Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma Research Articles

9185 Pembrolizumab-Induced New-Onset Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Report

Abstract Disclosure: D. Teng: None. T.L. Connelly: None. M. Ahmad: None. R. Saeed: None. Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitors are becoming essential in the treatment of various cancers. Pembrolizumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds PD-1 receptors, thereby enabling an anti-tumor response by preventing T-cell suppression. Common side effects associated with pembrolizumab include thyroid disorders, hepatitis, pneumonitis, and acute kidney injury, among others. We describe an interesting case of a woman presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in the setting of pembrolizumab-associated new-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus, which was reported at 0.1% during initial clinical trials but is now being increasingly recognized as a complication of immune checkpoint therapy. Case Description: The patient is a 70-year-old female with past medical history notable for stage IIIA vulvar squamous cell carcinoma initially diagnosed and treated in 2017, with recurrence in 2022 and in 2023, at which point pembrolizumab therapy was initiated. Approximately one month after her first dose, the patient presented to the emergency department with palpitations, nausea, non-bloody vomiting, polydipsia, and non-bloody diarrhea. On arrival, the patient’s vital signs were as follows: 97.2 °F, BP 128/74 mmHg, heart rate 80 bpm, respiratory rate 18 per minute, and SpO2 100% on room air. No acute findings were noted on physical exam. Initial blood work was notable for: pH 7.146, lactate 2.4 mmol/L, bicarbonate 8 mmol/L, anion gap 37 mmol/L, creatinine 1.59 mg/dL, glucose 563 mg/dL, C-peptide 0.16 ng/mL, HbA1c 6.9%, and WBC 18.8 B/L with neutrophilic predominance. Urinalysis was notable for 4+ glucose and 4+ ketones. The patient was admitted to the progressive care unit and DKA protocol was initiated including the administration of IV fluids, insulin infusion, and electrolyte replacement. Additional blood work was unrevealing, including insulin autoantibodies <0.4 U/mL, negative islet cell IgG cytoplasmic autoantibodies, and negative anti-GAD65 antibodies. The patient was eventually discharged with outpatient Endocrinology follow-up. Discussion: Immunotherapy is quickly redefining the standard of care in the treatment of several types of malignancies through the leveraging of the body’s immune defense apparatus. Pembrolizumab prevents the deactivation of T-cells via the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. Unfortunately, this also predisposes non-cancerous cells to autoimmune destruction by these T-cells. It is proposed that such is the mechanism by which pancreatic beta islet cells are destroyed in the setting of pembrolizumab use, thereby resulting in a rapid reduction in insulin production capability. New-onset type 1 diabetes complicated by DKA is potentially life-threatening, and so we believe this case highlights the need for both pre-treatment counseling as well as follow-up screening following initiation of pembrolizumab therapy. Presentation: 6/2/2024

MO52-6 Results of treatment for FIGO stage I-II vulvar squamous cell carcinoma at Viet Nam National Cancer Hospital

MO52-6 Results of treatment for FIGO stage I-II vulvar squamous cell carcinoma at Viet Nam National Cancer Hospital

Typing of Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Why it is Important?

The classification of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC), as in endometrial cancer, has shifted from the histology-based descriptors toward molecular-based identifiers. Recently, it has been reported that there are 3 genetically distinct and clinically significant subtypes of VSCC: HPV-associated VSCC, HPV-independent/p53 wild-type VSCC, and HPV-independent/p53-mutated VSCC. Each group has different prognostic implications as well as response to treatment, thus reinforcing the need for this 3-tier molecular classification. This molecular subtyping can easily be done on vulvar biopsies using p16 and p53 immunohistochemistry stains to further improve risk prediction and individualized treatment decisions, leading to better patient outcomes.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy for early stage vulvar squamous cell carcinoma

Background Patients with regional lymph node involvement from squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the vulva have a 48% 5-year relative survival. Recently, sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy has become a viable alternative to inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy. We sought to identify risk factors for predicting a positive SLN in patients with vulvar SCC. Methods A retrospective review of 29 patients with vulvar SCC was performed from 2016 to 2021 at a tertiary care center. Clinicopathologic data were collected in addition to SLN status, including number of lymph nodes removed. Results The average depth of invasion was 7.9 mm, average tumor size was 1.8 cm, 3 of 23 patients had perineural invasion, and 4 of 23 patients had lymphovascular invasion. One patient who did not map on lymphoscintigraphy and five patients with recurrent vulvar SCC were excluded from final analysis. The average number of SLNs removed was two. One patient had a positive SLN: the depth of invasion was 17 mm, tumor size was 5.1 cm, and lymphovascular invasion was present. Conclusions Most patients with early stage vulvar SCC had a negative SLN biopsy. Further study is needed to determine the patient subset that could avoid SLN biopsy altogether.

D2-40 and CK17 Immunohistochemistry as a Diagnostic Adjunct for HPV-Independent Squamous Lesions in the Vulva and Their Role in Defining Atypical Lichen Sclerosus.

Vulvar lichen sclerosus (LS) is a common, chronic inflammatory disorder with a subset of cases progressing to differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (dVIN) and/or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Histopathologic diagnosis of LS and dVIN can be challenging, and it is difficult to predict the subset of LS cases that progress. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) may be a useful diagnostic aid in this setting. CK17 has been shown to be overexpressed in invasive SCC and dVIN, and less commonly in LS. Similar to CK17, D2-40 has been correlated with cutaneous SCC prognosis but has not been evaluated in vulvar lesions. We identified a total of 13 patients with HPV-independent vulvar SCC that had precursor LS or dVIN. CK17 and D2-40 IHC stain intensity and pattern was scored in foci of LS, dVIN, and SCC. An increase in basal layer D2-40 expression was observed with progression from LS to dVIN with strong and diffuse staining in SCC. CK17 maintained similar stain intensity among squamous lesions, but displayed different patterns of staining, with superficial staining in LS, suprabasal staining in dVIN, and diffuse staining in SCC. A subset of LS cases displayed an intermediate (suprabasal) CK17 IHC profile, wild-type p53 expression, and cytomorphologic and architectural features intermediate between LS and dVIN; we defined such cases as "atypical LS." We found that a panel of D2-40/CK17 can serve as a diagnostic adjunct to differentiate LS, dVIN, and invasive SCC. Additional studies with larger patient cohorts are needed to validate these findings and determine their prognostic significance.

Prevalence and indicators of cure of Italian women with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma: A population-based study

ObjectiveFive-year net survival and conditional survival from vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) in Italy have shown no progress during the past three decades. This study aims to estimate the complete prevalence and multiple indicators of cure for VSCC patients. MethodsObserved prevalence was estimated using 31 Italian cancer registries covering 47% of Italian women. A subset of 22 cancer registries was used to estimate model-based long-term survival and indicators of cure: complete prevalence, the cure fraction (CF), the time to cure (TTC), the proportion of 'already cured' patients, and the cure prevalence. ResultsIn 2018, VSCC patients alive in Italy (complete prevalence) were 6,620 or 22 per 100,000 women. The cure fraction (the proportion of newly diagnosed patients who will not die of VSCC) did not change between 2000 and 2010 both for all patients (32%) and in each age group. The time to cure (5-year conditional net survival >95%) was 11 years for patients aged ≥44 years, but excess mortality remained for >15 years in the other age groups. This led to a negligible (5%) proportion of ‘already cured’ patients (living longer than time to cure). The proportion of patients alive <2 years (21%) was the same as that of patients surviving ≥15 years. The cure prevalence (patients who will not die of VSCC) was 64%. A considerable proportion of patients will not be cured even among those who survived ≥5 years. ConclusionThere is an urgent need to reshape the current vulvar care model in Italy.

Investigating racial and ethnic disparities in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma: A retrospective cohort analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database

Investigating racial and ethnic disparities in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma: A retrospective cohort analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database

The Vertical Profunda Artery Perforator Flap for Perineal Reconstruction.

Colorectal cancer is a significant cause of cancer-related death in the United States with abdominoperineal resection (APR) remaining a necessary procedure for many patients. The resultant defects of this radical operation are complex and characterized by significant tissue voids. Pedicled vertical profunda artery perforator flaps (vPAP) can be used to obliterate these defects in patients receiving minimally invasive APR or when the abdominal donor site is unavailable. After receiving local institutional review board approval, a single center, retrospective cohort study from January 2020 to December 2021 was performed assessing pedicled vPAP flap reconstruction of APR defects. Age, sex, body mass index, primary diagnosis, comorbidities, concomitant oncologic procedures, radiation, timing, incorporation of gracilis flaps, follow-up, and complications were compared. Ten patients (70% male) with an average age of 56.2 years and BMI of 27.6 were included in the study. Rectal adenocarcinoma (50%) was the most common indication for APR, followed by rectal squamous cell carcinoma (30%), vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (10%), and Crohn disease (10%). Eighty percent of the patients received radiation, and 70% of reconstructions were delayed after the initial resection. The average length of clinical follow-up was 26.1 months. Concerning major complications, 2 patients were required to return to the operating room due to venous congestion (20%), and 2 patients suffered partial flap failure (20%). Minor complications were perineal dehiscence (50%), abscess requiring percutaneous drainage by interventional radiology (30%), and infection requiring antibiotics (20%). Twenty percent of patients developed fistulas requiring surgical excision. There were no instances of donor site dehiscence, and there was no complete flap loss, indicating successful reconstruction in all included cases. vPAP flaps are a reliable method to reconstruct perineal defects with less donor-site morbidity than previous reconstructive options. vPAP flaps should be considered in the setting of delayed reconstruction, minimally invasive APRs, and when the abdominal donor site is unavailable.

Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma Guidelines May Benefit From Consideration of Tissue-Sparing Techniques as Treatment Options.

Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma Guidelines May Benefit From Consideration of Tissue-Sparing Techniques as Treatment Options.

Whole-Exome Sequencing of Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinomas Reveals an Impaired Prognosis in Patients With TP53 Mutations and Concurrent CCND1 Gains

Very little information is available on the mutational landscape of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC), a disease that mainly affects older women. Studies focusing on the mutational patterns of the currently recognized etiopathogenic types of this tumor (human papillomavirus [HPV]-associated [HPV-A], HPV-independent [HPV-I] with TP53 mutation [HPV-I/TP53mut], and HPV-I with wild-type TP53 [HPV-I/TP53wt]) are particularly rare, and there is almost no information on the prognostic implications of these abnormalities.Whole-exome DNA sequencing of 60 VSCC and matched normal tissues from each patient was performed. HPV detection, immunohistochemistry (IHC) for p16, p53, and mismatch repair proteins were also performed. Ten tumors (16.7%) were classified as HPV-A, 37 (61.7%) as HPV-I/TP53mut, and 13 (21.6%) as HPV-I/TP53wt. TP53 was the most frequently mutated gene (66.7%), followed by FAT1 (28.3%), CDKN2A (25.0%), RNF213 (23.3%), NFE2L2 (20%) and PIK3CA (20%). All the 60 tumors (100%) were DNA mismatch repair proficient. Seventeen tumors (28.3%) showed CCND1 gain. Bivariate analysis, adjusted for International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, revealed that TP53 mutation, CCND1 gain, and the combination of the 2 alterations were strongly associated with impaired recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio, 4.4; P < .001) and disease-specific survival (hazard ratio, 6.1; P = .002). Similar results were obtained when p53 IHC status was used instead of TP53 status and when considering only HPV-I VSCC. However, in the latter category, p53 IHC maintained its prognostic impact only in combination with CCND1 gains. All tumors carried at least one potentially actionable genomic alteration. In conclusion, VSCCs with CCND1 gain represent a prognostically adverse category among HPV-I/TP53mut tumors. All patients with VSCCs are potential candidates for targeted therapy.

Confusing Histopathological Features and HPV Testing Results in Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma Arising in a Young Woman: A Case Solved Using Next-Generation Sequencing

Confusing Histopathological Features and HPV Testing Results in Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma Arising in a Young Woman: A Case Solved Using Next-Generation Sequencing

Biopsy-verified vulvar lichen sclerosus and the risk of non-vulvar cancer: A nationwide cohort study.

Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disease known to be associated with human papillomavirus-independent vulvar squamous cell carcinoma. Evidence on the association with other types of cancer, however, is sparce. We conducted a large nationwide cohort study examining the incidence of non-vulvar cancers among women with biopsy-verified VLS compared with the general female population. By using the nationwide Pathology Registry, we identified all women in Denmark with a biopsy-verified VLS diagnosis during 1978-2019 (n = 16,921). The cohort was followed up in the Danish Cancer Registry until 2022 for a subsequent non-vulvar cancer diagnosis. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were computed with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as relative risk estimates of all specific non-vulvar cancer sites. Compared with general female population rates, women with biopsy-verified VLS had decreased rates of several non-vulvar cancers, including HPV-related cancers (combined estimate: SIR = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3-0.7), and lung (SIR = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.5-0.7), liver (SIR = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.2-0.9), and thyroid cancer (SIR = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3-0.9). The decreased SIRs tended to sustain throughout the follow-up period following the VLS diagnosis. This large nationwide cohort study shows that women with biopsy-verified VLS may have a long-term reduced risk of developing HPV-related (cervical, vaginal, oropharyngeal, and anal) and smoking-associated cancers (lung, liver, and cervical) as well as thyroid cancer. Future studies focusing on the mechanisms behind the decreased cancer risk are needed.

Monocyte infiltration is an independent positive prognostic biomarker in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma

BackgroundVulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) arises after an HPV infection or the mutation of p53 or other driver genes and is treated by mutilating surgery and/or (chemo) radiation, with limited success and high morbidity. In-depth information on the immunological make up of VSCC is pivotal to assess whether immunotherapy may form an alternative treatment.MethodsA total of 104 patient samples, comprising healthy vulva (n = 27) and VSCC (n = 77), were analyzed. Multispectral immunofluorescence (15 markers) was used to study both the myeloid and lymphoid immune cell composition, and this was linked to differences in transcriptomics (NanoString nCounter, 1258 genes) and in survival (Kaplan–Meier analyses).ResultsHealthy vulva and VSCC are both well infiltrated but with different subpopulations of lymphoid and myeloid cells. In contrast to the lymphoid cell infiltrate, the density and composition of the myeloid cell infiltrate strongly differed per VSCC molecular subtype. A relative strong infiltration with epithelial monocytes (HLADR−CD11c−CD14+CD68−CD163−CD33−) was prognostic for improved survival, independent of T cell infiltration, disease stage or molecular subtype. A strong infiltration with T cells and/or monocytes was associated with drastic superior survival: 5-year survival > 90% when either one is high, versus 40% when both are low (p < 0.001).ConclusionA hot myeloid and/or lymphoid infiltrate predicts excellent survival in VSCC. Based on the response of similarly high-infiltrated other tumor types, we have started to explore the potential of neoadjuvant checkpoint blockade in VSCC.

DNA Methylation and p53 Immunohistochemistry as Prognostic Biomarkers for Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus

Vulvar lichen sclerosus (LS) is an inflammatory dermatosis that can progress to human papillomavirus (HPV)-independent vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (HPVi VIN) and vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC). Although LS has a much lower cancer risk compared with HPVi VIN (5% vs 50%, respectively), its incidence is significantly higher. Therefore, there is a clinical need to identify LS patients with an increased cancer risk. Our objective was to study the value of DNA methylation and p53 immunohistochemistry (IHC) as prognostic biomarkers for progression to cancer in patients with LS. Vulvar tissues from 236 patients were selected, including 75 LS and 68 HPVi VIN, both with and without cancer development, 32 VSCC, and 61 healthy vulvar controls. Samples were subjected to p53 IHC and DNA methylation analysis of a 3-gene marker panel containing ZNF582, SST, and miR124-2. Methylation levels and p53 IHC status (mutant or wild-type) were assessed and compared among all disease categories. Odds ratios were determined to identify whether the biomarkers were associated with progression to cancer in patients with LS. The highest methylation levels were found in HPVi VIN and VSCC, followed by LS and healthy vulvar controls. The largest heterogeneity in methylation levels was observed in LS cases. In fact, the 3-marker panel tested positive in 70% of LS, which progressed to VSCC vs only 17% of LS in patients without cancer development (P = .002). Also, mutant p53 IHC was observed more frequently in LS with progression to VSCC compared with nonprogressive LS cases (42% vs 3%, respectively, P = .001). Multivariable analysis identified a mutant p53 status as the only independent risk factor for cancer development in LS (odds ratio: 34.0, 95% CI: 1.4-807.4). In conclusion, DNA methylation testing and p53 IHC show strong potential as prognostic biomarkers for the identification of LS patients at high risk of progression to cancer.

APOLLO: neo-adjuvant pembrolizumab for primary vulvar squamous cell carcinoma—a multicenter, single-arm, phase II, clinical proof-of-concept study

BackgroundVulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) is a rare cancer for which the cornerstone of treatment is surgery with high complication rates. The unmet need is a less radical and more...

Genomic profiles of Japanese patients with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma

The incidence of vulvar carcinoma varies by race; however, it is a rare disease, and its genomic profiles remain largely unknown. This study examined the characteristics of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) in Japanese patients, focusing on genomic profiles and potential racial disparities. The study included two Japanese groups: the National Cancer Center Hospital (NCCH) group comprised 19 patients diagnosed between 2015 and 2023, and the Center for Cancer Genomics and Advanced Therapeutics group comprised 29 patients diagnosed between 2019 and 2022. Somatic mutations were identified by targeted or panel sequencing, and TP53 was identified as the most common mutation (52–81%), followed by HRAS (7–26%), CDKN2A (21–24%), and PIK3CA (5–10%). The mutation frequencies, except for TP53, were similar to those of Caucasian cohorts. In the NCCH group, 16 patients of HPV-independent tumors were identified by immunohistochemistry and genotyping. Univariate analysis revealed that TP53-mutated patients were associated with a poor prognosis (log-rank test, P = 0.089). Japanese VSCC mutations resembled those of Caucasian vulvar carcinomas, and TP53 mutations predicted prognosis regardless of ethnicity. The present findings suggest potential molecular-targeted therapies for select VSCC patients.

Clinical Impact of Pelvic Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

This study investigated the clinical impact of resection of pelvic sentinel lymph nodes (PSLNs) in squamous cell vulvar cancer (SCVC). Sixty-two groins of 33 patients with SCVC who underwent sentinel lymph node (SLN) resection between 2010 and 2021 at the University Hospital of Cologne, Germany, were analyzed in this retrospective cohort study. The frequency of additionally resectable PSLNs, histological findings, and count rates were analyzed and compared to the findings for inguinal sentinel lymph nodes (ISLNs). In all patients and in 61 (98%) of the 62 radiolabeled groins, at least one SLN could be resected. Five (8%) of the 62 groins had histologically confirmed lymph node metastases (4/33 patients, 12%). Twenty (33%) of the 62 groins underwent additional PSLN resection. Resection of these PSLNs was feasible without causing an additional burden for the patients. None of the PSLNs showed signs of tumor infiltration. Information on the extent of radioactivity for ISLNs and simultaneously for PSLNs, expressed as count rate of intraoperative measurement with the gamma probe, was available for 20 (32%) groins. In three (15%) of these cases, the highest count rate in a SLN was found in a PSLN and not in an ISLN. Resection of PSLNs is feasible and can be performed without short-term complications. In patients with early SCVC, resection of PSLNs is not necessary, even in those with early infiltration of inguinal lymph nodes. The intraoperative count rate of SLN is not relevant for the decision to perform resection.

Prognostic characteristics, recurrence patterns, and survival outcomes of vulval squamous cell carcinoma – A twelve-year retrospective analysis of a tertiary centre

Vulval cancer is a rare gynaecological malignancy. In this study, we present a tertiary centre case analysis to examine the recurrence patterns and survival outcomes of vulval squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This is a retrospective cohort study of women who received treatment at Oxford University Hospitals between February 2010 and July 2022 for primary vulval SCC. We included 98 cases. The median age at diagnosis was 68 years. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection and lichen sclerosis were observed in 21 and 50 cases, respectively. Surgical excision was the primary treatment. Recurrence within 2 years was more common with advanced stage (p = 0.047, RR = 2.26) and extracapsular lymph node spread (p = 0.013, RR = 2.88). Local recurrence was not associated with a specific cut-off value for tumour-free margin. Poor survival outcomes were observed with higher grade (p = 0.01), advanced FIGO stage (p < 0.001), HPV-independent cancer (p = 0.048), lymph node involvement (p < 0.001, HR = 7.14), extracapsular spread (p < 0.001, HR = 7.93), lymphovascular space invasion (p = 0.002, HR = 3.17), tumour diameter wider than 23 mm (p = 0.029, HR = 2.53) and depth of invasion more than 6 mm (p = 0.006, HR = 3.62). Perineural invasion is associated with shorter disease-free survival. Five-year cancer-specific survival rates for stages I, III, and IV were 90.2%, 40.8%, and 14.3%, respectively.

Current Preoperative Management of Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Overview.

Vulvar carcinoma is a rare cancer affecting the genital tract, constituting 4% of gynecological tumors. Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) is the most common type. Diagnosis relies on biopsy during vulvoscopy, plus imaging such as ultrasonography (USG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET). This review aims to lay out a thorough overview as to the current preoperative management of VSCC, both in case of vulvar and lymph node involvement. The data research was conducted using the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Sciences, Scopus, ClinicalTrial.gov, OVID and Cochrane Library from 2010 to 2024. The selection criteria included only original articles. Seventeen studies were assessed for eligibility. A concordance rate of 62.3% for vHSIL and 65.2% for carcinoma at vulvoscopy, with a sensitivity of 98%, specificity of 40%, PPV (Positive Predictive Value) of 37% and NPV (Negative Predictive Value) of 98% in identifying malignant lesions was found. Regarding the reliability of PET for staging and assessing lymph node involvement, a mean SUV (Standardized Uptake Value) for malignant vulvar lesions of 8.4 (range 2.5-14.7) was reported. In the case of MRI, useful for the evaluation of loco-regional infiltration and lymph node involvement, the ratio of the short-to-long-axis diameter and the reader's diagnostic confidence for the presence of lymph node metastasis yielded accuracy of 84.8% and 86.9%, sensitivity of 86.7% and 87.5%, specificity of 81.3% and 86.2%, PPV of 89.7% and 87.5% and NPV of 76.5% and 86.2%, respectively. A long lymph node axis >10 mm and a short diameter >5.8 mm were found to be predictors of malignancy. At USG, instead, the two main characteristics of potentially malignant lymph nodes are cortical thickness and short axis length; the combination of these ultrasound parameters yielded the highest accuracy in distinguishing between negative and positive lymph nodes. Despite the heterogeneity of the included studies and the lack of randomized clinical trials, this review provides a broad overview of the three imaging tools used for the presurgical management of VSCC. Nowadays, although MRI and PET represent the gold standard, ultrasound evaluation is taking on a growing role, as long as it is carried out by expert sonographer. The management of this rare disease should be always performed by a multidisciplinary team in order to precisely stage the tumor and determine the most suitable treatment approach.

Clinical outcomes with utilization of high-potency topical steroids in patients with lichen sclerosus-associated vulvar cancer

ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of high-potency topical steroid use on risk of recurrence of lichen sclerosus-associated vulvar cancer. MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study evaluating patients with lichen sclerosus (LS)- associated vulvar squamous cell cancer (VSCC). Demographic and clinical outcome data were compared between two comparison groups: patients who received steroids, mainly clobetasol, and patients who did not receive steroids following treatment of LS-related vulvar cancer. Categorical variables were compared using Fisher's exact test or chi-square test. Continuous variables were compared using a two-sided student's t-test. Time to recurrence (TTR) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival plot and compared using Mantel-Cox log rank test. Cox proportional hazard regression models were conducted to generate hazard ratios for both TTR and OS. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. ResultsA total of 49 patients were included, with 36 patients receiving steroid treatment and 13 patients in the expectant management group. The median age of diagnosis was 68. The average BMI was 31.7 +/− 7.0. The median length of follow up was 41 months. The majority of patients were diagnosed with stage I VSCC. There was no difference in demographics or oncologic management of vulvar cancer between the two cohorts. Overall recurrence was decreased among patients who received steroid treatment when compared to patients who did not, 12 patients (33.3%) versus 9 patients (69.2%) respectively (p = 0.048). ConclusionsHigh-potency topical steroid use following treatment of lichen sclerosus-associated vulvar squamous cell carcinoma is associated with decreased risk of recurrence and prolonged median time to recurrence.