The zinc finger gene ZIC2 has features of an oncogene and its overexpression correlates strongly with the clinical course of epithelial ovarian cancer.

Purpose: Epithelial ovarian tumors (EOT) are among the most lethal of malignancies in women. We have previously identified ZIC2 as expressed at a higher level in samples of a malignant form (MAL) of EOT than in samples of a form with low malignant potential (LMP). We have now investigated the role of ZIC2 in driving tumor growth and its association with clinical outcomes.

Long-term survival after fertility-sparing surgery for epithelial ovarian cancer.

Objective: To determine the long-term results of fertility-sparing surgery in the treatment of early-stage invasive epithelial ovarian cancer.

Methods: A retrospective review of 123 patients who underwent surgical staging for FIGO stage I epithelial ovarian cancer from November 1982 to July 2002. Demographics, stage, histopathology, adjuvant therapy, recurrence, and survival were compared for patients who had fertility-sparing surgery and for those having standard surgical staging.

Phase I study of abagovomab in patients with epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer.

Purpose: This open-label study assessed the safety and immunogenicity of two doses and two routes of the anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibody abagovomab (formerly ACA125) in patients with epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer.

Experimental Design: Eligible patients from the three participating institutions were any stage at diagnosis, had relapsed, and had complete or partial response to additional chemotherapy. Patients were randomized to receive abagovomab at 2.

CA125 level as a predictor of progression-free survival and overall survival in ovarian cancer patients with surgically defined disease status prior to the initiation of intraperitoneal consolidation therapy.

Objectives: Recent data suggest that differences in CA125 levels within the normal range may predict progression-free survival (PFS), but limited information is available regarding the value of these differences in predicting overall survival (OS) in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. The objective of this study was to determine whether CA125 is an independent predictor of OS in patients with surgically defined disease status at the end of primary therapy prior to intraperitoneal (IP) consolidation chemotherapy. A secondary objective was to assess the relationship of CA125 level to PFS.

The addition of extensive upper abdominal surgery to achieve optimal cytoreduction improves survival in patients with stages IIIC-IV epithelial ovarian cancer.

Objectives: To determine the survival impact of adding extensive upper abdominal surgical cytoreduction to standard surgical techniques for advanced ovarian cancer.

Methods: The records of all patients with stages IIIC-IV epithelial ovarian cancer who underwent primary surgery at our institution from 1998 to 2003 were reviewed. The cohort was divided into 3 groups.

Fifth International Conference on Ovarian Cancer: challenges and opportunities.

Objective: This paper provides a summary of the presentations given at the Fifth International Conference on Ovarian Cancer in Houston, Texas on December 1-4, 2004.

Methods And Results: The focus of this meeting was to discuss the most current information regarding development, progression, diagnosis, and therapy of ovarian cancer. The presentations at this conference were grouped into 7 sessions, and are summarized in this paper as follows: ovarian cancer biology, novel therapeutic approaches, surgical and pathological controversies, quality of life/biobehavioral aspects of ovarian cancer, screening/prevention approaches, management of uncommon ovarian cancers, and treatment controversies.

A fertility-sparing alternative to radical hysterectomy: how many patients may be eligible?

Objective: To determine the percentage of patients with early-stage cervical cancer who may be eligible for fertility preservation with laparoscopic radical vaginal trachelectomy (LRVT).

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent a radical hysterectomy for invasive cervical cancer at our institution from 12/85 to 8/01, before our use of LRVT at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Institutional eligibility criteria for LRVT were applied.

Improved optimal cytoreduction rates for stages IIIC and IV epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer: a change in surgical approach.

Objective: To determine the impact of the incorporation of extensive upper abdominal debulking procedures on the rates of optimal primary cytoreduction and complications in stages IIIC and IV epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal carcinomas.

Methods: Two groups of patients were identified for comparison. Group 1, the control group, consisted of 70 consecutive patients who underwent "standard" primary cytoreductive surgery before May 2000.

Gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma arising in a mature cystic teratoma of the ovary.

Background: Mature cystic teratoma of the ovary (MCTO) is the most common ovarian germ cell neoplasm and is usually diagnosed in early adulthood. Malignant transformation is rare, occurring in approximately 2% of all cases. Though malignant transformation can occur from any of the embryonic germ layers, the most common malignancy arising in these otherwise benign tumors is squamous cell carcinoma.

Use of an ureteroileocecal appendicostomy urinary reservoir in patients with recurrent pelvic malignancies treated with radiation.

Objective: Evaluation of a modified right colon urinary reservoir in a heavily radiated patient population undergoing pelvic exenteration.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients with recurrent gynecologic, colorectal, and urological tumors who underwent total pelvic or anterior exenteration and urinary diversion from 3/01 to 7/03 using an ureteroileocecal appendicostomy urinary reservoir.

Results: Fourteen patients were identified over the study interval.

Primary vaginal melanoma: a critical analysis of therapy.

Background: Primary vaginal melanoma is a rare and highly malignant disease. The impact of therapy on outcomes is poorly understood.

Methods: Records of all patients treated for primary vaginal melanoma at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center from 1977 to 2001 were reviewed.

Total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy using the argon-beam coagulator: pilot data and comparison to laparotomy.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the feasibility and outcome of total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy for stage I cervical cancer using the argon-beam coagulator.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed of patients with FIGO stage IA1-IB1 cervical cancer who underwent a total laparoscopic approach for definitive surgical treatment. Comparison was made to a cohort of 195 patients who were treated with laparotomy.

Transperitoneal laparoscopic pelvic and para-aortic lymph node dissection using the argon-beam coagulator and monopolar instruments: an 8-year study and description of technique.

Objective: The objective was to describe the results, technique, and complications of transperitoneal laparoscopic (LSC) pelvic and aortic lymph node dissection (LND) using the argon-beam coagulator (ABC) and monopolar electrosurgical instruments in women with gynecologic malignancies.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of 114 patients who underwent LSC pelvic and/or aortic LND in addition to other LSC procedures between 1/1994 and 12/2001 was conducted. All intraoperative complications and complications that occurred within the first 30 postoperative days were included.

Quality of life in women at risk for ovarian cancer who have undergone risk-reducing oophorectomy.

Objectives: Women at risk for ovarian cancer may consider risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO), and desire information regarding the health consequences of the procedure. We studied women who had undergone RRSO to assess quality of life after the procedure.

Methods: Women (n = 59) undergoing RRSO between 1 January 1997 and 31 July 2000 completed a questionnaire composed of the Symptom Checklist (SCL), the Medical Outcomes Study SF-36 Health Survey, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, the Impact of Events Scale, and the Sexual Functioning Questionnaire-Female.

Retrospective analysis of carboplatin and paclitaxel as initial second-line therapy for recurrent epithelial ovarian carcinoma: application toward a dynamic disease state model of ovarian cancer.

Purpose: The majority of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) who achieve a complete remission with front-line chemotherapy develop recurrent disease. Carboplatin and paclitaxel are used for patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent disease, although there is little information regarding the response and survival in unselected patients treated with this strategy. We sought to determine the outcomes for patients with EOC treated with carboplatin and paclitaxel at the time of first recurrence.