Ovarian cancer in the United States: contemporary patterns of care associated with improved survival.

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) requires complex multidisciplinary care with wide variations in outcome. We sought to determine the impact of institutional and process of care factors on overall survival (OS) and delivery of guideline care nationally.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of primary OC diagnosed from 1998 to 2007 using the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) capturing 80% of all U.

Disparities in ovarian cancer care quality and survival according to race and socioeconomic status.

Background: The relationship between racial and socioeconomic status (SES) disparities and the quality of epithelial ovarian cancer care and survival outcome are unclear.

Methods: A population-based analysis of National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) records for invasive primary epithelial ovarian cancer diagnosed in the period from 1998 to 2002 was done using data from patients classified as white or black. Adherence to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline care was defined by stage-appropriate surgical procedures and recommended chemotherapy.

Surgically (laparotomy/laparoscopy) guided placement of high dose rate interstitial irradiation catheters (LG-HDRT): technique and outcome.

Objective: To describe and evaluate the technique and the clinical outcome of a new modality for the treatment of women with persistent or recurrent pelvic malignancies utilizing surgically (laparotomy or laparoscopic) guided high dose rate (HDR) catheters to complete high dose rate interstitial irradiation therapy (LG-HDRT).

Methods: Between 6/2000 and 6/2004, 14 women with histologic evidence of postradiation persistent (3 patients) or recurrent (11 patients) pelvic disease underwent LG-HDRT. Five patients (36%) received treatment for a 2nd, 3rd or 4th recurrence.

Poly(L-lactide/glycolide) suture: the effect of acute radiation.

Unlabelled: The physical properties of Poly(L-lactide/glycolide) indicate that the suture retains approximately 80% of its original strength at 3 months and 60% of its original strength at 6 months. This new long-term synthetic absorbable suture offers postoperative fascial strength for an extended period when compared to other available absorbables. Importantly, many women with gynecologic cancer will undergo radiation therapy during this interval.

Stage IC adenocarcinoma of the endometrium: survival comparisons of surgically staged patients with and without adjuvant radiation therapy.

Objective: The goal of this study was to determine the outcomes of stage IC endometrial carcinoma patients who are managed with and without adjuvant radiation therapy after comprehensive surgical staging.

Methods: Patients with FIGO stage IC adenocarcinoma of the endometrium diagnosed from 1988 to 1999 were identified from tumor registry databases at four institutions. A retrospective chart review identified 220 women who underwent comprehensive surgical staging including a total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, pelvic/paraaortic lymphadenectomy, and peritoneal cytology.

Health literacy, cervical cancer risk factors, and distress in low-income African-American women seeking colposcopy.

Objectives: To describe the relationship between health literacy, distress, and cervical cancer risk factors in women at high risk for developing cervical cancer.

Design: Cross-sectional, prospective cohort design.

Setting: Two university-based gynecological oncology colposcopy clinics and 3 Planned Parenthood community dinics.