Profiling of selected angiogenesis-related genes in serous ovarian cancer patients.

Purpose: Since angiogenesis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer the aim of the study was to compare the expression of the most relevant angiogenesis-related genes in serous ovarian cancer samples. Genes were divided into 5 subgroups according to their angiogenic potential: growth factors and their receptors; cytokines/chemokines; adhesion molecules and other matrix related proteins; transcriptions factors and signaling molecules; morphogenic factors, and angiogenesis inhibitors.

Materials/methods: Twenty-nine patients were involved in the study: 20 with serous ovarian cancer and 9 healthy controls.

Complications associated with 9-10Fr venous access port use in adjuvant intraperitoneal chemotherapy after a cytoreductive surgery in ovarian cancer patients.

Purpose: To determine the complication rate associated with using a single-lumen intravenous access port with a silicone catheter of 9-10Fr size in the intraperitoneal treatment, including hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, in ovarian cancer.

Patients/methods: We reviewed 27 patients who had subcutaneous venous access ports placed for the administration of IP chemotherapy. With four patients, the catheter was implanted during a hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy-related laparotomy using the closed technique.

Prognostic factors and a value of 2009 FIGO staging system in vulvar cancer.

Objective: In 2009, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) modified staging of vulvar cancer-the prognostic significance of the new classification relative to the prior system as well as to the commonly recognized prognostic factors has not been assessed. The aim of this study was to test prognostic ability of 2009 staging in a cohort of uniformly treated and staged cases with long-term follow-up.

Methods: Pathologic characteristics were obtained by blind review of the original tissue samples.

Selective gene expression profiling of mTOR-associated tumor suppressor and oncogenes in ovarian cancer.

The aim of this study was to selectively profile the activation status of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-associated oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) in ovarian cancer specimens, healthy ovaries and benign ovarian tumors, including endometrial cysts. We used a novel type of microfluidic gene array to examine the expression of 15 human tumor suppressors and oncogenes in ovarian cancer specimens of 53 patients, benign ovarian cysts of 29 women (endometrial and simple) and 11 healthy ovaries of individuals in whom the material was obtained during total hysterectomies performed because of fibroid changes. The array was custom-designed to include the following genes: NF1, RHEB, mTOR1, AKT-1, PTEN, TSC1, TSC2, KRAS, RPS6KB1, 4EBP1, TP53, EIF4E, STK11, PIK3CA and BECN1.

Clinical significance of VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 expression in ovarian cancer patients.

The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family and VEGF receptors (VEGFR) play an essential role in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. The aim of this study was to clarify the prognostic significance of VEGFR expression in ovarian carcinoma. Levels of VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 tissue expression in human ovarian tumours were assayed by immunoblotting and the correlations between analysed factors and clinicopathological features were examined.

[Phalanges necrosis--a rare manifestation of "hand-foot" syndrome induced by gemcitabine used in the second--line therapy for progressive ovarian cancer. A case report].

"Hand-foot" syndrome is a well-documented, dermatologic reaction after several chemotherapeutic agents with wild spectrum of symptoms. To the best of our knowledge, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome--presented as irreversible cytotoxic side effect induced by gemcitabine alone--has not been reported so far. We present a case of a patient with a history of peripheral sensory neuropathy who developed a painless finger necrosis caused by gemcitabine used in the second-line therapy for progressive ovary cancer.

Second line platinum-based intraperitoneal chemotherapy for advanced ovarian cancer.

Objective: To report the results of ovarian cancer treatment, where a regimen of intravenous cyclophosphamide followed by intraperitoneal cisplatin or carboplatin was administered as second line treatment.

Design: Retrospective observational study on 198 women with stage I-IV histologically documented epithelial ovarian cancer after one or more prior regimens of chemotherapy.

Setting: University tertiary referral clinic, Gdansk, Poland.

Maspin overexpression correlates with positive response to primary chemotherapy in ovarian cancer patients.

Objective: Maspin is a member of the serine protease inhibitor superfamily. Experimental studies revealed that maspin suppresses tumor growth, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. We examined maspin expression in human ovarian tumors and relation between maspin expression and clinicopathological features as well as the role of maspin in predicting clinical outcome in patients with ovarian cancer.

[A rare case of post-partum urethrovaginal fistula. Management of obstetric complications].

A rare case of a 22-year old patient with obstetric urethrovaginal fistula, resulting in urinary incontinence, has been reported in the following report The emphasis is put on a number of medical and social consequences related to the formation of the fistula. Authors have presented the diagnostic difficulties. The aim of the report is to draw attention to the probable complications following prolonged labour and the necessity of appropriate treatment.

[Prognostic significance of Sphase fraction in ovarian cancer patients].

Introduction: The established of prognostics factors in ovarian cancer patients can be used to predict the outcome of the disease, and gives possibilities to identified the group of patients who must be treated more aggressive. Some authors believe that (SPF) is prognostic factor in ovarian cancer.

Aim Of The Study: Evaluation of prognostic significance of S phase fraction in ovarian cancer patients determined by flow cytometric (FC) analysis.

[The course of actinomycosis of female reproductive organs mimicking ovarian cancer--the diagnostic limits and difficulties].

A case of actinomycosis presenting as tubo-ovarian abscess, misdiagnosed as ovarian malignancy in 54-year old woman with IUD is reported. Author presents the diagnostic problems due to uncommon location, no reliable clinical manifestation and nonspecific CT imaging findings, based on current literature. Knowledge of the characteristic features may help one consider the possibility of actinomycetic infection in the differential diagnosis, in patients with a previous history of predisposing factors and treat them appropriately.

[DNA ploidy and results of first line chemotherapy in ovarian cancer patients].

Aim Of The Study: The prognostic significance of DNA ploidy in ovarian cancer patients determined by flow cytometric analysis, in correlation with effectiveness of first line chemotherapy.

Material And Methods: DNA ploidy by FC was investigated in group of 102 ovarian cancer patients from fresh frozen samples (4 patients was excluded from the study).

Results: Positive answer for first line treatment we notified in 64(62,75%) cases, lack of answer 34 (37,25%) patients.

[The correlation between prognostic factors and outcome of second look laparotomy in ovarian cancer].

Objectives: The objective of this study was to verify the correlation between prognostic factors, positive or negative second look laparotomy (SLL) and 5-year survival in patients with ovarian cancer.

Material: Between 1984 and 1993, 178 patients after primary surgery and first-line chemotherapy with complete clinical response underwent second look laparotomy. The correlation between clinical stage and grade of cancers, residual disease, age of patients in two group of patients: with positive and negative second look laparotomy were evaluated.

Prognostic impact of BRCA1 pathogenic and BRCA1/BRCA2 unclassified variant mutations in patients with ovarian carcinoma.

Background: The clinical relevance of BRCA1/2 alterations in ovarian carcinoma patients is debatable. Our aim was to determine factors influencing the risk of recurrence and death in ovarian carcinoma patients with BRCA pathogenic and unclassified variant mutations.

Methods: A consecutive series of 205 women with primary ovarian carcinoma were screened for mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes using a conformational sensitive gel electrophoresis and direct sequencing.

[Comparative analysis of patients with multiple pregnancy hospitalized at the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of the Medical University of Gdansk in 1981-1990 and 1991-2000].

Objective: The purpose of this study was to present twinning rates and to compare patients with multiple pregnancy delivered at Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department of Medical University of Gdansk in 1981-1990 and 1991-2000.

Material And Methods: A retrospective study of 523 twin births was performed. The analysis concerned: maternal age, place of living, education, parity, using of assisted reproductive techniques.

Prevalence and clinical correlations of BRCA1/BRCA2 unclassified variant carriers among unselected primary ovarian cancer cases - preliminary report.

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations in unselected ovarian cancer patients, and to analyse clinical and pathological features of ovarian cancer unclassified variant mutation carriers in comparison with BRCA1 pathogenic mutation carriers and sporadic cases. A consecutive sample of 205 women with primary ovarian cancer was screened for mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes using a direct test for small deletions and insertions, conformational sensitive gel electrophoresis and direct sequencing. Data regarding medical and familial history were collected using questionnaires.

[Vesicouterine fistula as a complication after previous cesarean section 18 years earlier].

A case of vesicouterine fistula diagnosed in 40-year old woman who underwent cesarean section 18 years earlier was presented. The clinical features, etiologic factors, diagnostic procedures and treatment modalities were discussed in relation to the case and others reported in the literature. The gift of contrast by catheter to bladder allowed to visualize the fistula.

[Clinical course of clarocellular ovarian cancer in 27-year old woman. Laparoscopy in management of malignant ovarian tumors].

A case of clarocellular ovarian cancer in 27-year old woman is reported. Authors present the diagnostic and management problems, their experience and the review of current literature. The place of laparoscopy in management of malignant ovarian tumors is discussed.

[Surgical complications connected with intraperitoneal chemotherapy in ovarian cancer].

Objectives: From a theoretical viewpoint, intraperitoneal therapy (i.p.) in-patients with ovarian cancer, a malignancy, which remains mainly, confined to the peritoneal cavity is logical.

[Acute myocardial infarction during the second trimester of pregnancy].

Unlabelled: Acute myocardial infarction during pregnancy is a very rare event. It occurs from 1 per 10,000 to 1 per 30,000 deliveries. Diagnosis of myocardial ischaemia is difficult because of typical complaints in pregnancy such as breathlessness and pain in chest.

[Primary Bartholin gland carcinoma].

Carcinoma of the Bartholin gland is rate, comprising less then 1% of female genital tract neoplasms. We present the case of 52-year-old female with Bartholin gland carcinoma, discuss the therapeutic problems and review the data from the world literature.

[Evaluation of surgical complications connected with intraperitoneal chemotherapy in ovarian cancer].

Objectives: From a theoretical viewpoint, the use of intraperitoneal therapy (i.p.) in patients with ovarian cancer (a malignancy, which remains mainly confined to the peritoneal cavity) is logical.

[Comparison of quality of life in patients with advanced ovarian cancer treated with intraperitoneal or intravenous cisplatin and cyclophosphamide as a second line of therapy].

Objectives: The study aimed to compare the effect of second line intravenous and intraperitoneal chemotherapy on physical and psychological aspects of quality of life in patients with advanced ovarian cancer.

Materials And Methods: Quality of life was measured with EORTC QLQ-C30 (version 3.0) questionnaire.

[Evaluation of the effectiveness of second-line intraperitoneal chemotherapy for patients with ovarian cancer].

Objectives: From a theoretical viewpoint, intraperitoneal therapy in patients with ovarian cancer, a malignancy, which remains mainly confined to the peritoneal cavity is logical. Intraperitoneal catheters have moved to the forefront as a delivery system in cancer treatment.

Design: The authors sought to evaluate effects of intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) as a second line therapy for ovarian cancer patients.

[The evaluation how FIGO stage in cervical cancer depends on frequency of gynaecological control].

Objectives: The authors sought to evaluate how FIGO stage in cervical cancer depends on frequency of gynaecological control.

Material And Methods: From March 2000 to January 2001, 74 patients with cervical cancer were treated in 2-nd Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Medical University of Gdańsk.