Letters of recommendation for gynecologic oncology fellowship differ by gender and race.

Introduction: Letters of recommendation (LOR) play a significant role in applicant selection for gynecologic oncology (GO) fellowship. LORs can be agentic, associated with competence, independence and strength, or communal, associated with being accommodating, cooperative and empathetic. Agentic LORs have been shown to reflect favorably on applicants, making them more likely to be selected for interview.

Outcomes for patients with high-risk endometrial cancer undergoing sentinel lymph node assessment versus full lymphadenectomy.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) among patients with high-risk endometrial cancer (EC) who underwent sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping and dissection compared to patients who underwent pelvic +/- para-aortic lymphadenectomy (LND).

Methods: Patients with newly diagnosed high-risk EC were identified. Inclusion criteria included patients who underwent primary surgical management from January 1, 2014 to September 1, 2020 at our institution.

Missing a chance to prevent: disparities in completion of genetic evaluation in high-risk patients with endometrial cancer.

Objective: The primary goal of this study is to examine disparities in high-risk endometrial cancer (EC) patients in relation to rates of genetic referrals (GR), testing (GT), and counseling (GC).

Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of patients with newly diagnosed EC between January 1, 2014 and September 1, 2020 at a single institution. Patients were defined as high-risk EC patients when they were 1) diagnosed at 50 years or younger, 2) had a positive family history for cancer or 3) had evidence of loss of mismatch repair protein expression on tumor immunohistochemistry.

The use of Instagram by gynecologic oncology providers as a patient education tool for patients at high-risk of gynecologic cancer.

Social media outlets have increased in popularity within the last decade and are influencing the ways in which patients interact with the healthcare system. The objective of this study is to examine the presence of gynecologic oncology divisions on Instagram and to analyze the content of their posts. Secondary objectives included examining and analyzing the use of Instagram as a tool for patient education among people at increased genetic risk of gynecologic cancers.

SMAC Mimetics Synergistically Cooperate with HDAC Inhibitors Enhancing TNF-α Autocrine Signaling.

The overexpression of inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins is strongly related to poor survival of women with ovarian cancer. Recurrent ovarian cancers resist apoptosis due to the dysregulation of IAP proteins. Mechanistically, Second Mitochondrial Activator of Caspases (SMAC) mimetics suppress the functions of IAP proteins to restore apoptotic pathways resulting in tumor death.

COVID-19 and Gynecologic Oncology: What Have We Learned?

COVID-19 has transformed the care we provide to gynecologic oncology patients. In addition to directly impacting the diagnosis and treatment of women with gynecologic cancer, it has affected our patient's ability to undergo recommended surveillance and has made an impact on every caregiver providing care during this time. Herein we review the current literature on the impact of COVID-19 on gynecologic oncology and highlight new approaches and innovations that have resulted in gynecologic cancer care as a result of the pandemic.

Matrix Drug Screen Identifies Synergistic Drug Combinations to Augment SMAC Mimetic Activity in Ovarian Cancer.

Inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins are frequently upregulated in ovarian cancer, resulting in the evasion of apoptosis and enhanced cellular survival. Birinapant, a synthetic second mitochondrial activator of caspases (SMAC) mimetic, suppresses the functions of IAP proteins in order to enhance apoptotic pathways and facilitate tumor death. Despite on-target activity, however, pre-clinical trials of single-agent birinapant have exhibited minimal activity in the recurrent ovarian cancer setting.

Adapting and avoiding coping strategies for women with ovarian cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented challenges for people living with cancer, impacting not only physical health but psychological well-being. The psychological response affects the individual as well as the community and can persist long after the outbreak. We aim to assess coping strategies employed by women with ovarian cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Evaluation of the Anti-Tumor Activity of the Humanized Monoclonal Antibody NEO-201 in Preclinical Models of Ovarian Cancer.

Despite high initial response rates with cytoreductive surgery, conventional chemotherapy and the incorporation of biologic agents, ovarian cancer patients often relapse and die from their disease. New approaches are needed to improve patient outcomes. This study was designed to evaluate the antitumor activity of NEO-201 monoclonal antibody (mAb) in preclinical models of ovarian cancer where the NEO-201 target is highly expressed.

Impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on the quality of life for women with ovarian cancer.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented challenges for the oncology community. For people living with cancer, treatments are interrupted, surgeries cancelled, and regular oncology evaluations rescheduled. People with cancer and their physicians must balance plausible fears of coronavirus disease 2019 and cancer treatment with the consequences of delaying cancer care.

Sixteen year-old with leiomyosarcoma in a prior benign myomectomy site.

Uterine leiomyosarcoma in a prior myomectomy site is a rare phenomenon. We report an unusual case of a leiomyosarcoma arising six months post myomectomy in a 16-year old female.

A clinicopathologic study of vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia.

Objective: To evaluate the natural history of vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN) and to identify risk factors for invasive vaginal carcinoma.

Methods: The records of all women with VAIN diagnosed at military treatment facilities over a 10-year period with minimum follow-up of 12 months were reviewed. Patient demographics and clinical information related to the diagnosis and treatment of VAIN were recorded.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy following laparoscopic port placement in a patient with ovarian cancer.

► Gynecologic oncology patients can be exposed to both chronic and acute physical and emotional stress. ► Gynecologic oncology patients appear to represent an at-risk population for the development of Takotsubo's cardiomyopathy.