Giacomo Avesani

Ovarian cancer staging and follow-up: updated guidelines from the European Society of Urogenital Radiology female pelvic imaging working group

Abstract Objective To provide up-to-date European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) guidelines for staging and follow-up of patients with ovarian cancer (OC). Methods Twenty-one experts, members of the female pelvis imaging ESUR subcommittee from 19 institutions, replied to 2 rounds of questionnaires regarding imaging techniques and structured reporting used for pre-treatment evaluation of OC patients. The results of the survey were presented to the other authors during the group’s annual meeting. The lexicon was aligned with the Society of American Radiology (SAR)-ESUR lexicon; a first draft was circulated, and then comments and suggestions from the other authors were incorporated. Results Evaluation of disease extent at diagnosis should be performed by chest, abdominal, and pelvic CT. The radiological report should map the disease with specific mention of sites that may preclude optimal cytoreductive surgery. For suspected recurrence, CT and [18F]FDG PET-CT are both valid options. MRI can be considered in experienced centres, as an alternative to CT, considering the high costs and the need for higher expertise in reporting. Conclusions CT is the imaging modality of choice for preoperative evaluation and follow-up in OC patients. A structured radiological report, including specific mention of sites that may preclude optimal debulking, is of value for patient management. Key Points Question Guidelines were last published for ovarian cancer (OC) imaging in 2010; here, guidance on imaging techniques and reporting, incorporating advances in the field, are provided. Findings Structured reports should map out sites of disease, highlighting sites that limit cytoreduction. For suspected recurrence, CT and 18FDG PET-CT are options, and MRI can be considered. Clinical relevance Imaging evaluation of OC patients at initial diagnosis (mainly based on CT), using a structured report that considers surgical needs is valuable in treatment selection and planning.

ESR Essentials: characterisation and staging of adnexal masses with MRI and CT—practice recommendations by ESUR

Abstract Ovarian masses encompass various conditions, from benign to highly malignant, and imaging plays a vital role in their diagnosis and management. Ultrasound, particularly transvaginal ultrasound, is the foremost diagnostic method for adnexal masses. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is advised for more precise characterisation if ultrasound results are inconclusive. The ovarian-adnexal reporting and data system (O-RADS) MRI lexicon and scoring system provides a standardised method for describing, assessing, and categorising the risk of each ovarian mass. Determining a histological differential diagnosis of the mass may influence treatment decision-making and treatment planning. When ultrasound or MRI suggests the possibility of cancer, computed tomography (CT) is the preferred imaging technique for staging. It is essential to outline the extent of the malignancy, guide treatment decisions, and evaluate the feasibility of cytoreductive surgery. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the key imaging processes in evaluating and managing ovarian masses, from initial diagnosis to initial treatment. It also includes pertinent recommendations for properly performing and interpreting various imaging modalities. Key Points MRI is the modality of choice for indeterminate ovarian masses at ultrasound, and the O-RADS MRI lexicon and score enable unequivocal communication with clinicians. CT is the recommended modality for suspected ovarian masses to tailor treatment and surgery. Multidisciplinary meetings integrate information and help decide the most appropriate treatment for each patient.

Patient satisfaction with ultrasound, whole-body CT and whole-body diffusion-weighted MRI for pre-operative ovarian cancer staging: a multicenter prospective cross-sectional survey

In addition to the diagnostic accuracy of imaging methods, patient-reported satisfaction with imaging methods is important. To report a secondary outcome of the prospective international multicenter Imaging Study in Advanced ovArian Cancer (ISAAC Study), detailing patients' experience with abdomino-pelvic ultrasound, whole-body contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), and whole-body diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (WB-DWI/MRI) for pre-operative ovarian cancer work-up. In total, 144 patients with suspected ovarian cancer at four institutions in two countries (Italy, Czech Republic) underwent ultrasound, CT, and WB-DWI/MRI for pre-operative work-up between January 2020 and November 2022. After having undergone all three examinations, the patients filled in a questionnaire evaluating their overall experience and experience in five domains: preparation before the examination, duration of examination, noise during the procedure, radiation load of CT, and surrounding space. Pain perception, examination-related patient-perceived unexpected, unpleasant, or dangerous events ('adverse events'), and preferred method were also noted. Ultrasound was the preferred method by 49% (70/144) of responders, followed by CT (38%, 55/144), and WB-DWI/MRI (13%, 19/144) (p7 of 10) during the ultrasound examination. We did not identify any factors related to patients' preferred method. Ultrasound was the imaging method preferred by most patients despite being associated with more pain during the examination in comparison with CT and WB-DWI/MRI. NCT03808792.

Node-RADS for preoperative locoregional nodal staging of endometrial cancer: reproducibility and accuracy assessment using CT and MRI

Abstract Objectives To assess the reproducibility and diagnostic accuracy of the Node Reporting and Data System 1.0 (Node-RADS) for detecting pelvic nodal metastases by endometrial cancer (EC) using CT and MRI, among readers with different levels of expertise. Materials and methods This IRB-approved, single-center retrospective study included 128 patients with EC who underwent preoperative MRI at our Institution (Jan 2020–Dec 2023). Six readers with different levels of expertise in pelvic MRI (2 dedicated pelvic radiologists, 2 residents in their fourth year of training, and 2 residents in their second year of training) independently evaluated preoperative CTs and MRIs and assigned Node-RADS scores. Inter-observer agreement and inter-method agreement were calculated. Node-RADS was compared with post-surgical pathology data. Results At surgery, pelvic nodal metastases were detected in 12.5% of the patients. Interobserver agreement in nodal status assessment using Node-RADS varied from κ = 0.783 to κ = 0.426 using MRI, and from κ = 0.936 to κ = 0.295 using CT, with worse results among less experienced readers. MRI and CT were concordant in the N definition in 94–98% of the cases. Using MRI, the most experienced readers showed 63% sensitivity and 100% specificity in the detection of nodal metastases, compared to 44% sensitivity and 96% specificity for poorly experienced readers. Using CT, the most experienced readers showed 50% sensitivity and 100% specificity; the less experienced readers showed 43% sensitivity and 94% specificity. Conclusions Node-RADS is a reproducible and accurate tool for locoregional nodal staging of EC, but only for readers with specific experience in pelvic imaging. MRI outperforms CT in nodal assessment. Key Points Question Preoperative assessment of nodal metastases by EC is difficult, but it may help in tailoring the best surgical approach for each patient . Findings Node-RADS is a reliable tool for assessing the presence of pelvic nodal metastases by EC, both on CT and MRI, among experienced readers . Clinical relevance The use of Node-RADS among experienced readers enables detection of nodal metastases with good sensitivity and excellent specificity; MRI should be preferred over CT due to its higher sensitivity . Graphical Abstract

Real-world outcomes of PARP inhibitor maintenance in advanced ovarian cancer: a focus on disease patterns and treatment modalities at recurrence

The utilization of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (PARPi) as a first-line maintenance therapy for advanced ovarian cancer has increased significantly, with ∼80% of patients potentially eligible. This expansion has led to a rise in the population experiencing platinum-sensitive recurrence, yet data on first recurrence during PARPi are limited. This real-world study from a high-volume referral center aims to elucidate recurrence rates, disease distribution, and treatment modalities at the time of progression in PARPi-treated patients. We analyzed our prospectively maintained database to identify patients receiving first-line PARPi maintenance from January 2019 to December 2022 at our institution. A total of 373 cases were identified, 51.5% of which had a BRCA mutation. With a median follow-up of 38 months, 44.8% of patients experienced recurrence, with 90.3% having a platinum-free interval exceeding 6 months. Recurrences were oligometastatic in 44.9% of cases, with BRCA mutations strongly predicting this pattern (hazard ratio 3.014, confidence interval 1.486-6.113, P = 0.002). The median progression-free survival was 39 months, significantly longer for BRCA-mutated and homologous recombination deficiency-positive patients. Over one-third of platinum-sensitive recurrent patients were candidates for local treatments, and PARPi administration was prolonged in 53.7%. Despite the notable survival improvement, a significant proportion of the population will experience a platinum-sensitive recurrence on PARPi, for which local treatments are often a viable option. Our study highlights the need for further research to determine whether the ablation of oligometastatic sites has a significant impact on post-recurrence survival and to identify if there are patient categories that would benefit from personalized follow-up due to their susceptibility to oligometastatic recurrences and local treatments.

Trabectedin plus pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in patients with disease progression after PARP inhibitor maintenance: a real-life case–control study

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor resistance is problematic in epithelial ovarian cancer management and sequencing strategies may be performed to overcome this issue. In this context, our study evaluated the role of non-platinum doublet pegylated liposomal doxorubicin/trabectedin in ovarian cancer platinum-sensitive patients who experienced disease progression under PARP inhibitor maintenance. This case-control study includes patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer treated between March 2016 and April 2021 who progressed under PARP inhibitor maintenance. Data of patients treated with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin/trabectedin (experimental group) were matched 1:1 with a series of patients who received platinum-based treatment (control group). The study outcomes were overall clinical benefit (including complete, partial, and stable response), progression-free survival, and overall survival. The safety of both treatments was also evaluated. A total of 26 patients in both groups were analyzed. Clinical benefit was achieved in 15 (57%) patients in the study group and 17 (65%) patients in the control group (p=0.38). Patients receiving pegylated liposomal doxorubicin/trabectedin had 5 months of progression-free survival, compared with 5 months in patients treated with platinum-based treatment (p=0.62). Patients in the experimental group achieved a median overall survival of 16 months compared with 19 months in the control group (p=0.26) There was no difference concerning severe toxicities (G3-G4) between groups, except for hepatic toxicity, which was experienced in 30% of the patients receiving pegylated liposomal doxorubicin/trabectedin and none in the control group (p<0.009). Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin/trabectedin might be an alternative option to platinum-based treatment in patients experiencing disease progression during PARP inhibitor maintenance with an acceptable toxicity profile. This might be a therapeutic option in this setting, sparing platinum compounds for subsequent relapse.

Pearls and Potential Pitfalls for Correct Diagnosis of Ovarian Cystadenofibroma in MRI: A Pictorial Essay

Ovarian cystadenofibroma is a benign ovarian tumor that is characterized by a consistent percentage of masses, which remain indeterminate in ultrasonography and require magnetic resonance (MR) investigation; they may mimic borderline or malignant lesions. Three main morphologic patterns, resembling different ovarian neoplasms, can be identified in cystadenofibromas: multilocular solid lesions, unilocular cystic lesions with parietal thickening, and purely cystic masses. However, a cystoadenofibroma has typical features, such as T2-weighted hypointensity associated with no restrictions in diffusion-weighted imaging (the so-called "dark-dark appearance") and progressive post-contrast enhancement (type I perfusion curve). The purpose of this study was to review the features of ovarian cystadenofibromas in MR imaging and to suggest pearls and pitfalls regarding their correct diagnosis.

Predictive factors of surgical complications after pelvic exenteration for gynecological malignancies: a large single-institution experience

To evaluate pre-operative predictors of early (<30 days) severe complications (grade Dindo 3+) in patients with gynecological malignancy submitted to pelvic exenteration (PE). We retrospectively analyzed 129 patients submitted to surgery at Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli between 2010 and 2019. We included patients affected by primary or recurrent/persistent cervical, endometrial, or vulvar/vaginal cancers. Post-operative complications were graded according to the Dindo classification. Logistic regression was used to analyze potential predictors of complications. We performed 63 anterior PE, 10 posterior PE, and 56 total PE. The incidence of early severe post-operative complications was 27.9% (n=36), and the early mortality rate was 2.3% (n=3). More frequent complications were related to the urinary diversion and intestinal surgery. In univariable analysis, hemoglobin ≤10 g/dL (odds ratio [OR]=4.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.65-10.7; p=0.003), low albumin levels (OR=3.9; 95% CI=1.27-12.11; p=0.025), diabetes (OR=4.15; 95% CI=1.22-14.1; p=0.022), 2+ comorbidities at presentation (OR=5.18; 95% CI=1.49-17.93; p=0.012) were predictors of early severe complications. In multivariable analysis, only low hemoglobin and comorbidities at presentation were independent predictors of complications. Pelvic exenteration is an aggressive surgery characterized by a high rate of post-operative complications. Pre-operative assessment of comorbidities and patient health status are crucial to better select the right candidate for this type of surgery.

Preoperative staging of cervical cancer: time to shift from cystoscopy to MRI.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the impact of MRI-defined bladder wall invasion from uterine cervical cancer (CC) on disease recurrence and overall survival. Materials and methods IRB-approved multicenter retrospective study including women who underwent staging MRI for histologically confirmed CC (Jan 2015–Dec 2020). Image analysis was independently performed by two radiologists. Bladder wall invasion was diagnosed if ≥ 3 of the following criteria were met: loss of the cervix-bladder fat plane, bladder wall thickening, loss of bladder wall T2-hypointensity, and presence of endoluminal tumor growth. MRI findings were compared with endoscopy/cytology. The impact of MRI-defined bladder wall invasion on tumor recurrence and survival was assessed using logistic regression. Survival curves were compared using the log-rank test. Results We included 214 women with a median age of 55 (IQR 47–65) years. MRI-defined bladder wall invasion was observed in 21.5% of patients. Cystoscopy revealed bladder mucosal infiltration in 7.0% of patients, all of whom demonstrated MRI-defined bladder wall invasion. No patients without MRI-defined bladder wall invasion showed mucosal infiltration on cystoscopy/cytology. The median follow-up was 32 months: 46.7% of patients had recurrence, and 23.4% had CC-related death. On logistic regression, MRI-defined bladder wall invasion was an independent risk factor for tumor recurrence (OR 2.24, p  = 0.047) and mortality (OR 3.55, p  = 0.006), whereas cystoscopy-defined bladder mucosa infiltration was not. The log-rank test demonstrated a significant difference in survival between patients with and without MRI-defined bladder wall invasion ( χ ² = 15.40, p  = 0.0001). Conclusions MRI-defined bladder wall invasion represents an independent negative prognostic factor in patients with cervical cancer. Key Points Question The prognostic significance of MRI-defined bladder wall invasion in patients with cervical cancer remains unclear with respect to disease recurrence and survival . Findings Bladder wall invasion identified on MRI is an independent predictor of tumor recurrence and tumor-specific mortality, whereas mucosal infiltration detected via cystoscopy is not . Clinical relevance MRI can safely replace cystoscopy in the preoperative staging of patients with uterine cervical cancer. This approach can reduce costs and expedite the staging process . Graphical Abstract

RadioGraphics Update: 2023 FIGO Staging System for Endometrial Cancer.

Imaging Study in Advanced Ovarian Cancer

The aim of the study is the assessment of tumour sites critical for the achievement of optimal cytoreduction in patients with advanced ovarian cancer using Ultrasound, CT and WB-DWI/MRI. The study uses an equivalence design with a hypothesis that cases with non-resectable disease identified by Index test (Ultrasound, CT and WB-DWI MRI) are equivalent to a portion of cases identified during surgery.