Vulvar Cancer Patients Research Articles

Preoperative prediction model of lymph node metastasis in the inguinal and femoral region based on radiomics and artificial intelligence

ObjectiveTo predict preoperative inguinal lymph node metastasis in vulvar cancer patients using a machine learning model based on imaging features and clinical data from pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Methods52 vulvar...

Role of V-Y flap reconstruction in vulvar cancer patients: multicenter retrospective study

ObjectiveTo assess if the use of a V-Y reconstructive flap after excisional radical surgery positively influences the surgical outcomes in patients with vulvar cancer.MethodsThis was a multicenter, retrospective, controlled study....

Vulvar cancer. The contribution of radiotherapy to the treatment of the disease

The aim of the study was to analyze and summarize the available literature data on the modern radiotherapy techniques, indications for radiotherapy (preoperative, radical, postoperative radiation therapy), treatment volumes at different disease stages, and principles of drug and accompanying therapy for patients with vulvar cancer. Material and Methods. The literature review was based on the clinical recommendations of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCC N), as well as on the search of sources in PubMed and Cochrane Library systems. Literature sources and publications from 2005 to 2023 were included. Results. This contribution outlined the main indications for preoperative, postoperative and radical radiotherapy in patients with vulvar cancer, as well as the basic principles of drug treatment and correction of complications. Potential risk factors for postoperative disease recurrence were identified, the volumes of irradiation at each treatment mode were analyzed, and the feasibility of using brachytherapy in patients with vulvar cancer was discussed. Conclusion. To date, there are recommendations, guidelines for the management of patients with vulvar cancer, as well as clinical trial results. Understanding of the principles of prescribing treatment for vulvar cancer patients can improve local control, overall and recurrence-free survival, and the use of modern radiotherapy techniques will enshure an acceptable quality of life in these patients.

Impact of sentinel node use in lymphedema formation among gynecologic cancer patients.

The most common surgical procedure associated with lymphedema formation is the regional lymphadenectomy. One of the advantages of sentinel node biopsy is the reduction of the risk of lymphedema formation. The purpose of this review is to collect and analyze the most relevant and recent evidence of the use of sentinel node biopsy and its implication on the development of postoperative lymphedema in gynecological cancer. The current evidence of the use of sentinel node biopsy in cervical cancer to reduce lymphedema is heterogeneous and more data is needed to establish its role.Sentinel lymph node biopsy in endometrial cancer is a staging procedure with lower surgical complications, as well as lymphedema formation; while the results of prospective trials evaluating its impact on quality of life are still lacking.Sentinel lymph node biopsy in vulvar cancer minimizes the need for extensive dissection and reduces the incidence of complications associated with overharvesting of lymph nodes such as lymphedema without compromising oncological outcomes. The prevalence of lymphedema in gynecological cancer varies based on the surgical treatment or additional therapies applied. Over the past years, one of the most important surgical modifications to decrease lymphedema formation has been implementation of sentinel lymph node technique mainly in vulvar cancer patients.

Robot-assisted inguinal lymphadenectomy to treat penile and vulvar cancers: a scoping review.

Inguinal lymph nodes dissection (ILND) is recommended in patients presenting with high-risk penile (PC) or vulvar cancers (VC). Though, this surgical procedure is underused because of its anticipated morbidity. Minimally invasive approaches were proposed to minimize complications associated with open surgery. In this review, we analyze current available data exploring intra and perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted ILND (RAIL). On April 9th, 2023, a literature search was conducted using the PubMed and Scopus databases. The search employed the combination of the following terms: ("robotic assisted" OR "robot-assisted" OR "robotic") AND ("inguinal lymph node dissection" OR "lymphadenectomy") AND ("penile cancer" OR "vulvar cancer"). Out of the 404 identified articles, 18 were used for the present scoping review and their results were reported according to the PRISMA statement. Data on 171 patients, ranging in age from 32 to 85 years, were obtained. Most of them (90.6%) harbored a penile squamous cell carcinoma and presented with no palpable nodes (85%). Operation time (OT) ranged between 45 and 300 min. Estimated blood loss varied from 10 to 300 mL. One single intra-operative complication was reported and one conversion to open was recorded. The lymph nodes (LNs) count spanned from 3 to 26 per groin, with 17 studies reporting a median yield >7 nodes. Hospital stay was 1-7 days, while the duration of drainage ranged from 4 to 72 days. Post-operative complications included lymphocele (22.2%; 0-100%), lymphedema (13.4%; 0-40%), cellulitis (11.1%; 0-25%), skin necrosis (8.7%; 0-15.4%). seroma (3.5%; 0-20%) and wound breakdown/wound infection (2.9%; 0-10%). Out of the included studies, 7 provided at least a 12-month follow-up, with recurrence-free rates ranging from 50% to 100% in patients affected by penile cancer and from 92% to 100% in vulvar cancer patients. The available evidence on RAIL for the treatment of PC and VC is limited. The approach appears to be safe and effective, as it provides an adequate lymph node yield while ensuring a minimally morbid postoperative course and a short hospital stay.

Implementation of quality indicators for vulvar cancer in gynaecological cancer centres certified by the German Cancer Society (DKG)

PurposeIn 2018, the first guideline-based quality indicators (QI) for vulvar cancer were implemented in the data-sheets of certified gynaecological cancer centres. The certification process includes guideline-based QIs as a fundamental component. These indicators are specifically designed to evaluate the level of care provided within the centres. This article aims to give an overview of the developing process of guideline based-QIs for women with vulvar cancer and presents the QIs results from the certified gynaecological cancer centres.MethodsThe QIs were derived in a standardized multiple step process during the update of the 2015 S2k guideline “Diagnosis, Therapy, and Follow-Up Care of Vulvar Cancer and its Precursors” (registry-number: no. 015/059) and are based on strong recommendations.ResultsIn total, there are eight guideline-based QIs for vulvar cancer. Four QIs are part of the certification process. In the treatment year 2021, 2.466 cases of vulvar cancer were treated in 177 centres. The target values in the centres for pathology reports on tumour resection and lymphadenectomy as well as sentinel lymph nodes have increased since the beginning of the certification process and have been above 90% over the past three treatment years (2019–2021).DiscussionQIs based on strong guideline recommendations, play a crucial role in measuring and allowing to quantify essential aspects of patient care. By utilizing QIs, centres are able to identify areas for process optimization and draw informed conclusions. Over the years the quality of treatment of vulvar cancer patients measured by the QIs was improved. The certification system is continuously reviewed to enhance patient care even further by using the outcomes from QIs revaluation.

Significance of definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy for vulvar cancer: a Japanese Gynecologic Oncology Group nationwide survey study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to show the results of radical radiation therapy (RT) and concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for vulvar cancer (VC) based on data from a Japanese nationwide survey.Materials and methodsWe collected data from 108 institutions on cases of VC diagnosed between January 2001 and December 2010. Patients with histologically proven squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma with curative intent were selected, and 172 patients with VC were included in this study. The collected data were analyzed for overall survival (OS) using the Kaplan–Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine the prognostic factors for patients with VC.ResultsThe median follow-up period was 16.8 (range; 3.2–154.8) months. Fifty-five patients received CCRT, and 117 patients received RT alone. The 2-year OS rates (95% confidence interval [CI]) for stages I, II, III, and IV were 77.9% (55.8–100.0), 71.9% (53.8–89.9), 55.4% (42.5–68.3), and 41.5% (27.3–55.7) respectively. Univariate analyses showed that the FIGO stage (p = 0.001), tumor diameter (p = 0.005), and lymph node (LN) status (p = 0.001) were associated with OS. The concurrent use of chemotherapy resulted in a significantly longer OS in Stage III (p = 0.013). Multivariate analysis showed that the hazard ratios (95% CI) for tumor diameter, positivity for LN metastasis, and RT alone (no concurrent chemotherapy) were 1.502 (1.116–2.021), 1.801 (1.287–2.521), and 1.936 (1.187–3.159), respectively.ConclusionsOur analysis revealed that CCRT should be recommended, especially for Stage III VC patients. Further studies are warranted to determine who benefits from CCRT, considering primary tumor size and LN status.The study was registered at the University Hospital Medical Information Network (protocol number: UMIN000017080) on April 8th, 2015.

Immune landscape of vulvar cancer patients treated with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy revealed restricted T cell functionality and increased IL-17 expression associated with cancer relapse.

For vulvar cancers, radiotherapy is targeting cancer cells, but also affects the host immune system. As this may affect treatment outcome, in this prospective study, we characterized the individual T cell immune milieu induced by surgery and adjuvant radio +/- chemotherapy (aRT) systemically in the blood of vulvar cancer patients and found increased frequencies of Interleukin (IL)-17-producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells after aRT while frequencies of Th1 and perforin-producing CD8+ killer cells were strongly diminished. Phenotypic characterization revealed enhanced expression of the ectonucleotidase CD39 on Th17 and Tc17 cells as well as CD8+ perforin+ cells after aRT. Furthermore, the aRT cohort exhibited increased proportions of Programmed Cell Death Protein (PD-1) expressing cells among Th1 and CD8+ perforin+ cells, but not among Th17 and Tc17 cells. High post-therapeutic levels of Th17 and Tc17 cells and low proportions of Th1 and CD8+ perforin+ cells expressing PD-1 was associated with reduced recurrence free survival on follow-up. In conclusion, our study defines individual therapy-induced changes in the cellular immune milieu of patients and their association with cancer relapse. Our results may help to explain differences in the individual courses of disease of vulvar cancer patients and suggest PD-1 and IL-17 as targets for immunotherapy in vulvar cancer.

Management of Vulvar Cancer Our Clinical Experiences

Background/Aim: Vulvar cancer is a rare malignancy. It frequently affects postmenopausal women. There is no specific screening for vulvar cancer. Treatment is often surgical. The risk of recurrence is high. Lymph node involvement is an important prognostic factor in vulvar cancer. The primary purpose of this study is to share our institutional experience in managing vulvar cancer patients. Materials and Methods: This study is a retrospective study. The study was ultimately conducted with 39 participants. Descriptive analyzes are frequency, percentage, minimum/maximum values, mean, standard deviation, and median. Risk factors for relapse were evaluated by binary logistic regression analysis. Cox regression analyses analyzed analyzes of factors related to survival. Survival analyzes were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and significant differences were determined by the Log Rank (Mantel-Cox) test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant in the analyses. Results: Half of the patients (n=19; 50.0%) had vulvar mass complaints. While lesions related to vulvar cancer were observed in 13 participants before cancer diagnosis, no lesions were observed in 25 participants (65.8%). Squamous cell carcinoma was detected in 31 (81.6%) participants. Eleven (28.2%) participants had a recurrence. According to the logistic regression analysis, it was determined that the risk factors included in the model did not have statistically significant effects. Cox regression analysis was performed to determine the effects of factors on overall survival. It was determined that the factors included in the models did not have a statistically significant effect. Conclusion: Vulvar cancer is a type of cancer with limited prospective data. Therefore, it poses severe difficulties in treatment. Limited data on vulvar cancer necessitates the development of treatment paradigms. This means that we need to continue to study the disease.

Real-time Fluorescent ICG and 99m-Tc Nanocolloid Tracer Navigation in Bilateral Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping of Vulvar Cancer

The effectiveness of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy has been validated by two prospective trials, GROINS VI and GOG 1731-2. According to ESGO guideline in patients with unifocal tumors with a diameter of <4 cm, in the absence of suspected inguinal lymph nodes, SLN biopsy is recommended. The use of a radioactive tracer is mandatory.2 Using Indocyanine green (ICG) increase the detection of the vulvar sentinel node from 89.7 to 100%3. Aim of this video is to share our experience about the feasibility, safety and usefulness of the surgical identification of SLN in vulvar cancer using real-time fluorescent indocyanine green with 99m-technetium nanocolloid. Stepwise demonstration of the technique with narrated video footage. Tertiary level hospital "IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori", Milano, Italy. A 50-year-old woman was diagnosed with vulvar cancer on biopsy of 1.5 cm size vulvar lesion under the clitoris area and referred to our Operative Unit. F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography-computed tomography (PET) showed no extra-vulvar disease. The patient was scheduled for radical vulvectomy and bilateral inguinal sentinel lymph-node biopsy (SLN). In this video the surgical procedure involved double location of SLN, first with the 99m-technetium detector followed by ICG identification. We used an ICG dilution of 2.5 mg/mL in sterile water and injected 4 mL around the tumor 5-10 min before visualization. First a handheld gamma probe used to identify the location of the SLN(s) with 99m-technetium. The fluorescence imaging was performed by the quest imaging system (FLUOPTICS©, Middenmeer, The Netherlands) that combine autofluorescence and fluorescence perfusion imaging. Second, we carried out the SLN biopsy using a dark mood procedure to identify the IGC tracer. The fluorescence imaging enables the detection of these markers through some millimeters of tissue and ICG has the advantage that is visible through the skin4. This video shows a successful combined 99m-technetium and ICG fluorescence image-guided bilateral SLN biopsy in a vulvar cancer patient using a near-infrared (NIR) optical imaging system (FLUOPTICS©). ICG for SLN mapping appears to be safe in women with vulvar cancer with a satisfactory detection rate. This may help in retaining surgical radicality while minimizing operative complications.

Long-term outcomes of vulvar or vaginal cancer patients undergoing laparoendoscopic single-site inguinal lymphadenectomy.

Laparoendoscopic single-site inguinal lymphadenectomy (LESS-IL), a minimally invasive technique, has been reported in patients with vulvar or vaginal cancer regarding its safety and feasibility. However, the long-term outcomes, especially oncologic outcomes, are still lacking. We aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of LESS-IL to confirm its safety further. Data were prospectively collected from patients with vulvar or vaginal cancer who underwent LESS-IL at our institution between July 2018 and June 2021. The patients were followed up for at least 12 months. All procedures were performed according to treatment standards. Short- and long-term complications and oncologic outcomes were analysed. A total of 16 patients undergoing 28 LESS-IL procedures were identified, amongst whom 4 underwent unilateral LESS-IL. The median numbers of excised groin lymph nodes were 9.0 (6.5-11.8) and 10.5 (8.3-12.0) in each left and right groin, respectively. Short-term complications occurred in 4 (25%) patients, including 18.7% lymphocele and 6.3% wound infection. Long-term complications regarding lower-limb lymphoedema appeared in 6 (37.5%) patients. Most short- and long-term complications were Clavien-Dindo 1 or 2, accounting for 90% of all post-operative issues. After a median follow-up of 27 (21.3-35.8) months, only 1 (6.3%) patient had isolated inguinal recurrence at 13 months postoperatively. No local or distant recurrence occurred. Our results suggest that LESS-IL is associated with little incidence of complications and promising oncologic outcomes, further demonstrating the safety and feasibility of the LESS-IL technique in patients requiring IL.

Treatment patterns and outcomes of patients with locally advanced vulvar or vaginal cancer in British Columbia

ObjectiveAs vulvar and vaginal cancers are rare malignancies, treatment is extrapolated from the cervical cancer field. Further studies are necessary to evaluate whether surgery, radiotherapy (RT), or combined chemoRT is most beneficial. MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted on patients diagnosed with vulvar or vaginal cancer in 2000–2017. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize demographic factors. Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank tests, multivariate analysis with hazard ratios (HR) were conducted to compare survival outcomes, including overall survival (OS), disease-free survival, and cancer-specific survival, between surgery, RT, and chemoRT. ResultsThis study included 688 patients with either vulvar (n = 560, 81%) or vaginal cancer (n = 128, 19%). Median age of diagnosis was 68 (27–98) years. In multivariate survival analysis, vulvar cancer was associated with more likelihood of death (HR: 1.50, p = 0.042) compared to vaginal cancer. For patients who received definitive RT, median OS was 63.8 months with concurrent chemotherapy vs. 46.3 months without for vulvar cancer (p = 0.75); for vaginal, median OS 100.4 with chemotherapy vs. 66.6 months without (p = 0.31). For vulvar cancer patients who received RT (n = 224), adding chemotherapy (n = 100) was not associated with statistically significant OS improvement (HR: 0.989, p = 0.957). Similarly, vaginal cancer patients who received chemoRT (n = 51) did not have significant OS benefit (HR: 0.720, p = 0.331) over patients who received RT (n = 49). ConclusionsIn this retrospective study, chemoRT was not associated with significant improvements in survival compared to RT in vulvar or vaginal cancer. Future studies investigating novel therapies to treat these cancers are needed to improve patient outcomes.

A phase II basket trial of dual anti–CTLA-4 and anti–PD-1 blockade in rare tumors (DART) SWOG S1609: The vulvar cancers.

5517 Background: Dual checkpoint inhibition with Anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA4 checkpoint inhibitors have proven to be effective in several malignancies but their potential role in various rare solid cancers is yet to be established. The efficacy of immunotherapy in vulvar cancer patients has not been explored. This study presents the first results of ipilimumab and nivolumab in vulvar cancers (cohort 35) of the SWOG S1609 Dual Anti-CTLA-4 &amp; Anti-PD-1 blockade in Rare Tumors (DART) trial. Methods: DART is a prospective, open-label, multicenter/multi-cohort phase 2 clinical trial of ipilimumab (1mg/kg intravenously every 6 weeks) plus nivolumab (240mg intravenously every 2 weeks). The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) (RECIST v1.1) (confirmed complete (CR) and partial responses (PR)); progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), stable disease (SD) &gt; 6 months, and toxicity are secondary endpoints. Results: Sixteen evaluable patients (median age, 55.5 years) were analyzed. 14 cases were of squamous cell carcinoma histology and 2 were of poorly differentiated carcinoma. ORR was 18.8% (3/16, 25% when including one unconfirmed PR). There was 1 CR (SCC; PFS of 465 days) and 2 PR (both SCC; one with 57% regression with PFS of 1022 days, another with 53% regression with PFS of 501 days). Of note, there was one SCC patient with unconfirmed PR that showed 69% regression with PFS of 209 days. Overall clinical benefit rate (CBR; no progression &gt; 6months) was 31.3% (5/16). The median PFS was 2.2 months, 6-month PFS 33%, 1-year PFS 20%. The median OS was 7.6 months, 6-month OS 62%, 1-year OS 44%. The most common adverse events were diarrhea, fatigue, pruritus, anorexia, and nausea (25%, n = 4 each). Grade 3-4 adverse events occurred in 25% of patients (n = 4). There was 1 grade 3-4 adverse event (6.7%) that led to discontinuation, and 1 (6.7%) grade 5 death adverse event. Conclusions: Ipilimumab plus nivolumab in vulvar cancers resulted in an ORR of 18.8% and CBR of 31.3%, with durable responses seen. Correlative studies to determine response and resistance markers are ongoing. Expanded prospective studies exploring the role of immunotherapy in vulvar cancers are warranted. Clinical trial information: NCT02834013 .

Impaired sexual health among women treated for vulvar cancer: An integrated review.

Although gynaecological cancer's negative effects on sexual function are well known, most studies on the subject have not included vulvar cancer patients or a multidimensional perspective on sexual health. Therefore, this review aimed to address this research gap and explored the impact of vulvar cancer on women's sexual health from a multidimensional perspective. An integrated review was conducted, as described by Whittemore and Knafl. The PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Embase databases were searched in March 2021 and updated in August 2022 and March 2023. The data were thematically analysed using NVivo, and the PRISMA-ScR and ENTREQ guidelines were followed. The following themes were identified in the 28 reviewed articles: impact of a changed female body, impact on women's sexual identity, consequences for women's sexual relationships and unmet needs and loneliness caused by taboos about sexual health. Women's impaired sexual health after vulvar cancer points to a great need to understand and holistically investigate sexual health. In addition, healthcare professionals have an obligation to care for the sexual health issues of patients with vulvar cancer. However, most questionnaires used in the selected studies revealed a narrow understanding of sexual health and focused on sexuality as a genital activity. The sexual health of women with vulvar cancer was tabooed and stigmatised for patients and healthcare professionals. Consequently, women received sparse sexual guidance, felt isolated and had unmet needs. Healthcare professionals need knowledge and training on how to break taboos and address the sexual needs of vulvar cancer patients. Systematic screenings for sexual health needs should be conducted using a multidimensional perspective. The protocol was preregistered at the Open Science Framework (www.osf.io), registration DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/YDA2Q PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.

MP50-10 EVALUATION AND RISK FACTOR ANALYSIS OF COMPLICATIONS OF INGUINAL LYMPH NODE DISSECTION IN A LARGE MULTI-DISCIPLINARY COHORT

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP50-10 EVALUATION AND RISK FACTOR ANALYSIS OF COMPLICATIONS OF INGUINAL LYMPH NODE DISSECTION IN A LARGE MULTI-DISCIPLINARY COHORT Manon Vreeburg, Judith Quik, Hielke-Martijn De Vries, Winan Van Houdt, Yvonne Schrage, Henry Zijlmans, Henk Van Der Poel, and Oscar Brouwer Manon VreeburgManon Vreeburg More articles by this author , Judith QuikJudith Quik More articles by this author , Hielke-Martijn De VriesHielke-Martijn De Vries More articles by this author , Winan Van HoudtWinan Van Houdt More articles by this author , Yvonne SchrageYvonne Schrage More articles by this author , Henry ZijlmansHenry Zijlmans More articles by this author , Henk Van Der PoelHenk Van Der Poel More articles by this author , and Oscar BrouwerOscar Brouwer More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003298.10AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Inguinal lymph node dissection (ILND) is an essential part of treatment in patients with lymph node metastases from penile cancer (PeCa), vulvar cancer (VC) and malignant melanoma (MM). However, ILND is associated with high complication rates. To our knowledge, no studies have evaluated complications in such a large cohort, across specialties. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the incidence and nature of postoperative complications after ILND and to identify potential predictors associated with the occurrence of complications in PeCa, VC and MM patients. METHODS: In total, we retrospectively evaluated 324 patients (PeCa n=114, VC n=48 and MM n=162) who underwent 342 ILNDs in 381 groins between 2017 and 2021 in a single high-volume center. Template and operative technique was the same. The main difference between the 3 indications was their postoperative drainage management. In PeCa and MM a time-controlled drainage protocol is applied (removal 3 days after surgery) while in VC, the drain is removed when drain production is <50 ml (or after 30 days). Early (<30 days) and late (30-90-days) postoperative complications were collected. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify risk factors for early and late complications per groin. RESULTS: In total, 837 complications were reported, of which 3.8% required surgical (open) revision and 21% required drainage. The most occurring complications were wound infection (33.3%) and lymphocele (31.8%). 335 groins (88.4%) developed ≥1 early complications of which lymphocele formation (43.4%) was the most common. Obesity (OR 2.81), higher drain production (OR 1.50) were significantly associated with a higher risk of early complications whilst volume-controlled drain removal (OR 0.95) with less complications. Between 30 to 90 days postoperatively, 188 groins (50.4%) developed ≥1 late complications, of which wound infection (45.9%) was the most frequently occurring. Obesity (OR 1.8), volume-controlled drain removal (OR 1.05) were significantly associated with a higher risk of late complications. CONCLUSIONS: Although ILND is associated with a high risk of complications, only 3.8% required surgical revision. While some of the identified risk factors cannot be easily influenced (e.g. obesity), postoperative drain management seems to be an important consideration. In this large cohort, volume-controlled drainage resulted in less (early) lymphocele formation, but was associated with more (late) wound infections. Source of Funding: No conflicts of interest to declare © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e688 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Manon Vreeburg More articles by this author Judith Quik More articles by this author Hielke-Martijn De Vries More articles by this author Winan Van Houdt More articles by this author Yvonne Schrage More articles by this author Henry Zijlmans More articles by this author Henk Van Der Poel More articles by this author Oscar Brouwer More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Inguinal nodal clinical target volume delineation based on analysis of anatomical locations of normal and metastatic lymph nodes in pelvic malignant tumors

PurposeTo optimize inguinal nodal clinical target volume (CTV) delineation based on analysis of the anatomical locations and embryonic development of normal and metastatic inguinal lymph nodes (ILNs) in patients with pelvic malignant tumors, including cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and anal tumors. Materials and methodsOne hundred and eighty-one patients with pelvic malignancies and 415 involved ILNs treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy were selected. First, the inguinal nodal CTV was divided into three fields as follows: I, horizontal superficial inguinal field; II, vertical superficial inguinal field; and III, deep inguinal field. Initial CTV delineation of each field was based on analysis of the anatomical locations and embryonic development of normal ILNs. Subsequently, the positions of metastatic ILNs relative to the proper anatomical landmarks or vessels were determined to optimally delineate the final ILN CTV contours. Eighty percent of the data acquired (n = 145) were used as test data for optimization and analysis, the remaining 20% (n = 36) were used for delineation validation. ResultsIn total, 252 positive ILNs in 103 cervical cancer patients, 94 positive ILNs in 41 vulvar cancer patients, 8 positive ILNs in 3 vaginal cancer patients, and 61 positive ILNs in 34 anal cancer patients were enrolled. Detailed target volume contouring guidelines for the three divisions were determined on images. All positive ILNs from the remaining 20% patients were located in the CTV boundaries delineated based on analysis of 80% of the data acquired. Importantly, the final inguinal nodal CTV field determined using our method was substantially smaller than defined by existing atlases, and the femoral vessels were excluded in the delineation. ConclusionsThis study provided anatomical, embryonic, surgical, and statistical evidence to facilitate ILN CTV delineation in radiotherapy planning for patients with pelvic malignancies.

Electrochemotherapy with intravenous bleomycin for heavily pre-treated vulvar cancer patients

ObjectiveThe management of vulvar cancer recurrences is complicated by patients’ advanced age and comorbidities. Bleomycin-based electrochemotherapy is a potential treatment option in this setting. However, no data on long-term outcomes...

Evaluating the Risk of Inguinal Lymph Node Metastases before Surgery Using the Morphonode Predictive Model: A Prospective Diagnostic Study in Vulvar Cancer Patients

Ultrasound examination is an accurate method in the preoperative evaluation of the inguinofemoral lymph nodes when performed by experienced operators. The purpose of the study was to build a robust, multi-modular model based on machine learning to discriminate between metastatic and non-metastatic inguinal lymph nodes in patients with vulvar cancer. One hundred and twenty-seven women were selected at our center from March 2017 to April 2020, and 237 inguinal regions were analyzed (75 were metastatic and 162 were non-metastatic at histology). Ultrasound was performed before surgery by experienced examiners. Ultrasound features were defined according to previous studies and collected prospectively. Fourteen informative features were used to train and test the machine to obtain a diagnostic model (Morphonode Predictive Model). The following data classifiers were integrated: (I) random forest classifiers (RCF), (II) regression binomial model (RBM), (III) decisional tree (DT), and (IV) similarity profiling (SP). RFC predicted metastatic/non-metastatic lymph nodes with an accuracy of 93.3% and a negative predictive value of 97.1%. DT identified four specific signatures correlated with the risk of metastases and the point risk of each signature was 100%, 81%, 16% and 4%, respectively. The Morphonode Predictive Model could be easily integrated into the clinical routine for preoperative stratification of vulvar cancer patients.

Time trends in prevalence of p16 positivity and combined HPV/p16 positivity in a large cohort of Danish vulvar cancer patients.

Vulvar cancer is rare, but causes substantial morbidity in affected patients. A subset of vulvar cancers is caused by high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV), which primarily exerts its oncogenic effect through upregulation of tumor suppressor protein p16. Tumors positive for both hrHPV and p16 (double positive) are assumed to be HPV-driven, but only few large studies have investigated the combined prevalence of hrHPV and p16 positivity in vulvar cancer over time. In this Danish cross-sectional study, we assessed the prevalence of p16 positivity and double positivity for hrHPV and p16 in a large sample of vulvar squamous cell carcinomas (VSCCs) diagnosed during 1990 to 2017. In a nationwide register, we identified VSCCs from 13 hospitals across Denmark, and collected archival tumor tissue for hrHPV testing with INNO-LiPA and immunohistochemical p16 staining. We calculated the prevalence of hrHPV, p16 positivity and double positivity according to time, age and histological subtype and evaluated time trends through estimated annual percentage changes. We included 1278 VSCCs. Overall, 35.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 32.4-37.6) were positive for p16 and 31.0% (95% CI: 28.4-33.5) were positive for both hrHPV and p16. The prevalence of p16 positivity and double positivity increased over time, both in women aged ≤59 and ≥60 years. The double positive prevalence was higher in nonkeratinizing (60.7%) and warty/basaloid VSCCs (67.5%) than in keratinizing (16.1%) and verrucous VSCCs (5.0%). These results indicate that approximately one-third of vulvar cancers were caused by hrHPV infection, supporting a substantial preventive potential of the HPV vaccine.

How SARS-CoV-2 Infection Impacts the Management of Patients with Vulvar Cancer: Experience in a Third-Level Hospital of Southern Italy

Background: Since February 2020, the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Italy has induced the government to call for lockdown of any activity apart from primary needs, and changing the lives of each of us. All that has dramatically impacted the management of patients affected by cancer. Patients with vulvar cancer (VC) represent a particularly frail population because they are elderly and affected by multiple comorbidities. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical impact of the SARS-CoV-2 infection on VC patients in terms of delay or impossibility of carrying out the scheduled treatment. Methods: The medical records of patients affected by vulvar tumors, referred to "DAI Materno-Infantile" of AOU Federico II of Naples between February 2020 and January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The presence of a positive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in nasopharyngeal swab defined the positivity to SARS-CoV-2. Results: Twenty-four patients with VC were analyzed and scheduled for treatment. The median age was 70.7 years (range: 59-80). Seven (29.2%) patients were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection: In three (42.8%) patients, the treatment was delayed with no apparent consequences, in four (57.2%), the treatment was delayed or changed due to cancer progression and, of these four, one died due to respiratory complications of COVID-19, and one died due to oncologic disease progression. Conclusion: COVID-19 caused, in most cases, significant delays in oncologic treatments and high mortality in our series of patients affected by VC.