recurrent ovarian cancer showed that PARP inhibitors improved progression-free survival across all patient subsets, including those with germline or somatic BRCA mutations, homologous recombination-deficient tumors, and homologous recombinant-proficient tumors.<br /><br />9. The concordance between tumor BRCA status and germline BRCA status was assessed in high-grade ovarian carcinoma patients. The study found a high concordance rate between the two, with only a small percentage of discrepancies.<br /><br />These are just a few of the significant findings from the literature covered in this edition of Ed's List. The full list provides additional abstracts and studies for further exploration.
Keywords
gynecologic oncology
Ed's List
cervical cancer screening
HPV vaccination
methylation-based multi-cancer early detection test
sub-millimeter endoscope
platelet-targeted therapy
RAD51C promoter methylation
TILs
oral contraceptives