Characterization of ovarian cancer cell metabolism and response to chemotherapy by (31)p magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

We aimed to characterize the (31)P magnetic resonance spectra of various ovarian cancer cell lines exhibiting differences in cytotoxic drug resistance. We examined the metabolic profile of three different ovarian cancer cell lines, OC238, A2780, and A2780-cisplatin resistant (A2780cisR), including their response to various cytotoxic drugs (paclitaxel, cisplatin, and carboplatin) by (31)P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in vitro. In the OC238 cell line, there were higher levels of phosphorylcholine, phosphodiesters, and uridine diphosphosugar (UDPS) + nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP).

Ex vivo 1H and 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy as a means for tumor characterization in ovarian cancer patients.

We aimed to determine whether cells obtained from malignant ovarian tumors had different ex vivo 1H- and 31P (phosphorus-31)-magnetic resonance (MR) spectra compared to cells obtained from benign ovarian cysts. In addition, we aimed to assess the metabolic effects of chemotherapy on malignant cells obtained from peritoneal effusions of ovarian cancer patients. We included 20 ovarian cancer patients undergoing explorative laparotomy for tumor resection, 15 patients undergoing oophorectomy for benign ovarian cysts and 8 patients with advanced ovarian cancer with cancerous peritoneal effusion undergoing palliative percutaneous drainage.

31P-magnetic resonance spectra of ovarian cancer cells exposed to chemotherapy within a three-dimensional Matrigel construct.

We aimed to determine the metabolic profile and effects of chemotherapy on ovarian cancer cell metabolism in a three-dimensional (3D) vs. a two-dimensional (2D) construct using 31P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Three ovarian cancer cell lines were embedded in a 3D perfused Matrigel construct or grown in a 2D monolayer.

Does hysteroscopy produce intraperitoneal spread of endometrial cancer cells?

Hysteroscopy is the tool of choice for the evaluation of the endometrial cavity, including the assessment of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). The combination of endometrial biopsy and diagnostic hysteroscopy could replace dilation and curettage in most patients. However, hysteroscopy might disseminate endometrial cells into the peritoneum, thereby potentially raising the stage and decreasing the survival of a patient with endometrial cancer.

Mucosal melanoma of the female genital tract is a multifocal disorder.

Objective: This is a retrospective analysis of malignant melanoma of the female genital tract, focusing on the high local recurrence rate of this tumor.

Methods: All women treated for malignant melanoma of the genital tract were identified through the archives of the Hadassah University Hospital. The medical records and the pathological specimens were reviewed and reevaluated.

The role of inflammatory cytokines in Meigs' syndrome.

Background: Inflammatory cytokines are known to induce capillary leakage and third-space fluid accumulation in numerous gynecologic and nongynecologic disorders. This study aimed to assess their role in Meigs' syndrome.

Case: Evaluation of serum, peritoneal, and pleural fluids retrieved from a patient suffering from Meigs' syndrome revealed high interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha levels.

Castleman disease in pregnancy.

Background: Castleman disease, a rare disorder characterized by benign proliferation of lymphoid tissues, generally presents as a solitary mediastinal mass. We report the first case of this disease during pregnancy.

Case: A 32-year-old woman presented with a large abdominal mass and vaginal bleeding during the second trimester of pregnancy.

The kinetics of leptin in Meigs' syndrome.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the kinetics and possible role of leptin in the pathophysiology of Meigs' syndrome.

Methods: We report on a 62-year-old patient admitted for a large ovarian tumor, hydrothorax, and ascites. The patient underwent abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral adnexectomy revealing a benign ovarian fibroma and no evidence of malignant cells in the pleural or peritoneal fluids.

Markedly elevated levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, and interleukin 6 in Meigs syndrome.

Analysis of serum and peritoneal and pleural fluid from a patient with Meigs' syndrome revealed high levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, and interleukin 6. Serum levels declined after removal of the ovarian tumor, along with resolution of ascites and hydrothorax. These findings suggest the involvement of these vasoactive factors in ascites and pleural fluid formation in Meigs' syndrome.

Doppler findings in chronic ectopic pregnancy: case report.

Chronic ectopic pregnancy is an uncommon form of tubal pregnancy manifested as a pelvic mass with minimal symptoms and a low or absent titer of human chorionic gonadotropin. For this reason, most of the reported cases have been diagnosed only after explorative laparotomy. The value of Doppler ultrasonography for preoperative diagnosis of this entity has not yet been established.

Gynecological neoplasias in the patient with HIV infection.

HIV infection has been associated with progressive deterioration of the immune system and the development of opportunistic infections and various malignancies. As more experience has been accumulated on the nature and complications of AIDS, the gynecological implications of neoplasia developing in the HIV-positive patient became apparent. A type of cervical malignancy that takes a very aggressive course is being increasingly reported.

[Endometrial measurement by transvaginal sonography in postmenopausal bleeding].

We evaluated the role of transvaginal sonography (TVS) in the investigation of postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) in 50 women with PMB and 25 asymptomatic postmenopausal women presenting for periodic check-up, who served as controls. All those with PMB had a diagnostic curettage or hysterectomy within a week of TVS examination. Measurement of endometrial thickness was compared with the histopathological diagnosis of the endometrium.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer--where does it stand?: a review.

Platinum-based combination chemotherapy has been utilized in the neoadjuvant setting in locally advanced inoperable cervical cancer with the aim of improving response and survival. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy can be followed by either radiation therapy (RT) or by surgery in cases in which it seems to be appropriate. Available data indicate that preradiation chemotherapy yields no survival advantage over RT alone.

Carboplatin and etoposide as first-line chemotherapy in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.

Carboplatin and etoposide are chemotherapeutic agents active in ovarian cancer, previously proved to have a synergistic activity in animal models. The objective of this phase II study was to determine the feasibility and the efficacy of the combination of carboplatin and etoposide in previously untreated patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. Carboplatin, 400 mg m-2 day 1, and etoposide, 100 mg m-2 days 1-3 every 4 weeks were administered to 28 patients with advanced stage (III-IV) ovarian cancer and a performance status 0-2 (ECOG scale), as a firstline chemotherapy.

Treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus in the elderly: an update.

Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus is a disorder of the skin that can occur anywhere on the body and in all age groups but mainly affects middle-aged and elderly women in the vulvoperineal area. It consists of ivory or pink papules or macules that eventually coalesce into thin, gray, parchment-like areas. Clinically, the main symptoms are severe and intractable itching and vaginal soreness with dyspareunia.

Current concepts in management of epithelial ovarian tumors of low malignant potential.

Approximately 15 percent of epithelial ovarian tumors are tumors of LMP. Epithelial stratification, cellular atypia, mitotic activity, and abscence of ovarian stromal invasion set the histopathological criteria for diagnosis. Serous and mucinous tumors of LMP represent 80 to 95% of all cases.

Cesarean scar endometriosis.

A mass located in a scar area during examination is an infrequent phenomenon. Such a mass can be associated with keloid, hematoma, granuloma, hernia or neoplasm. Two cases of scar endometriosis are reported.

Recurrent gestational trophoblastic disease following in-vitro fertilization.

Recurrence of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) following two attempts at in-vitro fertilization (IVF)/embryo transfer is reported in a childless couple after 17 years of unsuccessful trials of ovulation induction. The diagnosis of bilateral tubal obstruction was finally established, indicating IVF treatment. After the first IVF/embryo transfer treatment, the woman developed GTD and was treated with methotrexate.

Hyperreactio luteinalis associated with non-immune hydrops fetalis--the role of pituitary hormones.

The level of pituitary hormones was measured in the serum and cysts' aspirate in a case of hyperreactio luteinalis (HL) complicating non-immune hydrops fetalis. The level of follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin and growth hormone (GH) was within normal range for pregnancy in both the serum and cysts' aspirate. The importance of increased luteinizing hormone (LH) level which was demonstrated in the cysts' fluid should further be determined.

Comparison of cefonicid and cefazolin prophylaxis in abdominal hysterectomy.

One hundred and sixty-four patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy for benign diseases were prospectively evaluated. The efficacy and safety of surgical prophylaxis with a single dose of the long-acting cefonicid was compared to the standard three dose regimen of cefazolin. Prophylaxis was successful in 82 of 85 (96.

The role of brachytherapy in the treatment of stage III vaginal cancer. A report of 3 cases.

Advanced vaginal cancer has a grim prognosis: management is complicated. It may include surgery which needs to be exenterative if cure is intended, and/or radiation therapy (RT), the dose of which is limited by the radiosensitivity of adjacent structures. We report on 3 cases, in each of which the tumor was located in different anatomic sites, and we demonstrate how therapy was tailored to each situation.

Invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix: is HLA-DQ a disease marker in Jewish patients?

HLA class I and class II were investigated in 30 Israeli patients with invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix and compared to healthy controls. None of the studied serological specificities were found to be associated with the disease. Genomic DNA from the patients was amplified by PCR, dot-blotted and hybridized with sequence specific oligonucleotide probes defining the known DQA1 and DQB1 allelic variants.