International Collaboration On Cancer Reporting Research Articles

Dataset for reporting of the invasive carcinoma of the breast: recommendations from the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR).

Current national or regional guidelines for the pathology reporting on invasive breast cancer differ in certain aspects, resulting in divergent reporting practice and a lack of comparability of data. Here we report on a new international dataset for the pathology reporting of resection specimens with invasive cancer of the breast. The dataset was produced under the auspices of the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR), a global alliance of major (inter-)national pathology and cancer organizations. The established ICCR process for dataset development was followed. An international expert panel consisting of breast pathologists, a surgeon, and an oncologist prepared a draft set of core and noncore data items based on a critical review and discussion of current evidence. Commentary was provided for each data item to explain the rationale for selecting it as a core or noncore element, its clinical relevance, and to highlight potential areas of disagreement or lack of evidence, in which case a consensus position was formulated. Following international public consultation, the document was finalized and ratified, and the dataset, which includes a synoptic reporting guide, was published on the ICCR website. This first international dataset for invasive cancer of the breast is intended to promote high-quality, standardized pathology reporting. Its widespread adoption will improve consistency of reporting, facilitate multidisciplinary communication, and enhance comparability of data, all of which will help to improve the management of invasive breast cancer patients.

A dedicated structured data set for reporting of invasive carcinoma of the breast in the setting of neoadjuvant therapy: recommendations from the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR).

The International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR), a global alliance of major (inter-)national pathology and cancer organisations, is an initiative aimed at providing a unified international approach to reporting cancer. ICCR recently published new data sets for the reporting of invasive breast carcinoma, surgically removed lymph nodes for breast tumours and ductal carcinoma in situ, variants of lobular carcinoma in situ and low-grade lesions. The data set in this paper addresses the neoadjuvant setting. The aim is to promote high-quality, standardised reporting of tumour response and residual disease after neoadjuvant treatment that can be used for subsequent management decisions for each patient. The ICCR convened expert panels of breast pathologists with a representative surgeon and oncologist to critically review and discuss current evidence. Feedback from the international public consultation was critical in the development of this data set. The expert panel concluded that a dedicated data set was required for reporting of breast specimens post-neoadjuvant therapy with inclusion of data elements specific to the neoadjuvant setting as core or non-core elements. This data set proposes a practical approach for handling and reporting breast resection specimens following neoadjuvant therapy. The comments for each data element clarify terminology, discuss available evidence and highlight areas with limited evidence that need further study. This data set overlaps with, and should be used in conjunction with, the data sets for the reporting of invasive breast carcinoma and surgically removed lymph nodes from patients with breast tumours, as appropriate. Key issues specific to the neoadjuvant setting are included in this paper. The entire data set is freely available on the ICCR website. High-quality, standardised reporting of tumour response and residual disease after neoadjuvant treatment are critical for subsequent management decisions for each patient.

Dataset for reporting of thymic epithelial tumours: recommendations from the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR).

Thymic epithelial tumours (TET), including thymomas and thymic carcinomas and thymic neuroendocrine neoplasms, are malignant neoplasms that can be associated with morbidity and mortality. Recently, an updated version of the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Thoracic Tumours 5th Edition, 2021 has been released, which included various changes to the classification of these neoplasms. In addition, in 2017 the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) / American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) published the 8th Edition Staging Manual which, for the first time, includes a TNM staging that is applicable to thymomas, thymic carcinomas, and thymic neuroendocrine neoplasms. To standardize reporting of resected TET and thymic neuroendocrine neoplasms the accrediting bodies updated their reporting protocols. The International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR), which represents a collaboration between various National Associations of Pathology, updated its 2017 histopathology reporting guide on TET and thymic neuroendocrine neoplasms accordingly. This report will highlight important changes in the reporting of TET and thymic neuroendocrine neoplasms based on the 2021 WHO, emphasize the 2017 TNM staging, and also comment on the rigour and various uncertainties for the pathologist when trying to follow that staging. The ICCR dataset provides a comprehensive, standardized template for reporting of resected TET and thymic neuroendocrine neoplasms.

Dataset for the reporting of neoplasms of the heart, pericardium, and great vessels: recommendations from the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR)

The International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR) was founded by major pathology organizations from around the world to produce internationally standardized and evidence-based datasets for pathologists' reporting of cancer. Its goal is to improve cancer patient outcomes worldwide and to advance international benchmarking in cancer management. The ICCR cancer dataset development schedule is aligned with revisions of the WHO Classification of Tumours ("Blue Book") series, and in 2015 ICCR developed an initial series of thoracic datasets including a dataset for neoplasms of the heart, pericardium, and great vessels. This edition has now been updated to align with the 2021 WHO Blue Book series. An expert panel was convened to review and revise the dataset. While the majority of ICCR datasets are focused on malignant tumors, the scope of this dataset includes a number of benign tumors and tumor-like entities because of the rarity of cardiac malignancies and the serious implications of even histologically benign lesions. Due to the rarity of cardiac tumors, evidence in support of reporting elements is limited.

An international unified approach to reporting and grading invasive breast cancer. An overview of the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR) initiative.

Standardised reporting of breast cancer key pathology data has become the norm in some parts of the world, but are based on national or regional guidelines that differ in certain aspects, resulting in divergent reporting practices and a lack of comparability of data internationally. The International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR), a global alliance of major (inter-)national pathology and cancer organizations, have recently produced a new international dataset for the pathology reporting of breast cancer, including resection specimens with invasive cancer and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast. This initiative aims at providing an international unified approach to reporting cancer. The guidance was prepared by an international expert panel consisting of experienced breast pathologists, a surgeon, and an oncologist. The dataset includes core (essential) and noncore (optional) data items based on a critical review and discussion of current evidence. Commentary is provided for each data item to explain the rationale for selection, its clinical relevance, and to highlight potential areas of disagreement or lack of evidence, in which case a consensus position was formulated. The process concludes with international public consultation, before ratification and publication on the free open access ICCR website, with a synoptic reporting guide. The key aim is to promote high-quality, standardised pathology reporting that can be used worldwide. Histological grade, tumour size, and oestrogen receptor status are used in this article to illustrate this process and the detail provided to support its inclusion.

Dataset for the Reporting of Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia: Recommendations From the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR).

Comprehensive pathology reporting of cancers is important for patient management, tumor staging, and prognostication. Standardized cancer datasets are essential in guiding pathology reporting in a consistent and concise manner and this facilitates effective global cancer information exchange and comparison. The International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR) is an alliance of several national and international pathology societies in many countries as well as bodies which are involved in tumor classification and staging. One function of the ICCR is to develop evidence-based, standardized reporting datasets for each cancer site. Herein, we report the development of an evidence-based cancer dataset by an ICCR panel of international experts for the reporting of primary uterine gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. We present the core elements that should be included and noncore elements that are recommended for inclusion in pathology reports. Lists of the response values are provided for each element, along with explanatory commentaries. The dataset also discusses controversial issues in the reporting of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. Such evidence-based and structured pathology datasets developed through an international effort will facilitate consistent and accurate exchange and comparison of epidemiological and pathologic parameters among different populations and countries. This will ultimately improve gestational trophoblastic neoplasia patient care and facilitate future research.

Data Set for the Reporting of Endometrial Cancer: Recommendations From the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR).

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. The International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR) developed a standardized endometrial cancer data set in 2011, which provided detailed recommendations for the reporting of resection specimens of these neoplasms. A new data set has been developed, which incorporates the updated 2020 World Health Organization Classification of Female Genital Tumors, the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) molecular classification of endometrial cancers, and other major advances in endometrial cancer reporting, all of which necessitated a major revision of the data set. This updated data set has been produced by a panel of expert pathologists and an expert clinician and has been subject to international open consultation. The data set includes core elements which are unanimously agreed upon as essential for cancer diagnosis, clinical management, staging, or prognosis and noncore elements which are clinically important, but not essential. Explanatory notes are provided for each element. Adoption of this updated data set will result in improvements in endometrial cancer patient care.

Data Set for the Reporting of Ovarian, Fallopian Tube and Primary Peritoneal Carcinoma: Recommendations From the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR).

The move toward consistent and comprehensive surgical pathology reports for cancer resection specimens has been a key development in supporting evidence-based patient management and consistent cancer staging. The International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR) previously developed a data set for reporting of the ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal carcinomas which was published in 2015. In this paper, we provide an update on this data set, as a second edition, that reflects changes in the 2020 World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Female Genital Tumours as well as some other minor modifications. The data set has been developed by a panel of internationally recognized expert pathologists and a clinician and consists of "core" and "noncore" elements to be included in surgical pathology reports, with detailed commentary to guide users, including references. This data set replaces the widely used first edition, and will facilitate consistent and accurate case reporting, data collection for quality assurance and research, and allow for comparison of epidemiological and pathologic parameters between different populations.

International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR) Gynecological Cancer Datasets: A Move Towards International Standardization.

International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR) Gynecological Cancer Datasets: A Move Towards International Standardization.

Reporting of Surgically Removed Lymph Nodes for Breast Tumors: Recommendations From the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting.

The International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR), supported by major pathology and cancer organizations, aims at the standardization of evidence-based pathology reporting of different types of cancers, with the inclusion of all parameters deemed to be relevant for best patient care and future data collection. Lymph node metastasis is one of the most important prognostic factors in breast cancer. To produce a histopathology reporting guide by a panel of recognized experts from the fields of pathology and surgery with elements deemed to be core (required) and noncore (recommended) to report when assessing regional lymph nodes of patients with breast cancer. Published literature, previous guidelines/recommendations, and current cancer staging principles were the basis of the data set drafted by the expert panel. This was discussed in a series of teleconferences and email communications. The draft data set was then made available for public consultation through the ICCR Web site. After this consultation and ICCR ratification, the data set was finalized. The ICCR has published a data set for the reporting of surgically removed lymph nodes (including sentinel lymph node biopsy, axillary lymph node dissection, targeted axillary surgery, and lymph node sampling specimens) for breast tumors. This is part of a series of 4 ICCR breast cancer-related data sets. It includes 10 core elements along with 2 noncore elements. This should allow for synoptic reporting, which is more precise, uniform, and complete than nonsynoptic reporting, and leads to improved patient outcomes.

Data Set for the Reporting of Carcinomas of the Vulva: Recommendations From the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR).

A cogent and comprehensive pathologic report is essential for optimal patient management, cancer staging, and prognostication. This article details the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR) process and the development of the vulval carcinoma reporting data set. It describes the "core" and "noncore" elements to be included in pathology reports for vulval carcinoma, inclusive of clinical, macroscopic, microscopic, and ancillary testing considerations. It provides definitions and commentary for the evidence and/or consensus-based deliberations for each element included in the data set. The commentary also discusses controversial issues, such as p16/human papillomavirus testing, tumor grading and measurements, as well as elements that show promise and warrant further evidence-based study. A summary and discussion of the updated vulval cancer staging system by the International Federation of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (FIGO) in 2021 is also provided. We hope the widespread implementation of this data set will facilitate consistent and accurate reporting, data collection, comparison of epidemiological and pathologic parameters between different populations, facilitate research, and serve as a platform to improve patient outcomes.

Data Set for Reporting of Uterine Malignant and Potentially Malignant Mesenchymal Tumors: Recommendations From the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR).

The International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR) seeks to produce standardized, evidence-based protocols for the reporting of tumors with the aim of ensuring that all cancer reports generated worldwide will be of similar high quality and record the same elements. Herein, we describe the development of the data set for the reporting of uterine malignant and potentially malignant mesenchymal tumors by a panel of expert pathologists and a single clinician and provide the commentary and rationale for the inclusion of core and noncore elements. This data set, which incorporates the recent updates from the 5th edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Female Genital Tumors, addresses several subjects of debate including which mesenchymal tumors should be graded, how to document extent of invasion, mitotic counts, and the role of ancillary testing in tumor diagnosis and patient management. The inclusion of elements is evidence-based or based on consensus of the expert panel with clinical relevance being the guiding standard.

Dataset for reporting of gastrointestinal stromal tumours: recommendations from the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR).

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract and are among the most frequent sarcomas. Accurate diagnosis, classification, and reporting are critical for prognostication and patient management, including selection of appropriate targeted therapy. Here we report on international consensus-based datasets for the pathology reporting of biopsy and resection specimens of GIST. The datasets were produced under the auspices of the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR), a global alliance of major international pathology and cancer organizations. An international expert panel consisting of pathologists, a surgical oncologist, and a medical oncologist produced a set of core and noncore data items for biopsy and resection specimens based on a critical review and discussion of current evidence. All professionals involved were subspecialized soft tissue tumour experts and affiliated with tertiary referral centres. Commentary was provided for each data item to explain its clinical relevance and the rationale for selection as a core or noncore element. Following international public consultation, the datasets, which include synoptic reporting guides, were finalized and ratified, and published on the ICCR website. These first international datasets for GIST are intended to promote high-quality, standardised pathology reporting. Their widespread adoption will improve consistency of reporting, facilitate multidisciplinary communication, and enhance comparability of data, all of which will ultimately help to improve the management of patients with GIST. All the ICCR datasets, including these on GIST, are freely available worldwideon the ICCR website (www.iccr-cancer.org/datasets).

Dataset for the Reporting of Carcinoma of the Cervix: Recommendations From the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR).

Cervical carcinoma remains one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, despite effective screening programs being implemented in many countries for several decades. The International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR) dataset for cervical carcinoma was first developed in 2017 with the aim of developing evidence-based standardized, consistent and comprehensive surgical pathology reports for resection specimens. This 4th edition update to the ICCR dataset on cervical cancer was undertaken to incorporate major changes based upon the updated International Federation of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FIGO) staging for carcinoma of the cervix published in 2018 and the 5th Edition World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Female Genital Tumors published in 2020 and other significant developments in pathologic aspects of cervical cancer. This updated dataset was developed by a panel of expert gynecological pathologists and an expert gynecological oncologist, with a period of open consultation. The revised dataset includes "core" and "noncore" elements to be reported; these are accompanied by detailed explanatory notes and references providing the rationale for the updates. Standardized reporting using datasets such as this helps facilitate consistency and accuracy, data collection across different sites and comparison of epidemiological and pathologic parameters for quality and research purposes.

The International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR): 10 Years Progress in the Development of Cancer Pathology Datasets.

The International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR): 10 Years Progress in the Development of Cancer Pathology Datasets.

Dataset for pathology reporting of ductal carcinoma in situ, variants of lobular carcinoma in situ and low-grade lesions: recommendations from the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR).

To describe a new international dataset for pathology reporting of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), variants of lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) and low-grade lesions (encapsulated papillary carcinoma, solid papillary carcinoma in situ, Paget's disease) produced by the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR). The ICCR, a global alliance of pathology bodies, uses a rigorous and efficient process for the development of evidence-based, structured datasets for pathology reporting of common cancers. Their aim is to support quality pathology reporting and engender understanding between the breast surgeon, pathologist, and oncologist for optimal and uniform patient management globally. Here we describe the dataset for DCIS, some variants of LCIS (namely the pleomorphic and the florid variants), and low-grade lesions by a multidisciplinary panel of internationally recognized experts. The agreed dataset comprises 12 core (required) and five noncore (recommended) elements suitable for both developed and low-income jurisdictions, derived from a review of current evidence. Areas of contention were addressed using a pragmatic approach in the absence of evidence. Use of all core elements is the minimum reporting standard for any individual case. Commentary is provided, explaining each element's clinical relevance, definitions to be applied where appropriate for the agreed list of value options and the rationale for considering the element as core or noncore. This first internationally agreed dataset for DCIS, variants of LCIS, and low-grade lesions reporting will enable their standardization of pathology reporting and enhance clinicopathological communication leading to improved patient outcomes. Widespread adoption will also facilitate international comparisons, multinational clinical trials, and help to improve the management of breast disease globally.

Data Set for the Reporting of Carcinomas of the Vagina: Recommendations From the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR).

Primary carcinomas of the vagina are uncommon and currently detailed recommendations for the reporting of resection specimens of these neoplasms are not widely available. The International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR) is developing standardized, evidence-based reporting data sets for multiple cancer sites. We describe the development of a cancer data set by the ICCR expert panel for the reporting of primary vaginal carcinomas and present the core and noncore data elements with explanatory commentaries. This data set has incorporated the updates in the 2020 World Health Organization Classification of Female Genital Tumours, 5th edition. The data set addresses controversial issues such as tumor grading, margin assessment, and the role of ancillary studies. The adoption of this data set into clinical practice will help ensure standardized data collection across different countries, facilitate future research on vaginal carcinomas, and ultimately lead to improvements in patient care.

Outcome-based Validation of Confluent/Expansile Versus Infiltrative Pattern Assessment and Growth-based Grading in Ovarian Mucinous Carcinoma.

The growth pattern (confluent/expansile versus infiltrative) in primary ovarian mucinous carcinoma (OMC) is prognostically important, and the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR) currently recommends recording the percentage of infiltrative growth in this tumor type. Histologic grading of OMC is controversial with no single approach widely accepted or currently recognized by the World Health Organization Classification of Tumours. Since ovarian carcinoma grade is often considered in clinical decision-making, previous literature has recommended incorporating clinically relevant tumor parameters such as growth pattern into the OMC grade. We herein validate this approach, termed Growth-Based Grade (GBG), in an independent, well-annotated cohort from 2 institutions. OMCs with available histologic material underwent review and grading by Silverberg, International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO), and GBG schema. GBG categorizes OMCs as low-grade (GBG-LG, confluent/expansile growth, or ≤10% infiltrative invasion) or high-grade (GBG-HG, infiltrative growth in >10% of tumor). The cohort consisted of 74 OMCs, 53 designated as GBG-LG, and 21 as GBG-HG. Using Silverberg grading, the cohort had 42 (57%) grade 1, 28 (38%) grade 2, and 4 (5%) grade 3 OMCs. Using FIGO grading, 50 (68%) OMCs were grade 1, 23 (31%) grade 2, and 1 (1%) grade 3. Follow-up data was available in 68 patients, of which 15 (22%) had cancer recurrence. GBG-HG tumors were far more likely to recur compared with GBG-LG tumors (57% vs. 6%; χ 2P <0.0001). Silverberg and FIGO grading systems also correlated with progression-free survival in univariate analysis, but multivariate analysis showed only GBG to be significant (hazard ratio: 10.9; Cox proportional regression P =0.0004). Seven patients (10%) died of disease, all of whom had GBG-HG (log-rank P <0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed that the percentage of infiltrative growth was the only factor predictive of disease-specific survival (hazard ratio: 25.5, Cox P =0.02). Adding nuclear atypia to GBG categories did not improve prognostication. Our study validates the prognostic value of the GBG system for both disease-free survival and disease-specific survival in OMC, which outperformed Silverberg and FIGO grades in multivariate analysis. Thus, GBG should be the preferred method for tumor grading.

103. The prognostic significance of chemotherapy response score and lymphocytic infiltration in patients with ovarian cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Introduction and aims of the study: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by interval debulking surgery (IDS) for the management of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) represents an alternative approach to primary debulking with comparable survival outcomes. Histopathologic examination of the IDS specimens and the evaluation of Chemotherapy Response Score (CRS) have been proposed as significant markers of response to NACT. The objective of our study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of CRS in OC patients treated with NACT. Methods: Medical records of patients with OC stage ≥ III who were selected to receive NACT in our institution from 2011 to 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. CRS was assessed on both omental and ovarian samples according to International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR) recommendation. Lymphocytic infiltration, presence of necrosis and mitotic index were also assessed. Results: A total of 60 patients with median age of 65 years at diagnosis were included. A total of 20 and 10 patients received score 3 in CRS at omentum and ovarian samples, respectively. Patients with CRS3 at omentum had significantly prolonged median Progression Free Survival (PFS) compared to CRS1 and CRS2 (19 vs 10 vs 15 months, respectively, p = 0.002), while no difference was observed in the respective OS among the groups (42 vs 28 vs 32.3 months, respectively). Lymphocytic infiltration in pre-treatment biopsies was related to improved PFS and OS (log-rank p = 0.01 and p = 0.015, respectively). No effect on either PFS or OS was observed in patients who received bevacizumab post-IDS, while in patients with lymphocytic infiltration bevacizumab negatively affected PFS. Conclusions: Our study highlights the role of CRS in the prediction of the postoperative course of EOC patients who undergo NACT and IDS. Further studies are needed to decipher the exact role of CRS and lymphocytic infiltration so as to personalize the treatment of EOC patients.

Histopathological Assessment for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

Histologic assessments of papillary thyroid carcinoma are crucial for management of patients with the cancer as well as research on the cancer as papillary thyroid carcinoma has different histologic subtypes and many parameters which are essential in predicting the biological aggressiveness of the cancer. The histologic assessments should be guided by universally adopted protocols including World Health Organization (WHO) classification of endocrine tumors, International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR) dataset, American Thyroid Association initial risk stratification for differentiated thyroid carcinomas and TNM stage groupings. The essential steps in histologic assessment involve the identification of characteristic features of papillary thyroid carcinoma, correct histologic subtyping, noting the number of carcinomas, measuring the size of the carcinoma, documenting the different aggressive histological parameters (mitotic activity, presence of tumor encapsulation/circumscription, lymphatic vessel invasion, blood vessel invasion, necrosis, extrathyroidal extension), resection margin status, associated pathology, presence of parathyroid gland, lymph node and distant metastases as well as synthesis of pathological stage based on the various clinical, macroscopic, and histological features.