The Society of Gynecologic Oncology wellness curriculum pilot: A groundbreaking initiative for fellowship training.

Objectives: Trainee well-being is a core component of ACGME program requirements and the SGO has recognized the high incidence of burnout among gynecologic oncologists and its negative impact. To foster a culture of wellness throughout the SGO community we sought to engage current fellows along with fellowship directors in a structured didactic program designed to teach wellness. We evaluated the feasibility of and preliminary responses to a pilot curriculum designed to teach skills that promote wellness and prevent burnout.

Genetic consultation embedded in a gynecologic oncology clinic improves compliance with guideline-based care.

Objective: Analyze the impact of embedding genetic counseling services in gynecologic oncology on clinician referral and patient uptake of cancer genetics services.

Methods: Data were reviewed for a total of 737 newly diagnosed epithelial ovarian cancer patients seen in gynecologic oncology at a large academic medical center including 401 from 11/2011-7/2014 (a time when cancer genetics services were provided as an off-site consultation). These data were compared to data from 8/2014-9/2016 (n=336), when the model changed to the genetics embedded model (GEM), incorporating a cancer genetic counselor on-site in the gynecologic oncology clinic.

Efficacy of ablation at the anteroseptal line for the treatment of perimitral flutter.

Background: Left atrial flutter following atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is increasingly common and difficult to treat. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of ablation of the anteroseptal line connecting the right superior pulmonary vein (RSPV) to the anteroseptal mitral annulus (MA) for the treatment of perimitral flutter (PMF).

Methods: We systematically studied patients who were previously treated with AF ablation and who presented to the electrophysiology laboratory with atrial tachyarrhythmias between January 2000 and July 2010.

Longitudinal changes in tumor perfusion pattern during the radiation therapy course and its clinical impact in cervical cancer.

Purpose: To study the temporal changes of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) perfusion patterns during the radiation therapy (RT) course and their influence on local control and survival in cervical cancer.

Methods And Materials: DCE-MRI was performed in 98 patients with Stage IB(2)-IVA cervical cancer before RT (pre-RT) and during early RT (20-25 Gy) and mid-RT (45-50 Gy). Signal intensity (SI) from the DCE-MRI time-SI curve was derived for each tumor voxel.

Synergistic effects of hemoglobin and tumor perfusion on tumor control and survival in cervical cancer.

Purpose: The tumor oxygenation status is likely influenced by two major factors: local tumor blood supply (tumor perfusion) and its systemic oxygen carrier, hemoglobin (Hgb). Each has been independently shown to affect the radiotherapy (RT) outcome in cervical cancer. This study assessed the effect of local tumor perfusion, systemic Hgb levels, and their combination on the treatment outcome in cervical cancer.

Interstitial brachytherapy for salvage treatment of vaginal recurrences in previously unirradiated endometrial cancer patients.

Purpose: To evaluate whether interstitial brachytherapy can effectively salvage vaginal recurrence from endometrial carcinoma.

Methods And Materials: Between September 1989 and September 2000, 13 previously unirradiated patients (mean age 70 years) with isolated vaginal recurrences from endometrial adenocarcinoma were treated with interstitial low-dose-rate brachytherapy with or without additional external beam radiotherapy. Brachytherapy was delivered using a modified perineal Syed template loaded with (192)Ir.

Resilience, reflection, and residual stress in ovarian cancer survivorship: a gynecologic oncology group study.

Ovarian cancer is a life-threatening diagnosis which poses multiple challenges. The purpose of this study is to describe the quality of life (QOL) concerns and survivorship sequelae of long-term (>5 yr) early-stage ovarian cancer survivors accrued through the clinical cooperative Gynecologic Oncology Group. Forty-nine ovarian cancer survivors with a mean age at diagnosis of 55.

The American Brachytherapy Society recommendations for low-dose-rate brachytherapy for carcinoma of the cervix.

Purpose: This report presents guidelines for using low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy in the management of patients with cervical cancer.

Methods: Members of the American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) with expertise in LDR brachytherapy for cervical cancer performed a literature review, supplemented by their clinical experience, to formulate guidelines for LDR brachytherapy of cervical cancer.

Results: The ABS strongly recommends that radiation treatment for cervical carcinoma (with or without chemotherapy) should include brachytherapy as a component.