Treatment Of Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Research Articles

Association between gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) history and clinical outcomes in in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycles

BackgroundGestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) usually affects young women of childbearing age. After treatment for GTD, 86% of women wish to achieve pregnancy. On account of the impacts of GTD and treatments as well as patient anxiety, large numbers of couples turn to assisted reproductive technology (ART), especially in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI). But few studies have investigated whether a history of GTD affects the outcomes of IVF/ICSI in secondary infertile patients and how it occurs. We investigate whether a history of GTD affects the IVF/ICSI outcomes and the live birth rates in women with secondary infertility.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study enrolled 176 women with secondary infertility who underwent IVF/ICSI treatment at the reproductive medical center of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2020. Participants were divided into the GTD group (44 women with GTD history) and control group (132 women without GTD history matched from 8318 secondary infertile women). The control group and the study group were matched at a ratio of 3:1 according to patient age, infertility duration, number of cycles and body mass index (BMI). We assessed retrieved oocytes and high-grade embryos, biochemical pregnancy, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, gestational age at delivery, delivery mode and live birth rates.Result(s)We found a significantly reduced live-birth rate (34.1% vs 66.7%) associated with IVF/ICSI cycles in patients with a GTD history compared to those without a GTD history. The biochemical pregnancy and miscarriage rates of the GTD group were slightly higher than those of the control group. In addition, there was a difference in gestational age at delivery between the GTD and control groups (p < 0.001) but no differences in the mode of delivery (p = 0.267). Furthermore, the number of abandoned embryos in the GTD group was greater than that in the control group (p = 0.018), and the number of good-quality embryos was less than that in the control group (p = 0.019). The endometrial thickness was thinner (p < 0.001) in the GTD group. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) showed abnormal endometrial receptivity in the GTD group.Conclusion(s)The GTD history of patients undergoing IVF/ICSI cycles had an impact on the live-birth rate and gestational age at delivery, which might result from the thinner endometrium and abnormal endometrial receptivity before embryo transfer.

Gestational trophoblastic disease in Switzerland: retrospective study of the impact of a regional reference centre.

The European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) recommends that countries should have reference centres to provide adequate diagnosis and treatment of gestational trophoblastic disease. A trophoblastic disease centre in the French-speaking part of Switzerland was inaugurated in 2009. The objectives of this study were to report the activity of the centre during the last 10 years and analyse gestational trophoblastic disease outcomes. This was a retrospective study with data collected from all cases of gestational trophoblastic disease referred to the centre from 2009 to 2018. All histological specimens as well as data for treatment and follow-up of gestational trophoblastic disease and neoplasia were reviewed. Clinical features, including age, prognostic score and International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stages (in the case of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) follow-up, treatment and outcome were reported. The centre registered 354 patients, and these patients presented 156 cases of partial hydatidiform moles, 163 cases of complete hydatidiform moles and 14 cases of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. During follow-up, 35 gestational trophoblastic neoplasms were diagnosed after hCG persistence. After pathology review, the overall agreement rates between our centre and a participating provider hospital was 82%. Methotrexate was the first line of single-agent chemotherapy for most patients, with resistance rates of 23%. Multi-agent chemotherapy was used as first-line treatment for five patients. None of the patients followed up by the centre died from gestational trophoblastic disease. This study reflects the activity of the Swiss trophoblastic disease centre from the French-speaking part of Switzerland created in 2009, and its role as local and national reference centre, in terms of global health, for women with gestational trophoblastic disease.

Clinical presentation and diagnosis of Gestational Trophoblastic Disease.

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a heterogeneous group of pregnancy-related disorders characterized by abnormal proliferation of trophoblastic tissue. It encompasses the premalignant partial and complete hydatidiform mole but also the malignant invasive mole, choriocarcinoma, placental-site trophoblastic tumor, and epithelioid trophoblastic tumor. The clinical presentation changed to earlier detection after the introduction of first trimester ultrasounds. Patients are often asymptomatic, but vaginal bleeding continues to be the most common presenting symptom. Other symptoms can develop in the case of metastatic disease. Ultrasound, serum human chorionic gonadotrophin, and sometimes additional imaging such as CT, MRI, or PET can confirm the diagnosis and stage of disease. Familiarity with the pathogenesis, classification, imaging features, and treatment of GTD facilitates diagnosis and appropriate management.

Treatment of gestational trophoblastic disease in the 2020s.

This review demonstrates the evidence for new systemic anticancer treatments and how they integrate within conventional management for gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). We present the evidence on atypical placental site nodules, and how they incorporate within the GTN spectrum, as well as updates regarding GTN staging and follow-up. First-line treatment for GTN still lies in conventional chemotherapy, although the introduction of anti-PD1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors has shown significant promise in management of relapsed disease, with responses reported in multiple relapsed choriocarcinomas as well as epithelioid trophoblastic tumours and placental site trophoblastic tumours (ETT/PSTT). Following completion of treatment, ETT/PSTT still require life-long surveillance but for other GTN, no recurrences have been detected after 7 years. Checkpoint inhibitors are likely to play an increasing role in the future management of GTN management. Further refinement of prognostic factors to identify those most at risk of GTN recurrence is warranted so that surveillance can be focussed on those most at risk, whilst minimizing unnecessary intervention for those at lower risk.

Curative effect of second curettage for treatment of gestational trophoblastic disease - Results of the Belgian registry for gestational trophoblastic disease

ObjectiveWe assessed the curative effect of a second curettage in patients with persistent hCG serum levels after first curettage for a gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). Study DesignThis prospective observational study used the data of the Belgian register for GTD between July 2012 and January 2017. We analysed the data of patients who underwent a second curettage. We included 313 patients in the database. Primary endpoints were need for second curettage and chemotherapy. ResultsThirty-seven patients of the study population (12 %) underwent a second curettage. 20 had persistent human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG) elevation before second curettage. Of them, 9 patients (45 %) needed no further treatment afterwards. Eleven patients (55 %) needed further chemotherapy. Nine (82 %) were cured with single-agent chemotherapy and 2 patients (18 %) needed multi-agent chemotherapy.Of the 37 patients, patients with hCG levels below 5000 IU/L undergoing a second curettage were cured without chemotherapy in 65 % versus 45 % of patients with hCG level more than 5000 IU/L. Of the ten patients with a hCG level below 1000 IU/L, eight were cured without chemotherapy. ConclusionsPatients with post-mole gestational trophoblastic neoplasia can benefit from a second curettage to avoid chemotherapy, especially when the hCG level is lower than 5000 IU/L.

Outcomes of minimally invasive versus open abdominal hysterectomy in patients with gestational trophoblastic disease

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to compare surgical and oncologic outcomes for women undergoing MIH or open abdominal hysterectomy (OAH) for management of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). MethodsPatients who underwent hysterectomy for GTD between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2018 were identified using an institutional database and tumor registry. Patients were stratified based on indication for and mode of hysterectomy. Results39 patients underwent hysterectomy for GTD – 22 MIH and 17 OAH. 26 hysterectomies (66.7%) were performed for primary treatment of GTD, 7 (17.9%) for chemoresistance, 2 (5.1%) for uterine hemorrhage, and 4 (10.3%) for other indications. Mean tumor size (4.2 vs 4.6 cm; p = .81) and operative time (136 vs 163 mins; p = .42) were similar in both groups. MIH was associated with significantly less blood loss (71.5 vs 427.3 ml; p = .03) and shorter hospital stay (1.5 vs 3.9 days, p = .02) than OAH. Postoperative histology comprised 12 complete moles (6 invasive), 8 choriocarcinomas, 9 placental site trophoblastic tumors and 9 epithelioid trophoblastic tumors. Median follow-up was 67.2 months (50.2 MIH, 79.3 OAH; range 11.1–131.2) and there was no difference in remission (81.8% MIH vs 76.5% OAH; p = .68). There were 7 recurrences (4 MIH, 3 OAH) and 3 deaths (2 MIH, 1 OAH). Overall survival was 97.3% at 2 years and 88.5% at 5 years. There was no significant difference in 5-year survival by mode of surgery (MIH 90.9%, OAH 83.3%; p = .40). ConclusionsPatients undergoing MIH at our centers have similar oncologic outcomes, lower surgical blood loss and shorter hospital stay compared to those undergoing OAH. Overall survival is similar regardless of mode of surgery.

Surgery including fertility-sparing treatment of GTD.

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) consists of a spectrum of diseases, including hydatidiform moles, invasive mole, metastatic mole, choriocarcinoma, placental site trophoblastic tumour (PSTT) and epithelioid trophoblastic tumour (ETT). GTD is a relatively uncommon disease occurring in women of reproductive age, with high cure rates. Primary treatment of hydatidiform moles includes uterine evacuation, followed by close monitoring of serial hCG levels to detect for post-molar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). In patients with GTN, the main therapy consists of chemotherapy, although some surgical procedures are important in selected patients to achieve curing. Hysterectomy is the mainstay treatment for PSTT or ETT and may be considered in selected patients for management of hydatidiform mole and malignant GTN especially in chemoresistant disease. Resection of metastatic lesions such as in the lung or brain can be considered in selected patients with isolated chemoresistant tumour. Surgical treatment of GTD will be discussed in this chapter.

Uterine artery pulsatility index and serum BMP-9 predict resistance to methotrexate therapy in gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: A cohort study

Methotrexate is the most common first-line chemotherapy for low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). Uterine artery pulsatility index (UAPI) is an ultrasound marker for tumor vascularity that has been associated with an increased risk of methotrexate resistance. The combination of circulating angiogenic factor levels with UAPI data may improve the capacity of this model to predict chemoresistance. This was a single-center cohort study of women newly diagnosed between January 2008 and June 2012 with low-risk GTN during postmolar surveillance and treated with single-agent methotrexate at Charing Cross Hospital, a UK national center for treatment of gestational trophoblastic disease. Two hundred seventeen women underwent an ultrasound for UAPI measurement prior to initiation of chemotherapy. To examine serologic markers of methotrexate resistance among this cohort, we performed a case-control study using archived serum from 76 patients who could be matched based on prognostic risk score. Serum samples were examined by immunoassay to measure 8 different angiogenic factors (VEGF-A, FGF-basic, PLGF-1, PDGF-BB, EGF, ANGPT2, BMP-9, and ENG). Receiver-operator characteristic area under the curve (AUC) values were calculated for the ability of each analyte to correctly classify patients as methotrexate sensitive (MTX-S) or resistant (MTX-R). Total human chorionic gonadotropin levels were similar between the MTX-S and MTX-R groups. UAPI values were significantly higher in MTX-S (median 1.30 [interquartile range {IQR} = 0.80-1.90]) compared to MTX-R patients (median 0.875 [IQR = 0.60-1.30]; P < 0.0001) with AUC 0.68 (95% confidence interval 0.61-0.76; P < 0.0001). In univariate analysis, only BMP-9 concentrations were significantly different between groups, lower among MTX-S (median of 225 ng/L, IQR = 170-287) compared to MTX-R patients (median 280 ng/L [IQR = 200-339]; P= 0.03). Combining UAPI with BMP-9 concentration improved prediction for chemoresistance with AUC 0.77 (95% confidence interval 0.66-0.88; P < 0.0001). Circulating levels of BMP-9 are elevated in newly diagnosed women with low-risk GTN destined to fail primary methotrexate therapy. A combined test using serum BMP-9 plus UAPI might improve prediction of MTX-R in low-risk GTN.

SUN-513 Severe Hyperthyroidism in a Complete Molar Pregnancy

Hydatidiform mole (HM), a type of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), is a rare cause of clinical hyperthyroidism. The development of hyperthyroidism requires an elevation of HCG >100,000 mlU/mL for several weeks. Complete mole has a marked HCG elevation compared to partial mole thus presents with a higher incidence of thyrotoxicosis. Surgical uterine evacuation is the treatment of choice for HM. However, untreated hyperthyroidism can pose a risk for the development of thyroid storm and high-output cardiac failure in the perioperative period. To our knowledge, there are no specific guidelines for management at this time. We present a case of hyperthyroidism secondary to complete molar pregnancy successfully treated with propylthiouracil (PTU), potassium iodide (SSKI), and atenolol in the preoperative period.A 42-year-old female with history of migraines presented to her gynecologist with a 3-week history of lower abdominal cramping, vomiting, loss of appetite, and abnormal vaginal bleeding. She also endorsed a 6-pound weight loss, intermittent tachycardia, exertional dyspnea, and increased anxiety. Pregnancy test was positive, and ultrasound was concerning for GTD. Laboratory work up was significant for HCG 797,747 mIU/mL (< 5mlU/mL), TSH <0.005 mIU/mL (0.4-4.0 mlU/mL), Free T4 3.09 ng/dL (0.9-1.9 ng/dL), and Free T3 11.48 pg/dL (1.76-3.78 pg/dL). The patient was admitted to the hospital and started on PTU 100 mg Q6H, SSKI 200 mg TID following the first dose of PTU, and atenolol 25 mg daily. She underwent an uncomplicated D & C the next day. On post-op day 1, HCG decreased to 195,338 mIU/mL and Free T4 to 2.39 ng/dL. The patient was discharged on the aforementioned doses of PTU and atenolol. One-week follow-up labs showed HCG 8,917 mIU/mL and Free T4 1.22 ng/dL. Surgical pathology confirmed a complete hydatidiform mole. PTU was decreased to 50 mg TID. On post-op day 14, HCG had risen to 15,395 mIU/mL with onset of nausea and vomiting. Repeat Free T4 remained within reference range. Patient was taken back to surgery for a laparoscopic total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy. Pathology confirmed an invasive hydatidiform mole. Two-week follow-up lab work showed HCG 155 mIU/mL, TSH 1.5 mIU/mL, and Free T4 1.19 ng/dL. PTU and atenolol were then discontinued.The development of hyperthyroidism in molar pregnancy is largely influenced by the level of HCG and usually resolves with treatment of GTD (1). However, it’s crucial to control thyrotoxicosis to avoid perioperative complications. This case also highlights the importance of monitoring HCG levels following a complete molar pregnancy due to an increased risk for invasive neoplasm.1. Walkington, L et al. “Hyperthyroidism and human chorionic gonadotrophin production in gestational trophoblastic disease.” British journal of cancer vol. 104,11 (2011): 1665-9. doi:10.1038/bjc.2011.139

Is there uniformity in definitions and treatment of gestational trophoblastic disease in Europe?

Because gestational trophoblastic disease is rare, little evidence is available from randomized controlled trials on optimal treatment and follow-up. Treatment protocols vary within Europe, and even between different centers within countries. One of the goals of the European Organization for Treatment of Trophoblastic Diseases (EOTTD) is to harmonize treatment in Europe. To provide a basis for international standardization of definitions, treatment and follow-up protocols in gestational trophoblastic disease, we evaluated differences and similarities between protocols in EOTTD countries. Members from each EOTTD country were asked to complete an online structured questionnaire comprising multiple-choice and multiple-answer questions. The following themes were discussed: incidence of gestational trophoblastic disease and gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, definitions, guidelines, classification system, treatment, recurrence, and follow-up. Forty-four respondents from 17 countries participated in this study. Guidelines were present in 80% of the countries and the FIGO (Fédération Internationale de Gynécologie et d'Obstétrique) staging and risk classification was often used to estimate risks. Agreement about when to start chemotherapy for post-molar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia was present among 66% of the respondents. Preferred first-line treatments in low- and high-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia were methotrexate (81%) and EMA-CO (etoposide, methotrexate, actinomycin D, cyclophosphamide, vincristine) (93%), respectively. The definition of human chorionic gonadotropin normalization after hydatidiform mole evacuation was two consecutive normal values for nine countries. The FIGO definition of post-molar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia based on human chorionic gonadotropin plateau or rise was agreed on by 69% of respondents, and only 69% and 74% defined low-risk and high-risk disease, respectively, using FIGO criteria. There were major differences in definitions of recurrence, chemotherapy resistance and follow-up protocols among countries, despite EOTTD consensus statements. This questionnaire provides a good overview of current clinical practices in different countries. Based on the survey results, it is clear that there are several gestationaltrophoblastic disease-related topics that need urgent attention within the EOTTD community to create more uniformity and to aid the development of uniform guidelines in Europe.

Experience With the Use of an Online Community on Facebook for Brazilian Patients With Gestational Trophoblastic Disease: Netnography Study.

BackgroundThe term gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) includes both complete and partial moles, which are uncommon nonviable pregnancies with the potential to evolve into a malignancy known as gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. While highly curable, the potential for malignancy associated with molar pregnancies worries the patients, leading them to seek information on the internet. A Facebook page headed by Brazilian specialized physicians in GTD was created in 2013 to provide online support for GTD patients.ObjectiveThe objective of our study was to describe the netnography of Brazilian patients with GTD on Facebook (FBGTD) and to evaluate whether their experiences differed depending on whether they received care in a Brazilian gestational trophoblastic disease reference center (BRC) or elsewhere.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study using G Suite Google Platform. The members of FBGTD were invited to participate in a survey from March 6 to October 5, 2017, and a netnographic analysis of interactions among the members was performed.ResultsThe survey was answered by 356 Brazilian GTD patients: 176 reference center patients (RCP) treated at a BRC and 180 nonreference center patients (NRCP) treated elsewhere. On comparing the groups, we found that RCP felt safer and more confident at the time of diagnosis of GTD (P=.001). RCP were more likely to utilize FBGTD subsequent to a referral by health assistants (P<.001), whereas NRCP more commonly discovered FBGTD through Web searches (P<.001). NRCP had higher educational levels (P=.009) and were more commonly on FBGTD for ≥ 6 months (P=.03). NRCP were more likely to report that doctors did not adequately explain GTD at diagnosis (P=.007), had more doubts about GTD treatment (P=.01), and were less likely to use hormonal contraception (P<.001). Overall, 89% (317/356) patients accessed the internet preferentially from home and using mobile phones, and 98% (349/354) patients declared that they felt safe reading the recommendations posted by FBGTD physicians.ConclusionsThis netnographic analysis of GTD patients on FBGTD shows that an Web-based doctor-patient relationship can supplement the care for women with GTD. This resource is particularly valuable for women being cared for outside of established reference centers.

Problematic issues of diagnosis of trophoblastic disease

The article investigates the difficulties of diagnosis of trophoblastic disease in practice. Till nowadays there is no general strategy in the detection and treatment of gestational trophoblastic disease, as there is no clear status. The diagnosis of this pathology is multifactorial in nature, which also presents some difficulties in the timely detection of gestational trophoblastic disease. This shown that the occurrence of this disease depends on many factors, including the important role of pathogenetic predisposition.In the current study the features of diferrential diagnosis of trophoblastic disease in the early stages of development by ultrasonography and hystologycal analysis were investigated. It was proved that these studies play an important role in the differentiation of uterine molar pregnancy. A clinical case is presented, in which disagreements in diagnoses of a pregnant patient are noted. Also there is a need to respect modern principles of medical ethics and deontology (another device, “other eye” of researcher).As the authors of the article notes, the interpretation of cases with pathology of small pregnancy terms should implemented by doctors of diagnosts together with gynecologists, who have sufficient experience and special training on the problems of trophoblastic disease. In this case, the ultrasound data in the dynamics and the results of clinical and laboratory studies should be taken into account in the complex. Histological studies should be carried out by doctors in specialized institutions (oncological centers, scientific institutions of the 4th level). This problem continues to be relevant, given the high risk of transformation of the physiological conditions of pregnancy into oncopathology, and radical decisions in such cases should be taken by the consilium.With the increase in the number of pregnant women after infertility treatment, including methods of assisted reproduction, such cases can happen more often for different reasons.Therefore doctors who are entrusted to watch and treat such patients should always take into account the significant moral, psychological and possibly additional legal aspects, the occurrence of which can often be foreseen and prevented.

Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Diagnosis and Treatment: An Analysis of 56 Cases

Objective To investigate the diagnosis and treatment of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). Methods A retrospective review was conducted on 56 patients with GTD who underwent treatment in Ruijin hospital from January 2007 to December 2012. Their information of diagnosis, treatments, follow-up and efficacy were collected and analyzed. Results Misdiagnosis rate was 41.1% (23/56) for the first time. Of 56 patients, 31 had direct curettage, 19 had curettage after trichosanthis (TCS) treatment, 3 had curettage after intervention treatment and 3 did not have curettage. Twenty patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) took fluorouracil+vincristine+dactinomycin (VCR+KSM+5-FU) chemotherapy, but 2 of them changed to etoposide+methotrexate+actinomycetes streptozotocin-D+cyclophosphamide+vincristine (EMA-CO) chemotherapy due to drug resistance. Three patients with GTN took EMA-CO chemotherapy. Two patients with placental site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT) required surgeries, one took hysterectomy, another got mass and adnexectomy. Apart from 1 case who gave up treatment and was dead, all the other women went into remission from their diseases. Conclusion The diagnosis of trophoblastic disease rely on a comprehensive analysis. A reasonable choice of TCS or intervention can be effective and safe in treating GTD. Most patients with GTN could get complete remission by selecting the appropriate chemotherapy and surgery.

Gestational trophoblastic disease: classification and prognostic factors (part I)

Major research studies on the current predictors of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) were not conducted in Russia. The prognostic value of new prognostic factors such as the level of beta - hCG in spinal fluid in patients with disseminated tumor, the level of placental lactogen (PL) in patients with GTD have not been studied. Until now, there is no earlier criterion of tumor resistance to conventional chemotherapy (parameters beta - HCG, tumor size, etc.). As a result, clinicians often plan GTD treatment of patients according to clinical stage, apply non-standard chemotherapy regimens, which contributes to the development of tumor resistance and significantly worsens the prognosis of the disease. Thus, timely diagnosis and proper staging of GTD, it is important to optimize treatment planning. Proper treatment at an early stage can cure the vast majority of patients, using high-efficiency and low-toxicity standard first line chemotherapy regimens without harm to the reproductive health of women and reduce their quality of life. Comprehensive study of predictors of GTD will allow better planning of treatment, identify early factors tumor resistance to conventional chemotherapy and to develop evidence-based recommendations for optimizing the treatment of patients with GTD.

Gestational Trophoblastic Disease

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a group of tumors that arise from placental tissue and secrete β-hCG. GTD is a combination of benign or invasive mole and malignant known as Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia (GTN). Prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of GTD have drastically changed in recent years. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v3i2.8434 Journal of Chitwan Medical College Vol.3(2) 2013 4-11

Treatment of gestational trophoblastic disease: A 10-year experience

A retrospective descriptive study about the presence of metastases, epidemiological characteristics and treatment of 104 patients suffering from gestational trophoblastic disease was performed in the period from 1st Jan, 2000 to 31st December, 2010. Of eleven patients who were found to have metastases (10.6%), 72.7% had pulmonary metastases, 27.3 had vaginal, and one patient had both pulmonary and brain metastases. The average age was 33.9. Antecedent molar pregnancy was recorded in 63.6% patients. Invasive mole was more frequent than choriocarcinoma (63.6%). According to the World Health Organization criteria, 7 patients (63.6%) had high risk score (the average World Health Organization score was 8.4). All patients were treated by chemotherapy, the average number of courses being 1.8. Complete remission was achieved in all patients. Treatment of metastatic disease depends on multiple factors. However, combined chemotherapy is the universally accepted treatment. If chemotherapy is individualized and applied on time, the prognosis is good, even in cases with cerebral metastases.

What Do Women With Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Understand About the Condition?

Little is known about patients' understanding of the causes, treatments, and implications of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). Clinical observation suggests that such health literacy is limited. We report on the perceptions of causes and treatment of GTD and its impact on fertility and reproductive outcomes. Cross-sectional analysis of 176 Australian women previously diagnosed with GTD (no longer receiving follow-up/treatment) recruited from a state-wide registry. Participants comprised 149 (85%) women with GTD who did not require chemotherapy and 27 (15%) women who required chemotherapy for malignancy or persistent molar disease. Data were collected from medical records and via self-report questionnaire. Participants were 94 women (53%) with partial mole, 75 (43%) with complete mole, 4 (2%) with choriocarcinoma, and 3 (2%) with hydatidiform mole not otherwise specified. Mean (SD) age at diagnosis and time since diagnosis were 32.1 (6.3) and 4.7 (3.3) years, respectively. Chance/bad luck was the most endorsed cause (n = 146, 83%); 23 (13%) thought GTD was hereditary and 10 (6%) identified a chromosomal etiology. Between 24% and 32% were unsure of the role of alcohol/drugs, venereal diseases, smoking, pollution, contraceptives, and lowered immunity. Surgical/medical procedure (n = 127, 72%) and healthy diet (n = 53, 30%) were the most endorsed treatments. Between 18% and 23% were unsure of the treatment effectiveness of diet, vitamins, exercise, complementary therapy, and contraception. All women treated with chemotherapy understood the rationale thereof; 23 (85%) perceived chemotherapy to be successful, and 19 (70%) could name the agent. Few women perceived a negative impact on their fertility (n = 28, 16%); 52 (30%) were reluctant to conceive again and 100 (57%) questioned their ability to have healthy children. After diagnosis, 111 (63%) had at least 1 live birth. Notwithstanding limitations, this study is the largest of its type to date. These descriptive data enhance our understanding of patients' experience on GTD, highlight the scope of GTD health literacy, and may be useful for clinicians to adjust the content of their patient education.

Pulmonary metastasis in patients with gestational trophoblastic disease

The medical records of 82 women who were admitted to the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia, between January 1, 2000, and October 31, 2007, for the treatment of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) were reviewed. The diagnosis of metastasis was based on clinical and radiologic evidence (chest X-ray and computed tomography) and on whether the women had elevated levels of serum human chorionic gonadotropin. Particular attention was paid to previous abortions, the interval between previous abortions and the diagnosis of metastasis, the mortality rate, and the need for hysterectomy. Ethics approval was not required for the present study. Of the 82 women, 9 (10.9%) had metastasis: 6 (7.3%) had pulmonary metastasis and 3 (3.6%) had vaginal metastasis. The present study focused on the 6 patients with pulmonary metastasis, 5 of whom were multiparous and had experienced a molar pregnancy within 1 year of the abortion of a preceding pregnancy. The ages of the women ranged from 25 to 51 years (mean, 36 years). A 39-year-old woman had primary GTD with pulmonary metastasis. The diagnosis of pulmonary metastasis was made using chest X-ray and, when the radiologic findings were deemed inconclusive, confirmed using computed tomography. All 6 women with pulmonary disease displayed non-specific signs of chest metastasis (periodic cough, dyspnea, and pleuritic pain), which they had ignored.

Balloon Tamponade of Hemorrhage After Uterine Curettage for Gestational Trophoblastic Disease

Uterine bleeding frequently complicates gestational trophoblastic disease, particularly after uterine evacuation. Hysterectomy and other procedures used to control this bleeding incur significant risk and can limit fertility. We present a case of massive hemorrhage complicating uterine curettage performed for metastatic gestational trophoblastic disease. The patient's bleeding was controlled successfully by intrauterine tamponade performed using a balloon catheter. After catheter removal, she achieved complete disease remission. Intrauterine balloon catheterization appears to be a promising alternative to control uterine hemorrhage and preserve fertility for young women undergoing treatment for gestational trophoblastic disease. Its use may help avoid invasive interventions, such as hysterectomy and embolization, currently used to control hemorrhage after uterine evacuation.

Gestational trophoblastic disease: 25-year experience at the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplasicas (INEN)

16031 Background: To evaluate the clinical behavior and results of treatment of gestational trophoblastic disease at INEN between 1980 to 2005. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of patients with gestational trophoblastic disease, clinical characteristics, results of treatment, toxicity, objective response and survival from January 1980 to December 2005. Descriptive statistics and Kaplan-Meier for survival analysis were performed. Results: Since Jan 1980 to Dec 2005. 595 patients were admitted at INEN; Hydatidiform mole 254 (42.7%) choriocarcinoma 201 (33.8%) invasive mole 41(6.8%). FIGO scoring System, high risk (score &gt;6): 247 (41.5%), low risk (score 1–6): 348 (58.5%). Age ranged from 14 to 54 years, with 255 (44%) cases between 20 to 29 years. The sities of metastasis: lung 67.3%, vaginal 17.9%, brain 8.7%, liver 5.1%. The patients with low risks received treatment with Metotrexate 0.4mg/kg x day x 5 days po, reach disease control with a mean course of 6 (1 - 14), complete remission in 66.1% cases and 97% the overall survival rate to 20 years. Patients with high risk received treatment with: MAC 77 patients, MEC 19 patients, EMACO 48 patients and BEP 14 patients and achieved complete remission in 32.5%, 36.8%, 50% and 25% respectively. On the high risk group we detected two groups according to score &gt; 12 and &lt; 12, with diferent probability of survival at 20 years, for the group with score &lt;12, 80% and the group with score &gt;12, 48%. 98 patients were identified with score &gt;12, and the age of these patients ranged from 15 to 51 years, with a mean age of 36.5 years. The blood B- HCG titers of these patients ranged from 198 to 6710,500. Liver and brain metastasis in 26 cases, number metastasis mayor 8 in 78 cases. Conclusions: Gestational trofhoblastic disease is highly curable. Patients of low risk achieved a 97% overall survival rate to 20 years. There are differences in the overall survival rate between patients of high risk with a score &lt; 12 (80%) and score &gt;12 (48%). This group presented with brain and liver metastasis, and it is important to define the best treatment for this group of patients No significant financial relationships to disclose.