Pulmonary adenoid cystic carcinoma - a spectrum of disease: two case reports.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare form of adenocarcinoma that usually begins in the oral cavity, with most cases arising from the salivary glands. Owing to its low incidence, the precise clinical and pathological features, including therapeutic strategy and survival data have not been conclusively reported. ACCs are typically characterized by slow growth, perineural invasion with local and often late recurrence after initial diagnosis.

A novel proteomic-based screening method for ovarian cancer using cervicovaginal fluids: A window into the abdomen.

Objective: Our objective is to develop a site-specific proteomic-based screening test for ovarian cancer(OC) using the mucus of the cervix and vagina and evaluate a potential means for home testing.

Methods: Cervicovaginal fluid samples were obtained from ovarian cancer and normal control patients for LC-mass spectrometry(MS) proteomic evaluation. Statistical modeling determined the protein panel with the highest penetrance across ovarian cancer samples.

Intraperitoneal (IP) port cytology after completion of primary therapy for advanced stage ovarian cancer: A novel approach to a "second look".

Objective: To determine whether IP port cytology predicts early recurrence and/or poor prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer who have completed primary therapy.

Methods: A prospective study of patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer undergoing IP port removal after debulking followed by IV/IP chemotherapy was performed. Ports were flushed with 10 cc of normal saline into ThinPrep fixative to be analyzed for cytology.

A case of paraneoplastic elastosis perforans serpiginosa associated with ovarian malignancy.

Elastosis perforans serpiginosa (EPS) is a rare skin disorder in which there is transepithelial elimination of elastin fibers. It belongs to a group of perforating disorders of which there are four classic types. The EPS type is extremely rare.

Unraveling the etiology of ovarian cancer racial disparity in the deep south: Is it nature or nurture?

Background: Our objective was to evaluate racial treatment and survival disparities in black women with ovarian cancer in the Deep South and to determine how environmental factors / socioeconomic status (SES) influence survival.

Methods: A retrospective study of ovarian cancer patients from 2007 to 2014 was performed. Socioeconomic status (SES) was obtained though U.

Minority participation in Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) Studies.

Objective: Participation of minority populations in clinical trials is paramount to understanding and overcoming cancer racial disparities. The goal of this project is to evaluate minority participation in published GOG clinical trials.

Methods: GOG publications from 1985 to 2013 were reviewed.

mRNA detection in living cells: A next generation cancer stem cell identification technique.

Cancer stem cells (CSC) are a distinct subpopulation within a tumor shown to drive tumor progression, metastasis, and recurrence. A review of the literature reveals poor consensus, with the use of a wide variety of surface markers and functional assays to identify and isolate cancer stem cells. Utilizing a novel technology that enables live-cell mRNA quantitation, we have demonstrated the ability to identify and sort viable CSC based on markers associated with stemness in pluripotent cells.

Association between obesity and the trends of routes of hysterectomy performed for benign indications.

Objective: To estimate the association between obesity and the recent trends of routes chosen for hysterectomy performed for benign indications in the United States.

Materials And Methods: Using the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Project's database, patients who underwent hysterectomy for benign indications from 2005 to 2011 were identified by International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision codes and were categorized into total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH), total vaginal hysterectomy (TVH), laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH), and total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). The patients were divided into four subgroups according to body mass index (BMI) (less than 25, 25-29.

The trend towards minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for endometrial cancer: an ACS-NSQIP evaluation of surgical outcomes.

Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the surgical trend towards increased MIS in the management of endometrial cancer in regard to improvements in patient outcomes.

Methods: Using the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Project's database, patients who underwent hysterectomy for endometrial cancer from 2006-2010 were identified and categorized into exploratory laparotomy (XLAP) or MIS. Comparative analyses were performed and stratified by year of surgery to evaluate demographics, surgical outcomes, and 30-day surgical morbidity.

ALDH1A1 maintains ovarian cancer stem cell-like properties by altered regulation of cell cycle checkpoint and DNA repair network signaling.

Objective: Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) expressing cells have been characterized as possessing stem cell-like properties. We evaluated ALDH+ ovarian cancer stem cell-like properties and their role in platinum resistance.

Methods: Isogenic ovarian cancer cell lines for platinum sensitivity (A2780) and platinum resistant (A2780/CP70) as well as ascites from ovarian cancer patients were analyzed for ALDH+ by flow cytometry to determine its association to platinum resistance, recurrence and survival.

Validation of a venous thromboembolism risk assessment model in gynecologic oncology.

Objectives: Gynecologic oncology patients undergoing surgery are at an increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). We attempted to validate a VTE risk assessment model in gynecologic oncology patients.

Methods: All gynecologic oncology patients who underwent a laparotomy for the diagnosis or suspicion of gynecologic malignancy from 2004 to 2010 were included.

Ureteral transection repaired during robot-assisted surgery.

During robot-assisted surgery for endometrial cancer, a ureteral injury occurred in two women. Both injuries were repaired successfully with robot-assisted surgery. One of the injuries and its repair are shown in an edited video clip.

Magnetic resonance or computerized tomography imaging to predict difficulty of robotic surgery for endometrial cancer.

To determine if the difficulty of a robotic hysterectomy for endometrial cancer can be predicted by MRI, CT or other methods. All robotic cases from 1 August 2006 through 30 July 2009 were identified. Data collected prospectively included co-morbidities, body mass index, surgical times, estimated blood loss (EBL), uterine weight, and pre- and postoperative complications.

CD44+/CD24- ovarian cancer cells demonstrate cancer stem cell properties and correlate to survival.

Cancer cells with the surface marker profile CD44+/CD24- have previously been described to possess cancer stem cell-like properties. This manuscript evaluates those properties in ovarian cancer cell lines. The proportion of CD44+/CD24- cells corresponded to the clinical aggressiveness of each ovarian cancer cell line histologic subtype.

Treatment of chemotherapy-induced anemia in ovarian cancer patients: does the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents worsen survival?

Objective: Considering the paucity of data relating erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) use to ovarian cancer survival, our objective was to evaluate the effect of ESA as used for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA) on survival in ovarian cancer patients.

Materials And Methods: A multi-institution retrospective chart review was performed on ovarian cancer patients. Data collection included patient demographic, surgicopathologic, chemotherapy, ESA, and survival data.

Signs of aging or the vague symptoms of ovarian cancer?

Purpose/objectives: To explore the feelings that occurred at the same time as the vague physical symptoms of ovarian cancer.

Research Approach: Qualitative, descriptive methodology.

Setting: University cancer institute in southeastern United States.

The incidence and clinical significance of lymph node micrometastases determined by immunohistochemical staining in stage I - lymph node negative endometrial cancer.

Objective: Determine the incidence and clinical relevance of lymph node micrometastases found with immunohistochemical (IHC) staining in patients diagnosed with stage I lymph node-negative endometrial adenocarcinoma.

Methods: Eligible patients with endometrioid-type histology and negative lymph nodes by H&E were identified by a computerized database. After histologic confirmation, all paraffin-embedded pathologic specimens were freshly sliced and stained with IHC stains for pancytokeratin.

MiR-181 mediates cell differentiation by interrupting the Lin28 and let-7 feedback circuit.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have attracted attention because of their key regulatory functions in many biological events, including differentiation and tumorigenesis. Recent studies have reported the existence of a reciprocal regulatory loop between the family of let-7 miRNAs and an RNA-binding protein, Lin28, both of which have been documented for their important roles during cell differentiation. Hence, using bipotent K562 human leukemia cells and human CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells as research models, we demonstrate that let-7 and Lin28 have contrary roles in megakaryocytic (MK) differentiation with a dynamic balance; expression of miR-181 is capable of effectively repressing Lin28 expression, disrupting the Lin28-let-7 reciprocal regulatory loop, upregulating let-7, and eventually promoting MK differentiation.

Evaluation of the learning curve of total robotic hysterectomy with or without lymphadenectomy for a gynecologic oncology service.

We sought to determine the learning curve for total robotic hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (TRH, BSO) with/without lymphadenectomy (LND) for a gynecologic oncology service. Data was collected prospectively and included demographics, surgical data, and timed data points to calculate times for the following categories: total operating room (OR) time, setup time, hysterectomy (HYST) time, lymphadenectomy (LND) time, and console time. Cases were grouped into tens by chronological order and compared.

Double prophylaxis for deep venous thrombosis in patients with gynecologic oncology who are undergoing laparotomy: does preoperative anticoagulation matter?

Objective: Double prophylaxis for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) with thromboprophylaxis plus sequential compression devices (SCDs) is recommended for high-risk surgical patients with gynecologic oncology. Despite the use of preoperative thromboprophylaxis in clinical trials, the schedule of perioperative low molecular-weight heparin varies widely. We sought to determine the effectiveness and adverse effects of a preoperative dose of anticoagulation in patients with gynecologic oncology.

A comprehensive method to train residents in robotic hysterectomy techniques.

Training residents to perform robotic surgery poses several challenges. We describe a comprehensive method, beginning with a dry lab, and progressing through bedside assisting, then segmental involvement, to full participation, for residents to train and obtain credentials in robotic hysterectomy. From August 1, 2006 through July 31, 2009 a training method was developed at the University of South Alabama on the Gynecologic Oncology service.