A phase II evaluation of elesclomol sodium and weekly paclitaxel in the treatment of recurrent or persistent platinum-resistant ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer: An NRG oncology/gynecologic oncology group study.

Objective: Preclinical data suggest elesclomol increases oxidative stress and enhances sensitivity to cytotoxic agents. The objective of this prospective multicenter phase 2 trial was to estimate the activity of IV elesclomol plus weekly paclitaxel in patients with platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian, tubal or peritoneal cancer through the frequency of objective tumor responses (ORR).

Methods: Patients with measurable disease, acceptable organ function, performance status ≤ 2, and one prior platinum containing regimen were eligible.

Gynecologic melanomas: A clinicopathologic and molecular analysis.

Objective: Melanoma originating from gynecologic sites (MOGS), including the vulva, vagina, and cervix, is a rare and aggressive form of melanoma with poor long-term clinical outcome. The clinicopathologic features of vulvar and non-vulvar tumors remain relatively understudied, and in contrast to cutaneous melanomas at non-sun-exposed sites, MOGS typically do not harbor BRAF mutations. Thus, we sought to analyze the clinicopathologic and molecular features of MOGS.

Incidence and Timing of Thromboembolic Events in Patients With Ovarian Cancer Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy.

Objective: To identify the incidence and timing of venous thromboembolism as well as any associated risk factors in patients with ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer and receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy from January 2009 to May 2014 at a single academic institution. The timing and number of venous thromboembolic events for the entire cohort were categorized as follows: presenting symptom, during neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment, after debulking surgery, and during adjuvant chemotherapy.

Sister Society Meeting on Global Education Development and Collaboration: Meeting Report.

Objectives: To identify common barriers to teaching and training and to identify strategies that would be useful in developing future training programs in gynecologic oncology in low- and middle- income countries.

Methods: There is a lack of overall strategy to meet the needs of education and training in gynecologic oncology in low- and middle- income countries, the leaderships of sister societies and global health volunteers met at the European Society of Gynecologic Oncology in October 23, 2015. The challenges of the training programs supported by gynecologic oncology societies, major universities and individual efforts were presented and discussed.

Perioperative Laboratory Abnormalities in Gynecologic Oncology Surgical Patients.

Laboratory blood testing incurs financial costs and the blood draws can increase discomfort, yet minimal data exists regarding routine testing in gynecologic oncology surgical patients. Additionally, an increasing number of gynecologic oncology surgeries are performed via a laparoscopic approach. Thus, further investigation into perioperative laboratory testing for gynecologic oncology patients is warranted.

An assessment of gynecological cytology screening practices among health care providers nationwide.

Context: The Michigan Public Health Institute and the Michigan Cancer Consortium's Cervical Cancer Committee conducted a national survey of health care providers, thanks to funding from the Centers for Disease Control Cooperative Agreement 5U47CI000743-02. Papanicolaou test screening practices were examined, emphasizing the relationship between clinical and laboratory practices. This survey found differing screening practices among providers of women's health care.

A phase II evaluation of selumetinib (AZD6244, ARRY-142886), a selective MEK-1/2 inhibitor in the treatment of recurrent or persistent endometrial cancer: an NRG Oncology/Gynecologic Oncology Group study.

Background: Activation of the mitogen activated protein kinase pathway plays a pivotal role in cell proliferation and is frequently activated in endometrial cancer. We sought to evaluate the efficacy/safety of selumetinib, a selective MEK-1/2 inhibitor in women with recurrent endometrial cancer.

Methods: This was a phase II, single-arm, open-label study evaluating response and 6-month event-free survival (EFS) as primary endpoints.

A phase II evaluation of belinostat and carboplatin in the treatment of recurrent or persistent platinum-resistant ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma: a Gynecologic Oncology Group study.

Background: Patients with recurrent ovarian cancer have limited options, especially in the context of relapse less than six months from primary platinum-based therapy. This Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) study was conducted to evaluate the impact of the histone deacetylase inhibitor, belinostat, in combination with carboplatin in women with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.

Methods: Eligible patients had measurable, recurrent disease within six months of their last dose of a platinum-based combination.

Perception and use of complementary and alternative medicine among gynecologic oncology care providers.

Objective: To determine general attitudes and approaches to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among physicians who care for gynecologic oncology patients.

Methods: Surveys were mailed to members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists and the Michigan Oncology Group. Physicians were asked to rate their general attitude toward CAM.

Postmenopausal hyperandrogenism caused by a benign cystic teratoma: a case report.

Background: Mature, benign cystic teratomas of the ovary are common in reproductive-age women, but they are very rarely associated with androgen production and subsequent development of hirsutism or virilization. We describe a case of postmenopausal hirsutism and hyperandrogenism caused by a mature cystic teratoma as well as the 7 previously reported cases.

Case: A 55-year-old, postmenopausal woman presented with hirsutism and unilateral lower extremity edema.

A phase II study of weekly docetaxel for patients with advanced or recurrent cancer of the cervix.

Background/aims: A phase II study was conducted to assess the activity and toxicity of weekly docetaxel in patients with advanced or recurrent cancer of the cervix.

Methods: Eligible patients were required to have measurable disease with adequate performance status, bone marrow, renal and hepatic function. Patients were allowed to receive chemosensitization and not more than one prior chemotherapy regimen excluding taxanes.

Vulvar melanoma: review of diagnosis, staging, and therapy.

Objectives: To update, assimilate, and bridge the contemporary literature on vulvar and cutaneous melanoma regarding diagnosis, staging, and therapy to provide a useful clinical reference for managing and counseling for affected patients.

Materials And Methods: A computerized search for reports in the literature up to June 2003 was carried out using PubMed and MEDLINE databases. Multidisciplinary involvement was used in evaluating the available data and formulating conclusions.

Increased incidence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in women with systemic lupus erythematosus treated with intravenous cyclophosphamide.

Objective: To determine if the incidence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is increased in immunosuppressed women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods: Women with SLE were consecutively recruited from University of Michigan outpatient rheumatology clinics. Women with abnormal cervical smears at screening were excluded.

Vulvar melanoma: a report of 20 cases and review of the literature.

Background: Vulvar melanoma is the second most common vulvar malignancy and represents a significant women's health issue.

Objective: To report experience with 21 cases of vulvar melanoma in 20 patients and to review the literature about the condition.

Methods: Parameters retrospectively reviewed included age at diagnosis, family history of melanoma, location on the vulva, atypical nevi, Breslow depth, ulceration status, histologic pattern, presenting signs and symptoms, and the results of sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Prognostic value of positron emission tomography using F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose in patients with cervical cancer undergoing radiotherapy.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether positron emission tomography (PET) using F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) before and after radiotherapy would predict whether local control of cervical cancer had been achieved.

Methods: FDG-PET scans were performed prior to therapy and at a mean of 4.6 months after radiation in 20 patients (pts) with histologically proven uterine cervical cancer who were undergoing a "curative" course of radiation therapy.