Advanced Gynecologic Cancer Research Articles

Optimizing immunotherapy for gynecologic cancers.

This review will provide an update on the most recent clinical developments in immuno-oncology in advanced gynecologic cancers and will also highlight ongoing studies in this field. Although immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy is rapidly altering the treatment landscape in a myriad of solid tumors, the efficacy of ICB therapy with antibodies directed against CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1 in advanced gynecologic cancers has been limited. The exception has been the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab in microsatellite instability high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) advanced endometrial cancers, highlighted by the recent conditional approval of pembrolizumab in recurrent/metastatic PD-L1-positive cervical cancers and the accelerated approval of pembrolizumab and lenvatinib in microsatellite stable (MSS) or mismatch repair-proficient (pMMR) advanced endometrial cancer. The discovery of novel, rational ICB combinatorial approaches in advanced gynecologic cancers is highly warranted. Recent advances in the genomic characterization of gynecologic malignancies have informed clinical trial design. However, improved molecular and immunophenotypic biomarkers to more accurately identify patients who will most benefit from immunotherapeutic approaches are urgently needed. This is especially critical as we attempt to integrate immune-oncology agents, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy in the management of gynecologic cancers.

Immuno-oncology for Gynecologic Malignancies.

Patients with advanced and/or recurrent gynecologic cancers derive limited benefit from currently available cytotoxic and targeted therapies. Successes of immunotherapy in other difficult-to-treat malignancies such as metastatic melanoma and advanced lung cancer have led to intense interest in clinical testing of these treatments in patients with gynecologic cancers. Currently, in the realm of gynecologic oncology, the FDA-approved use of immune checkpoint inhibitors is limited to microsatellite instable cancers and PD-L1-positive cervical cancer. However, there has been an exponential growth of clinical trials testing immunotherapy approaches, both alone and in combination with chemotherapy and/or targeted agents, in patients with gynecologic cancers. This chapter reviews some of the major reported and ongoing immunotherapy clinical trials in patients with endometrial, cervical, and epithelial ovarian cancer.

Feasibility of precision cancer medicine in advanced gynaecologic cancers

Abstract Background Advanced gynecologic cancers have a poor prognosis and constitute a major challenge for adequate treatment strategies. By analyzing and targeting molecular alterations, precision cancer medicine (PCM) may be a viable option for the treatment of advanced gynecologic cancers. Methods In this single center, real-world retrospective analysis of our PCM platform, we describe the molecular profiling of 72 patients diagnosed with different types of metastasized BTC. Tumor samples of the patients were examined by a 162-gene next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel, immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and RNA fusion panel. Results In total, we identified 209 molecular aberrations in 72 patients. The ten most frequently alterations were TP53 (n = 42), KRAS (n = 14), PIK3CA (n = 11), PIK3R1 (n = 9), ATR (n = 8), PTEN (n = 8), BRCA1 (n = 6), NF1 (n = 4), NOTCH1 (n = 4), POLE (n = 4) that make up together over half of the molecular alterations (52.6%). BRAF mutations and gene fusions each were observed in two patients. 21 patients were found to have only one mutation and 44 patients had more than one mutation. No mutations were detected in 7 patients. IHC detected expression of p-mTOR and EGFR in 58 and 53 patients, respectively. In over two-thirds (n = 51) of the 72 patients, a targeted therapy was suggested, based on the identified genetic mutations. The most frequently recommended specific treatment was the combination of everolimus with exemestan (n = 19). The median turnaround time from biopsy to discussion in our multidisciplinary tumor board was 20 days. The median turnaround time from biopsy to therapy initiation was 26 days. Conclusions Based on our observations, it seems that PCM might be a feasible treatment approach for advanced gynecologic cancers with limited treatment options. Legal entity responsible for the study Medical University of Vienna. Funding Has not received any funding. Disclosure H. Taghizadeh: Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: Roche. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Pelvic Exenteration as Potential Cure and Symptom Relief in Advanced and Recurrent Gynaecological Cancer.

Pelvic exenteration is a radical procedure for certain advanced or recurrent gynaecological cancers, performed with curative or palliative intent. Its validity has evolved as operative mortality and morbidity have improved. This surgery was evaluated to determine the validity of these claims. The details of surgery and outcomes of 13 patients who underwent pelvic exenteration (6 curative intent, 7 palliative intent) for advanced or recurrent gynaecological cancers in our Department were retrospectively evaluated. There were no significant differences in blood loss, surgical time, hospital stay, and complications between curative pelvic exenteration and palliative pelvic exenteration. The curative intent group had a good prognosis; the palliative-intent group showed a trend to a worse prognosis. All patients' symptoms were relieved, but in patients with short survival, symptom relief lasted for up to 3 months. Pelvic exenteration is an acceptable and valuable procedure for gynaecological cancers.

Optimizing the Care of Malignant Bowel Obstruction in Patients With Advanced Gynecologic Cancer.

PURPOSE:Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is a common and distressing complication in women with advanced gynecologic cancer. A pilot, interprofessional MBO program was launched in 2016 at a large Canadian tertiary cancer center to integrate these patients’ complex care needs across multiple disciplines and support women with MBO.METHOD:Retrospective analysis to evaluate the outcomes of women with advanced gynecologic cancer who were admitted to hospital because of MBO, before (2014 to 2016: baseline group) and after (2016 to 2018) implementation of the MBO program.RESULTS:Of the 169 women evaluated, 106 and 63 were in the baseline group and MBO program group, respectively. Most had ovarian cancer (n = 124; 73%) and had small-bowel obstruction (n = 131; 78%). There was a significantly shorter cumulative hospital length of stay (LOSsum) within the first 60 days of MBO diagnosis in the MBO program group compared with the baseline group (13 v 22 days, respectively; adjusted P = .006). The median overall survival for women treated in the MBO program was also significantly longer compared with the baseline group (243 v 99 days, respectively; adjusted P = .002). Using the interprofessional MBO care platform, a greater proportion of patients received palliative chemotherapy (83% v 56%) and less surgery (11% v 21%) in the MBO program group than in the baseline group, respectively. A subgroup of women (n = 11) received total parenteral nutrition for longer than 6 months.CONCLUSION:Implementation of a comprehensive, interprofessional MBO program significantly affects patient care and may improve outcomes. Unique to this MBO program is an integrated outpatient model of care and education that empowers patients to recognize MBO symptoms for early intervention.

Assessment of anxiety and depression in patients with advanced gynaecological cancer

Background: Anxiety and depression disorders are common in palliative care. The impact of these disorders on quality of life and on existential concerns is strong. This research was performed to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with advanced gynecological cancer. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective study over a period of 2 years in 98 patients with advanced gynecological cancer. The 98 patients included in the study were divided into two categories by age (under 55 years and over 56 years). The patients were evaluated at first admission (Basic visit) and after 3 months (Follow up visit), by means of 1 questionnaire: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale – HADS. Results :The percentage of women who experience abnormal level of anxiety is: 13,73% for the first category of age (under 55years) and 12,77% for the second category of age (over 56 years) at Basic visit, while, at Follow up visit, the percentage is 15,69% for the first category of age and 19,15% for the second category of age. The percentage of women who do experience abnormal level of depression at Basic visit is 11,76% for the first category of age and 12,77% for the second category of age, while, at Follow up visit, the percentage is 9,50% for the first category of age and 25,53% for the second category of age. There is a statistical difference between Basic visit and Follow up visit in patients from the second category of age, the percentage of women who experience abnormal level of depression is increasing from 12,77% to 25,53%. Discussions and Conclusions: Anxiety and depression are reported to impact significantly on quality of life of palliative care patients with advanced gynaecological cancer. In conclusion, continuous screening for anxiety and depression is recommended as a necessary approach for patients with advanced gynaecological cancer.

Early results of a phase I evaluation of TAK-228 (TORC 1/2 inhibitor) in combination with TAK-117 (PI3K alpha inhibitor) and paclitaxel in advanced gynecologic malignancies and metastatic breast cancer

Early results of a phase I evaluation of TAK-228 (TORC 1/2 inhibitor) in combination with TAK-117 (PI3K alpha inhibitor) and paclitaxel in advanced gynecologic malignancies and metastatic breast cancer

A machine-learning–based prediction model of fistula formation after interstitial brachytherapy for locally advanced gynecological malignancies

PurposeExternal beam radiotherapy combined with interstitial brachytherapy is commonly used to treat patients with bulky, advanced gynecologic cancer. However, the high radiation dose needed to control the tumor may result in fistula development. There is a clinical need to identify patients at high risk for fistula formation such that treatment may be managed to prevent this toxic side effect. This work aims to develop a fistula prediction model framework using machine learning based on patient, tumor, and treatment features. Methods and MaterialsThis retrospective study included 35 patients treated at our institution using interstitial brachytherapy for various gynecological malignancies. Five patients developed rectovaginal fistula and two developed both rectovaginal and vesicovaginal fistula. For each patient, 31 clinical features of multiple data types were collected to develop a fistula prediction framework. A nonlinear support vector machine was used to build the prediction model. Sequential backward feature selection and sequential floating backward feature selection methods were used to determine optimal feature sets. To overcome data imbalance issues, the synthetic minority oversampling technique was used to generate synthetic fistula cases for model training. ResultsSeven mixed data features were selected by both sequential backward selection and sequential floating backward selection methods. Our prediction model using these features achieved a high prediction accuracy, that is, 0.904 area under the curve, 97.1% sensitivity, and 88.5% specificity. ConclusionsA machine-learning–based prediction model of fistula formation has been developed for patients with advanced gynecological malignancies treated using interstitial brachytherapy. This model may be clinically impactful pending refinement and validation in a larger series.

Profast: ERAS in advanced ovarian cancer, a randomized trial. Final results

Objectives: ERAS has been shown to reduce Hospitalization without increasing the rate complications. However information on when applied to advanced gynecological cancer patients is sparse. Our hypothesis is that ERAS in the management of patients with advanced ovarian cancer may improve the postoperatory recovery, allowing for an early discharge, without increasing the number readmission or surgery related complications, as well as lower costs

Genomic heterogeneity and efficacy of PI3K pathway inhibitors in patients with gynaecological cancer

ObjectivesAberrant PI3K/AKT/mTOR activation is common in gynaecological malignancies. However, predictive biomarkers of response to PI3K pathway inhibitors (PAMi) have yet to be identified.MethodsWe analysed the outcomes of patients with advanced gynaecological cancer with available genomic data, treated with PAMi as single agents or in combination in phase I clinical trials. Clinical relevance of the PIK3CA mutant allele fraction (MAF) was investigated. MAF of each variant was normalised for tumour purity in the sample (adjMAFs) to infer clonality of PIK3CA mutations, defined as clonal (≥0.4) or subclonal (<0.4).ResultsA total of 50 patients with gynaecological cancer (24 ovarian; 15 endometrial; 11 cervical) with available targeted mutation profiling were selected. PAMi therapy was matched to PIK3CA/PTEN mutation in 30 patients (60%). The overall response rate, median time to progression (mTTP) and clinical benefit rate (CBR) of the entire population were 10% (N=5), 3.57 months (2.57–4.4) and 40% (N=18), respectively. Genotype-matched therapy did not lead to a favourable CBR (OR 0.91, p=1 (0.2–3.7)) or mTTP (3.57 months (2.6–4.4) vs 3.73 months (1.9–13.2); HR 1.41; p=0.29). We did not detect differences in mTTP according to therapy or PIK3CA codon mutation (HR 1.71, p=0.24). Overall, 41% of patients had a TTP ratio (TTP PAMi/TTP on immediately prior or subsequent palliative chemotherapy) ≥1.3, without statistically significant differences according to tumour type (p=0.39), molecular alteration status (p=0.13) or therapy (p=0.54). In univariate analysis, genotype-matched therapy in patients with PIK3CA clonal events was associated with improved mTTP (HR 3.6; p=0.03).ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that patients with advanced gynaecological cancer, refractory to standard therapies, achieved meaningful clinical benefit from PAMi. The impact of PI3KCA clonality on response to selected PAMi in patients with gynaecological cancer deserves further investigation.

CT findings after pelvic exenteration: review of normal appearances and most common complications.

The aim of this review is to illustrate normal computed tomography (CT) findings and the most common complications in patients who underwent pelvic exenteration (PE) for advanced, persistent or recurrent gynecological cancers. We review the various surgical techniques used in PE, discuss optimal CT protocols for postsurgical evaluation and describe cross-sectional imaging appearances of normal postoperative anatomic changes as well as early and late complications. The interpretation of abdominopelvic CT imaging after PE is very challenging due to remarkable modifications of normal anatomy. After this radical pelvic surgery, the familiarity with expected CT appearances is crucial for diagnosis and appropriate management of potentially life-threatening complications in patients who underwent PE.

Non-Surgical Patients with Advanced Gynecologic Cancer Discharged to Subacute Rehabilitation Centers Have Low Rates of Subsequent Chemotherapy (S864)

Non-Surgical Patients with Advanced Gynecologic Cancer Discharged to Subacute Rehabilitation Centers Have Low Rates of Subsequent Chemotherapy (S864)

Development and assessment of 3D-printed individual applicators in gynecological MRI-guided brachytherapy.

PurposeTo evaluate the clinical use of 3D printing technology for the modelling of individual applicators for advanced gynecological tumors in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based brachytherapy (BT).Material and methodsWe tested individually designed 3D-printed applicators in nine patients with advanced gynecological cancer. Before BT was performed, all patients were treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). The most common indication for individualized BT was advanced gynecological tumors where the use of standard BT applicators was not feasible. Other indications were suboptimal dose-volume histogram (DVH) parameters for high-risk clinical target volume (CTV-THR) at the first BT (V100 ≤ 90% of CTV-THR volume and D98 ≤ 80%, D90 ≤ 100%, and D100 ≤ 60% of dose aim). The EQD2 dose aim to the target volume D90 CTV-THR per one BT fraction was 20 Gy for cervical or recurrent endometrial cancer and 16 Gy for vaginal cancer patient. The first BT with the standard applicator in situ was used as the virtual plan for designing a 3D-printed applicator. The next BT was performed with a 3D-printed applicator in situ. The primary endpoint was to improve CTV-THR DVH parameters without exceeding the dose to the organs at risk (OARs).ResultsAll DVH parameters for CTV-THR were significantly higher with the use of an individually designed applicator. Mean D90 CTV-THR improved from 14.1 ±5.4 Gy to 22.0 ±2.5 Gy and from 7.1 Gy to 16.2 Gy for cervical/recurrent endometrial and vaginal cancer, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean D2cm3 bladder, rectum, sigmoid, and bowel dose was within institutional dose constraints, and increased from 13.0 ±1.5 Gy to 13.6 ±1.5 Gy (p = 0.045), 10.8 ±1.2 Gy to 11.7 ±1.3 Gy (p = 0.004), 8.9 ±3.2 Gy to 10.3 ±3.3 Gy (p = 0.008), and 8.7 ±3.8 Gy to 9.2 ±3.1 Gy (p = 0.2).ConclusionsWith the use of individual 3D-printed applicators, all DVH parameters for CTV-THR significantly improved without compromising the dose constraints for the OARs.

The HOPE Pilot Study: Harnessing Patient-Reported Outcomes and Biometric Data to Enhance Cancer Care.

Integrating patient-reported outcomes (PROs) into clinical practice is an increasingly promising strategy for improving patients' symptoms, communication, and clinical outcomes. The objective of the current study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and perceived effectiveness of a mobile health intervention that was designed to collect PROs and activity data as a measure of health status. This work was a pilot intervention with 10 patients with gynecologic cancers who received palliative chemotherapy. The HOPE (Helping Our Patients Excel) study used wearable accelerometers to assess physical activity and the Beiwe research platform to collect PROs, stratify patient responses by risk, provide tailored symptom management, and notify patients and clinicians of high-risk symptoms. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed through enrollment and adherence rates, and perceived effectiveness was evaluated by patients and oncologists at study completion. The approach-to-consent rate was 100%, and participants were 90% and 70% adherent to the wearable accelerometers and smartphone surveys, respectively. Participants' mean daily step count was 3,973 (standard deviation [SD], 2,305 steps) and increased from week 1 (mean, 3,520 steps; SD, 1,937 steps) to week 3 (mean, 4,136 steps; SD, 1,578 steps). Active monitoring of participants' heart rates, daily steps, and PROs throughout the study identified anomalies in participants' behavior patterns that suggested poor health for two patients (20%). Patients and clinicians indicated that the intervention improved physical activity, communication, and symptom management. A mobile health intervention that collects PROs and activity data as a measure of health status is feasible, acceptable, and was perceived to be effective in improving symptom management in patients with advanced gynecologic cancers. A larger, multisite, randomized clinical trial to assess the efficacy of the HOPE intervention on patients' symptoms, health-related quality of life, clinical outcomes, and health care use is warranted.

The feasibility of an inpatient intervention to improve end-of-life care in gynecologic oncology patients.

69 Background: Unscheduled hospitalizations in patients with advanced cancer predicts &lt; 6 month median survival. Patients with cancer hospitalized near the end of life (EOL) often receive aggressive treatments without survival advantages and have poor quality-of-life. EOL discussions and palliative care (PC) services reduce aggressive care. Methods: An intervention was designed to decrease aggressive EOL care in Gynecologic Oncology (GO) inpatients at a high risk for death within 6 months. Inclusion criteria were advanced gynecologic cancer and 1 of the following: bowel obstruction, failure to thrive, dehydration, cancer-related pain, malignant pleural effusion or ascites, or PCN management. Patients were identified by the care team on admission. An independent auditor assessed if patients were appropriately identified. Eligible patients received a 3-part high risk Gynecologic Oncology (HR-GO) bundle: 1) PC consult, 2) goals of care (GOC) conversation ≤ 48 hours of admission, and 3) PC follow-up within 2 weeks of discharge. Data was collected through chart review. Barriers to bundle implementation were identified. Results: 83 eligible patients were admitted between 8/2017-4/2018. 38 patients (46%) had multiple hospital admissions. 41 patients (49%) received the entire bundle during at least one hospital admission. During their 1st hospital admission, 30% of patients received all 3 parts of the HR-GO bundle. Among those who did not receive the entire bundle, 43% had two components missing. PC follow-up was the most commonly missed component, followed by a GOC conversation within 48 hours of admission. As identified by the auditor, twenty percent of eligible patients were not placed into the study cohort during their first hospital admission. Two barriers to bundle implementation were identified:1) the dependence on care team members to identify high-risk patients and 2) the avoidance of needed GOC discussions when patient’s 1° attending was unavailable. Conclusions: The implementation of an inpatient intervention to decrease aggressive EOL care in GO patients is feasible however barriers must be addressed. Currently work on an automated system to identify patients for intervention is ongoing.

Care pathway for patients with advanced gynaecological cancer and bowel obstruction: Preliminary data

Cachexia is prevalent in more than 50% of patients with advanced cancer and can lead to death. Variation and unequal access to home parenteral nutrition (HPN) exist and cause delay and even lack of nutritional support in patients with incurable gynaecological cancers that develop intestinal failure as a result of malignant bowel obstruction (MBO). HPN services are not integrated into oncology/palliative pathways and care is fragmented. MBO is often multilevel and subacute without an endoscopic or surgical solution [1, 2].

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy Utilizing Dose-Escalated Simultaneous Integrated Boost (IMRT-SIB) to PET-Avid Gross Nodal Disease in Gynecologic Malignancies

Regional nodal irradiation improves survival and reduces development of metastases in locally advanced gynecologic cancers. However, typical doses of 45-50 Gy have been shown to be inadequate to control gross nodal disease. Sequential boost may have low effect due to accelerated repopulation. At our institutions, we utilize a regimen of IMRT to 45-50.4 Gy at 1.8 Gy/fraction to elective nodal volumes (e.g. pelvic and para-aortic nodes) with SIB up to 56.25-63 Gy at 2.25 Gy/fraction to PET avid gross nodal disease. The purpose of this study is to evaluate toxicity and tumor control using this dose-escalated regimen. Patients with gynecologic cancers presenting with PET avid para-aortic, pelvic, and/or inguinal lymph nodes were treated with IMRT-SIB between 2009 and 2017. Toxicity was evaluated throughout treatment and at routine follow up visits. Disease recurrence and response was identified by imaging and/or biopsy. A total of 52 patients were evaluated. The mean age was 54.2 years (± 11.7). Median follow up from completion of treatment was 11.2 months (0.9-90.4). The primary site of disease consisted of the cervix (50%), uterine (32.7%), and vulva (7.7%). Concurrent chemotherapy was given to 61.5% of patients. Brachytherapy was given to 82.7% of patients. The median SIB volume was 74.24 cc (range 6.75-858.42). Local control within the high dose integrated boost region was 97%. Radiologic complete and partial response was 65% and 21% respectively. A majority of the recurrences (63.6%) were distant with only 13.6% of patients having a recurrence in the elective dose field and 31.8% of patients having both a low dose and out of field recurrences. Median time to recurrence was 3.7 months (0-56.6). ≥Grade 3 acute toxicities were observed in 6% of patients. Late recto-vaginal fistula was observed in 13.5%, and was related to brachytherapy. Dose escalated SIB results in excellent local control with acceptable toxicity. Almost all patients achieved radiographic partial or complete response with exceptionally low rate of recurrence within the dose-escalated boost volume.

A prospective analysis of catheter complications for gynecological cancers treated with interstitial brachytherapy in the 3D era

PurposePerineal interstitial brachytherapy (P-ISBT) is an important component in the treatment of locally advanced gynecological cancers. However, there are concerns about potential acute complications from catheter needles. The goal is to evaluate the safety of P-ISBT by studying acute complications and radiological organ needle intrusions. Materials and MethodsForty-eight patients with gynecological cancers treated with P-ISBT at a single institution from September 2014 to April 2016 were included in a prospective registry trial. Postoperative adverse events were recorded during inpatient stay and at 6-week followup. Postprocedure CT and MRI images were reviewed by two physicians to record the number of needles intruded into organs. Discrepancies were resolved by a radiologist. ResultsMedian followup time was at least 3 months. Forty-two patients were initially treated with external beam radiation therapy, median dose of 45 Gy. A total of 73 insertions were performed. The median number of needles for first and second insertions was 17 and 19, respectively. Twenty-eight patients had radiological evidence of needle intrusion(s) into at least one pelvic organ. The most commonly intruded organs were large bowel (18 cases) and bladder (18), followed by rectum (12). A total of nine acute toxicities from needle intrusions were found: four hematuria (1 G1, 3 G2); four perineal infections (3 G2, 1 G3); and one vaginal bleeding (G3). No gastrointestinal complications were found. ConclusionsPerineal ISBT is an effective treatment for gynecological cancers. Despite occasional radiological catheter intrusions, there are low rates of organ complications. Concern of needle complications from P-ISBT should not be a barrier to adopting this technique for effective treatment.

Palliative care in women's cancer care: Global challenges and advances.

Women's cancer rates are increasing in low- and middle-income countries, with presentations that are often far advanced requiring intense symptom management, thus advancing the urgent need to address palliative care. Most resource settings have some options available to assist women with advanced gynecologic cancer, and a combination of leveraging these and expanding on emerging models for palliative care could lessen suffering and improve care for women with gynecologic cancers globally. Providing palliative care for women with cancer is constrained by resources (human and physical), lack of equipment, lack of access, and policy absence or barriers. There is important work to be done in advocating for appropriate infrastructure development and legislation to assure that these options are available to women and their families. Access to adequate opioid and other pain relief options for cancer-related pain is a particular concern given that availability, cost, and legislative prohibitions create barriers that cause suffering for patients and grief for their families who are unable to address their suffering. All of these require ongoing advocacy for continual advances to improve access and infrastructure for palliative care.

Role of Gynaecology Oncology Specialist Nurses in Improving Patient Follow-Up and Integration With the Health Care Team

Background: All advanced gynecologic cancers treated initially with a curative intent should also be referred to palliative care at the outset for symptom management. Specialist nurses can play an integral role in this process as patients feel more comfortable to relay their symptoms to nurses rather than busy clinicians. The concept of specialist nurses has been introduced in June 2016 in the Gynecologic Oncology Department in Tata Medical Center. We aim evaluate our services through this prospective audit. Aim: i: To assess whether pre and posttreatment counseling and follow-up by gynecologic oncology specialist nurses lead to better patient care in the following areas. Increased patient participation in self-reporting of PROM (patient reported outcome monitoring) and uptake of follow-up methods via e-mail, telephone etc. ii: Coordinate administration of intraperitoneal chemotherapy and follow-up. iii: Detection of posttreatment complications and symptoms by telephonic follow up and coordination with the treating team including quality of life data collection. iv: Communicating MDT decisions to patients and arrange appropriate follow-up. v: Reduction of patient follow-up appointments and distress by coordinating with other departments i.e., palliative care team and gynae/medical oncology at same visit. vi: Develop patient information leaflets and providing preoperative education Methods: Prospective audit for service evaluation. Patients follow-up was done by face to face, telephone, e-mail in the pre and postoperative period, during chemotherapy and follow-up visits by 4 specialist nurses. Results: Between June 2016 and December 2017, specialist nurses conducted follow-up of 225 patients both in preoperative and postoperative period and collected 30 day morbidity data. Preoperative health education was given to all. 36 patients were coordinated with palliative care team on same day with gynecologic visit to reduce harassment/repeat appointments. Postchemotherapy follow-up was done for 80 patients after each cycle of chemotherapy. Coordination for 19 intraperitoneal chemotherapy was done by nurses during a 9 month period. As a result of regular follow-up visits, women were more comfortable in self-reporting of symptoms to the nurse including sensitive issues like body image and sexuality even by nonface to face methods including telephone calls/e-mails and postal mails. This has led to early detection of recurrences in 4 women, participation in multicentric national/international quality of life studies (SOCQER2/ SOCQER IND) and successful organization of survivorship programs in gynecologic oncology. Conclusion: Counseling, education and building up of interpersonal relationship with specialist nurses can improve patient participation. The role of CNS is vital to the advancement of nursing practice.