Sang Wun Kim

Clinical outcome and pattern of care for isolated or incidental serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

Serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC), a potential precursor of high-grade serous carcinoma, is associated with subsequent carcinomas development. This study aimed to identify cases of STIC and serous tubal intraepithelial lesions (STIL) and examine clinical outcomes and patterns of care in This retrospective study was conducted at six institutions to examine patients with isolated STIC/STIL. Demographic, adjuvant treatment, and follow-up data were collected from the date of implementation of Sectioning and Extensively Examining the Fimbriated end protocol, which varied from 2006 to 2015, until December 2022. We analyzed the data of 1,119 women who underwent RRSO and were carriers of While patient monitoring after STIC/STIL detection may be considered due to the minimal risk of carcinoma, excessive concern may not be necessary. Furthermore, adjuvant chemotherapy should be considered only with caution.

Changes in the tumor immune microenvironment during disease progression in clear cell ovarian cancer

The tumor immune microenvironment in ovarian clear cell carcinoma has not been clearly defined. We analyzed the immunological changes from treatment-naive to recurrence to correlate them with clinical outcomes. We compared the changes in immune infiltration of advanced-stage ovarian clear cell carcinoma samples before treatment and at the time of recurrence via immunohistochemistry (Programmed Cell Death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8+), forkhead box P3 (Foxp3+)), tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), and next-generation sequencing (54 patients). We analyzed the association between platinum sensitivity status and tumor immune microenvironment. Immunohistochemistry revealed significantly increased PD-L1 (p=0.048) and CD8+T cells (p=0.022) expression levels after recurrence. No significant differences were observed in TIL density or Foxp3+T cells. There was no significant correlation between TIL, PD-L1, CD8+T cell, and Foxp3+T cell levels in treatment-naive tumors and survival outcomes. The most common genomic alterations were We characterized the tumor immune microenvironment in patients with advanced-stage ovarian clear cell carcinoma. PD-L1 and CD8+T cell expression significantly increased after recurrence. Whether this could be used to select patients for immunotherapy in the recurrence setting should be investigated.

The effectiveness of CA125 and HE4 as clinical prognostic markers in epithelial ovarian cancer patients with BRCA mutation

To investigate the efficacy of cancer antigen 125 (CA125) and human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) in predicting survival outcomes based on breast cancer gene (BRCA) mutational status in epithelial ovarian cancer. Medical records of 448 patients diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer at a single tertiary institution in Korea were retrospectively analyzed. Area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were assessed using the CA125 and HE4 values after surgery and 3 cycles of chemotherapy to predict 1-year survival based on the BRCA mutational status. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to obtain progression-free and overall survival to evaluate CA125 and HE4 effectiveness in predicting survival outcomes. A total of 423 patients were analyzed, including 180 (42.6%) who underwent interval debulking surgery (IDS) and 243 (57.4%) who underwent primary debulking surgery (PDS). BRCA mutations were observed in 37 (15.2%) and 44 (22.4%) patients in the PDS and IDS groups, respectively. CA125 and HE4 normalization demonstrated the highest specificity in patients with or without BRCA mutations, with specificities of 97.1% and 99.1% in the PDS group and 78.6% and 86.2% in the IDS group, respectively. Normalizing HE4 alone may be an effective prognostic marker, with an area under the curve of 0.774 and specificity of 75.0%, in patients with BRCA mutations. Normalizing both biomarkers emerged as the most effective predictive marker for the 1-year recurrence rate, regardless of BRCA mutational status. A negative HE4 value can be a useful predictor for 1-year recurrence-free survival in patients with BRCA mutations.

Serial Circulating Tumor DNA Analysis with a Tumor-Naïve Next-Generation Sequencing Panel Detects Minimal Residual Disease and Predicts Outcome in Ovarian Cancer

Abstract Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) may aid in personalizing ovarian cancer therapeutic options. Here, we aimed to assess the clinical utility of serial ctDNA testing using tumor-naïve, small-sized next-generation sequencing (NGS) panels. A total of 296 patients, including 201 with ovarian cancer and 95 with benign or borderline disease, were enrolled. Samples were collected at baseline (initial diagnosis or surgery) and every 3 months after that, resulting in a total of 811 blood samples. Patients received adjuvant therapy based on the current standard of care. Cell-free DNA was extracted and sequenced using an NGS panel of 9 genes: TP53, BRCA1, BRCA2, ARID1A, CCNE1, KRAS, MYC, PIK3CA, and PTEN. Pathogenic somatic mutations were identified in 69.2% (139/201) of patients with ovarian cancer at baseline but not in those with benign or borderline disease. Detection of ctDNA at baseline and/or at 6 months follow-up was predictive of progression-free survival (PFS). PFS was significantly poorer in patients with detectable pathogenic mutations at baseline that persisted at follow-up than in patients that converted from having detectable ctDNA at baseline to being undetectable at follow-up; survival did not differ between patients without pathogenic ctDNA mutations in baseline or follow-up samples and those that converted from ctDNA positive to negative. Disease recurrence was also detected earlier with ctDNA than with conventional radiologic assessment or CA125 monitoring. These findings demonstrate that serial ctDNA testing could effectively monitor patients and detect minimal residual disease, facilitating early detection of disease progression and tailoring of adjuvant therapies for ovarian cancer treatment. Significance: In ovarian cancer, serial circulating tumor DNA testing is a highly predictive marker of patient survival, with a significantly improved recurrence detection lead time compared with conventional monitoring tools.

Initial experience with the da Vinci SP robot-assisted surgical staging of endometrial cancer: a retrospective comparison with conventional laparotomy

To compare the perioperative outcomes of surgical staging performed using conventional laparotomy (LT) or the da Vinci SP robotic system (SP) in patients with endometrial cancer. We retrospectively analyzed 180 patients with stage I-III endometrial cancer who underwent surgical staging using LT (n = 126) or SP (n = 54) at the Yonsei Cancer Center between November 2018 and December 2022. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to mitigate potential confounding biases. Fifty-one pairs of patients were matched by PSM. SP required longer total operation time than LT (221 vs. 142 min in SP vs. LT, respectively, p < 0.001). However, estimated blood loss and postoperative hemoglobin change were lower in SP than in LT (30 vs. 100 mL, p < 0.001; 0.6 vs. 1.6 g/dL, p < 0.001 for SP vs. LT respectively). Furthermore, postoperative minor complications (13.7% in SP vs. 33.3% in LT, p = 0.02), perioperative transfusion rate (0% in SP vs. 11.8% in LT, p = 0.03), and postoperative hospital stay (2 days for SP vs. 8 days for LT, p < 0.001) were lower in SP than in LT. Although the patient-controlled analgesia administration rate was lower in SP (13.8% in SP vs. 100% in LT, p < 0.001), the median postoperative pain score at 6, 12, and 24 h after surgery was lower in SP than in LT (2 vs. 3, p = 0.002; 2 vs. 3, p = 0.005; 2 vs. 3, p = 0.001 for SP vs. LT, respectively). Although SP required longer total operation time, it demonstrated several advantages over LT in endometrial cancer staging.

Modifying surgical extents in patients with preoperatively presumed early-stage endometrial cancer based on ProMisE classification: a retrospective, single-center study

This study aimed to explore differences in disease extent based on the Proactive Molecular Risk Classifier for Endometrial Cancer (ProMisE) classification and to establish personalized staging surgery strategies in patients with preoperatively presumed uterus-confined endometrial cancer. In this retrospective, single-center study, we reviewed the medical records of patients with endometrial cancer. These patients were classified according to the ProMisE classification based on tissue samples obtained from dilation and curettage or staging surgeries, and the disease extent was analyzed based on pathologic reports. A total of 345 patients were clinically estimated to be in stage 1/2 before staging surgery, with immunohistochemistry (IHC) results available. This cohort included 332 patients (96.2%) with clinical stage 1 and 13 patients (3.8%) with stage 2 based on the 2009 FIGO staging system. Among these, 81 patients (23.5%) were assigned to an mismatch repair deficient group (MMRd), 33 (9.6%) to an abnormal p53 group, and 123 (71.1%) to a no specific molecular profile (NSMP) group. Overall, 13 patients had nodal metastasis, with a higher rate observed in the abnormal p53 group (1.2%, 12.1%, and 2.2% for the MMRd, abnormal p53, and NSMP groups, respectively, p=0.013). One patient (0.3%) had parametrial metastasis and four (1.1%) had peritoneal metastasis. Patients with abnormal p53 IHC results exhibited a higher likelihood of lymph node metastasis, even when initially presumed to be at an early stage. For the abnormal p53 group, proactive lymphadenectomy surgery appears beneficial for accurate staging and establishing a subsequent treatment plan.

Genomic Profiling in Patients with Endometrial Cancer by Deep Sequencing of Vaginal Swabs and Plasma

Abstract Purpose: Endometrial cancer is a common gynecologic malignancy that lacks effective noninvasive screening tools as traditional approaches rely on invasive biopsies. In this large prospective study, we evaluated a novel approach combining vaginal swab DNA and plasma-based ctDNA for genomic profiling to provide a comprehensive framework for diagnosis, prognosis, and disease monitoring. Experimental Design: Adult patients with diverse stages of endometrial cancer, preneoplastic disease, and benign endometrial conditions were prospectively recruited over 2 years. Paired vaginal swab DNA and plasma-based ctDNA were collected preoperatively, and additional plasma samples were obtained at multiple time points postoperatively. Deep next-generation sequencing targeting 101 genes was performed, achieving an average depth exceeding 40,000×. Results: A total of 191 patients contributed 388 samples. Vaginal swab DNA demonstrated 77.7% sensitivity and 96.6% specificity. PTEN mutations were associated with favorable prognosis (HR: 0.27; 95% confidence interval, 0.092–0.77), and TP53 mutations were associated with poor prognosis (HR: 3.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.4–10). A novel classification system based on the mutational profile of PTEN/TP53 identified distinct prognostic groups. Plasma-based ctDNA was significantly associated with stage, lymphovascular invasion, and prognosis (P &amp;lt; 0.01 for all). Patients with preoperative positive plasma-based ctDNA results exhibited poorer outcomes (P &amp;lt; 0.01), whereas postoperative positive ctDNA results enabled early detection of recurrence. Conclusions: These two noninvasive methods play distinct, complementary roles in the management of endometrial cancer. Vaginal swab DNA and novel PTEN/TP53-based classification have distinct prognostic advantages over existing frameworks. Plasma-based ctDNA provides dynamic insights into recurrence risk and disease progression.

Is presumed clinical stage I endometrial cancer using PET-CT and MRI accurate in predicting surgical staging?

To evaluate upstaging, lymph node (LN) metastasis, and recurrence in patients with presumed stage I endometrial cancer using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT). Retrospective review of 422 patients with presumed clinical stage I endometrial cancer diagnosed via MRI and PET-CT (July 2014-June 2023). Surgical staging included pelvic lymph nodes (PLNs) and para-aortic lymph nodes (PALNs), classifying patients as low/intermediate- or high-risk groups. Post-operative upstaging rate was 14.5% (8.8% low/intermediate-risk vs. 22.8% high-risk, p2 cm on MRI (OR=2.9; 95% CI=0.8-9.9) increased LN metastasis risk. Median 48.5-month follow-up showed an 8.1% overall recurrence rate (4.0% low/intermediate-risk vs. 14.0% high-risk, p<0.001), with 2.4% nodal recurrences (1.2% low/intermediate-risk vs. 4.1% high-risk). High-risk patients had significant upstaging, LN metastasis, and recurrence rates. Even in low/intermediate-risk groups, some patients exhibited LN metastasis and nodal recurrence, underscoring the importance of comprehensive surgical staging, including PALN evaluation, for precise diagnosis and treatment.

Comparison of progression-free survival outcome of sentinel node biopsy without ultrastaging versus lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer: a propensity-matched analysis

We aimed to investigate the oncologic outcomes of patients with endometrial cancer who underwent sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy without ultrastaging compared with that of those who underwent lymphadenectomy (LND). Patients with endometrial cancer who underwent staging with SLN biopsy or LND during 2006 - 2021 were analyzed using propensity score matching (PSM). SLN metastasis was examined using hematoxylin and eosin staining, without ultrastaging. Progression-free survival (PFS) was compared between the two groups before and after PSM using age, histology, and stage as covariates. Clinical variables such as recurrence patterns and lymphatic complications, were assessed. After excluding 213 patients who underwent validation LND with SLN biopsy, 902 were identified. The demographics of the remaining patients differed according to histology, myometrial invasion depth, and stage. Lymph node metastasis was less frequent in the SLN group than in the LND group (9.4% vs. 3.8%, p=0.004). The recurrence rates within 2 years were lower in the SLN group. The SLN group exhibited significantly superior 2-year and overall PFS than the LND group. Among patients with uterus-confined disease, overall PFS was favorable for SLN biopsy. After matching, differences in PFS were no longer observed, although the lymphocele and lymphedema rates were significantly lower in the SLN group. In patients with endometrial cancer, SLN biopsy without ultrastaging did not compromise survival outcomes and was associated with significantly reduced lymphatic complication rates compared with LND. Therefore, SLN biopsy can be recommended for patients with endometrial cancer without definitive preoperative evidence of distant metastasis.

Comparative Survival Outcome of Robot-Assisted Staging Surgery Using Three Robotic Arms versus Open Surgery for Endometrial Cancer

There is lack of data on direct comparison of survival outcomes between open surgery and robot-assisted staging surgery (RSS) using three robotic arms for endometrial cancer. The purpose of this study was to compare the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) between open surgery and RSS using three robotic arms for endometrial cancer. Consecutive women with endometrial cancer who underwent surgery between May 2006 and May 2018 were identified. Robotic procedures were performed using the da Vinci robotic system, and the robotic approach consisted of three robotic arms including a camera arm. Propensity score matching, as well as univariate and multivariate Cox regression of OS and DFS were performed according to clinicopathologic data and surgical method. The study cohort included 423 unselected patients with endometrial cancer, of whom 218 underwent open surgery and 205 underwent RSS using three robotic arms. Propensity score-matched cohorts of 146 women in each surgical group showed no significant differences in survival: 5-year OS of 91% vs. 92% and DFS of 86% vs. 89% in the open and robotic cohorts, respectively (hazard ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.82-1.67). In the univariate analysis with OS as the endpoint, surgical method, age, stage, type II histology, grade, and lymph node metastasis were independently associated with survival. Surgical stage, grade, and type II histology were found to be significant independent predictors for OS in the multivariate analysis. RSS using three robotic arms and laparotomy for endometrial carcinoma had comparable survival outcomes.

Randomized comparison between sentinel lymph node mapping using indocyanine green plus a fluorescent camera versus lymph node dissection in clinical stage I-II endometrial cancer: a Korean Gynecologic Oncology Group trial (KGOG2029/SELYE)

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping has been suggested as an alternative surgical technique to full lymphadenectomy for early-stage endometrial cancer. However, the survival outcomes of SLN mapping compared with lymphadenectomy have not been established via a prospective study. A multi-center, single-blind, randomized controlled trial has been designed to determine the prognostic value of SLN mapping alone compared with conventional lymphadenectomy for patients with clinical stage I-II endometrial cancer. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio between the group to undergo SLN mapping using indocyanine green and the conventional lymph node dissection group. A high-risk group will undergo a 2-step SLN mapping procedure. The primary endpoint is the 3-year disease-free survival (DFS). The secondary endpoints are 3-year overall survival (OS), 5-year DFS, 5-year OS after surgery, pattern of recurrence, immediate surgical outcomes, success rate of SLN mapping, postoperative lymph-related complications, postoperative quality of life, and postoperative cost effectiveness. The role of pathologic ultrastaging of SLNs will also be assessed. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier (NCT number): NCT04845828.

Triplet maintenance therapy of olaparib, pembrolizumab and bevacizumab in women with BRCA wild-type, platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer: the multicenter, single-arm phase II study OPEB-01/APGOT-OV4

AbstractIn this multicenter, open-label, single-arm, Phase II study with Simon two-stage optimum design (NCT04361370), we investigate the efficacy and safety of triplet maintenance (olaparib, pembrolizumab, bevacizumab) in patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer who are wild-type for BRCA 1/2. A total of 44 patients were enrolled, and the median follow-up duration was 22.9 months (interquartile range: 17.4–24.7). The primary outcome was 6-months progression-free survival (PFS), which was 88.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 75.4–96.2), meeting the pre-specified primary endpoint. The secondary outcomes reported here include median PFS, 12-months PFS, and overall survival and safety. The median PFS was 22.4 months (20.4–∞), with a 12-months PFS rate of 84.0% (95% CI 69.3–92.0). The median overall survival was 28.6 months (27.3–∞). The combination demonstrated tolerable toxicity with manageable side effects. Other secondary outcomes include time-to-progression, time to subsequent treatment, time to second treatment and PFS2; however, this data is not reported, as treatment is still ongoing in a majority of patients. Exploratory analysis shows that patients who were homologous recombination deficiency-positive or had a programmed death-ligand 1 combined positive score ≥1 showed a favorable response (P = 0.043 and P &lt; 0.001, respectively). Thus, triplet maintenance shows durable efficacy with tolerable safety in patients with platinum-sensitive recurrence.

Investigation of PARP Inhibitor Resistance Based on Serially Collected Circulating Tumor DNA in Patients With BRCA -Mutated Ovarian Cancer

Abstract Purpose: Patient-specific molecular alterations leading to PARP inhibitor (PARPi) resistance are relatively unexplored. In this study, we analyzed serially collected circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from patients with BRCA1/2 mutations who received PARPis to investigate the resistance mechanisms and their significance in postprogression treatment response and survival. Experimental Design: Patients were prospectively enrolled between January 2018 and December 2021 (NCT05458973). Whole-blood samples were obtained before PARPi administration and serially every 3 months until progression. ctDNA was extracted from the samples and sequenced with a 531-gene panel; gene sets for each resistance mechanism were curated. Results: Fifty-four patients were included in this analysis. Mutation profiles of genes in pre-PARPi samples indicating a high tumor mutational burden and alterations in genes associated with replication fork stabilization and drug efflux were associated with poor progression-free survival on PARPis. BRCA hypomorphism and reversion were found in 1 and 3 patients, respectively. Among 29 patients with matched samples, mutational heterogeneity increased postprogression on PARPis, showing at least one postspecific mutation in 89.7% of the patients. These mutations indicate non-exclusive acquired resistance mechanisms—homologous recombination repair restoration (28%), replication fork stability (34%), upregulated survival pathway (41%), target loss (10%), and drug efflux (3%). We observed poor progression-free survival with subsequent chemotherapy in patients with homologous recombination repair restoration (P = 0.003) and those with the simultaneous involvement of two or more resistance mechanisms (P = 0.040). Conclusions: Analysis of serial ctDNAs highlighted multiple acquired resistance mechanisms, providing valuable insights for improving postprogression treatment and survival.

Role of diagnostic laparoscopy in deciding primary treatment in advanced-stage ovarian cancer

We evaluated the usefulness of preoperative diagnostic laparoscopy for treatment planning in patients with advanced-stage ovarian cancer. We retrospectively analyzed 614 patients diagnosed with advanced-stage ovarian cancer between January 2010 and May 2018. Primary debulking surgery (PDS) or neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by interval debulking surgery were selected based on preoperative laparoscopic (Group 1, n=192) and computed tomography findings (Group 2, n=422). The primary outcomes in the PDS and NAC groups were suboptimal cytoreduction (residual disease >1 cm) rate and non-high-grade serous carcinoma (non-HGSC) rate, respectively. The patients who underwent PDS in group 1 and group 2 were 49 (25.5%) and 279 (66.1%), respectively. The suboptimal cytoreduction rate after PDS was lower in Group 1 than in Group 2 (2.0% vs 11.1%, p=0.023). Moreover, Group 1 showed a tendency toward a lower proportion of non-HGSC patients who underwent NAC than that in Group 2 (9.1% vs. 15.4%, p=0.069). Further, Group 1 showed lower rates of postoperative morbidity than Group 2 (5.2% vs. 10.4%, p=0.033). However, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no significant differences in survival outcomes between the 2 groups. Diagnostic laparoscopy reduced the suboptimal cytoreduction rate in the PDS group and the implementation rate of NAC in non-HGSC patients. Moreover, it reduced postoperative morbidity without affecting survival in both groups. Thus, diagnostic laparoscopy is a valuable diagnostic tool for determining the primary treatment.

A Single-Center, Retrospective Study of Bevacizumab-Containing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy followed by Interval Debulking Surgery for Ovarian Cancer

We evaluated whether adding bevacizumab to current platinum-based chemotherapy could improve clinical outcomes without affecting safety. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients with pathologically confirmed ovarian cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) at Yonsei Cancer Hospital. We divided the patients into groups based on the use of bevacizumab for NAC (CP group: carboplatin+paclitaxel vs. BCP group: bevacizumab+carboplatin+paclitaxel) and compared patient characteristics, responses to NAC, and surgical and survival outcomes between the two groups. Overall, 88 patients in the CP group and 16 patients in the BCP group received NAC. The primary endpoint was survival outcomes. Complete resection rate after interval debulking surgery (IDS), cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) normalization after NAC, and chemotherapy response score were secondary endpoints. After NAC treatment, all patients underwent IDS. There were no significant differences in adverse events during NAC or postoperative complications between the two groups ( Bevacizumab-containing NAC might be safe and provide longer PFS than chemotherapy alone in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. However, further study is necessary to investigate the impact of bevacizumab-containing NAC on OS.

Comparison between weekly versus 3-weekly paclitaxel in combination with carboplatin as neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced ovarian cancer

To compare the efficacy and toxicity of dose-dense weekly paclitaxel and 3-weekly carboplatin (ddPC) as neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with the standard 3-weekly regimen. A retrospective study of patients diagnosed with stage IIIc and IV ovarian cancer who received at least one cycle of NAC followed by interval debulking surgery between August 2015 and January 2018 was conducted. Patient characteristics, clinical and pathological response to NAC, surgical and survival outcome, and adverse event were compared. A total of 23 patients in the ddPC group and 50 patients in the standard group received a median of 3 cycles of NAC. Rate of grade ≥3 neutropenia was significantly higher in the ddPC group than the standard (82.6% vs. 22.0%, p<0.001). Patients in the ddPC group underwent dose-reduction more frequently (34.8% vs. 4.00%, p=0.001). Normalization of cancer antigen-125 post-NAC occurred more frequently in the ddPC group (73.9% vs. 46.0%, p=0.030). No residual disease rate (43.5% vs. 60.0%, p=0.188) and chemotherapy response score of 3 (34.8% vs. 26.0%, p=0.441) were not statistically different between two groups. There was no statistical difference in progression free survival (PFS) at 2 years (36.3% vs. 28.4%, p=0.454). Cox proportional hazard model showed that ddPC was not a significant determinant of PFS (p=0.816). There was no difference between both regimens in terms of NAC response and survival outcomes. However, ddPC group showed higher hematologic toxicity requiring dose reduction.

Prognostic value of complete metabolic response on 18F-FDG-PET/CT after three cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer

We investigated the prognostic value of complete metabolic response (CMR) on ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT) after 3 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC). PET/CT at baseline and after 3 cycles of NAC were performed; peak standardized uptakes were measured. PET parameters were compared with NAC parameter: cancer antigen-125 (CA-125) normalization before interval debulking surgery (IDS) and chemotherapy response score (CRS) to predict platinum-sensitivity. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine correlations between PET parameters and survival. Prognostic factors were obtained by multivariate Cox regression analysis. Between 2007 and 2020, 102 patients were recruited: 19 (18.6%) were designated as CMR group and 83 (81.4%) as non-CMR group. CMR after 3 cycles of NAC showed the highest accuracy in predicting platinum-sensitivity (area under the curve [AUC]=0.729; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.552-0.823; p=0.017), compared with CA-125 normalization before IDS (AUC=0.626; 95% CI=0.542-0.758; p=0.010) and CRS (AUC=0.613; 95% CI=0.490-0.735; p=0.080). CMR demonstrated better prognosis than non-CMR in progression-free survival (PFS) (median PFS, 23.9 months vs. 16.4 months; p=0.021) and overall survival (OS) (median OS, not reached vs. 69.7 months; p=0.025). In multivariate analysis, CMR was associated with a lower risk of recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]=0.50; 95% CI=0.27-0.92; p=0.027) and death (aHR=0.23; 95% CI=0.05-0.99; p=0.048). CMR after 3 cycles of NAC can be a prognostic factor for both recurrence and death in advanced HGSC.

Therapeutic effects of surgical debulking of metastatic lymph nodes in cervical cancer IIICr: a trial protocol for a phase III, multicenter, randomized controlled study (KGOG1047/DEBULK trial)

Bulky or multiple lymph node (LN) metastases are associated with poor prognosis in cervical cancer, and the size or number of LN metastases is not yet reflected in the staging system and therapeutic strategy. Although the therapeutic effects of surgical resection of bulky LNs before standard treatment have been reported in several retrospective studies, well-planned randomized clinical studies are lacking. Therefore, the aim of the Korean Gynecologic Oncology Group (KGOG) 1047/DEBULK trial is to investigate whether the debulking surgery of bulky or multiple LNs prior to concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) improves the survival rate of patients with cervical cancer IIICr diagnosed by imaging tests. The KGOG 1047/DEBULK trial is a phase III, multicenter, randomized clinical trial involving patients with bulky or multiple LN metastases in cervical cancer IIICr. This study will include patients with a short-axis diameter of a pelvic or para-aortic LN ≥2 cm or ≥3 LNs with a short-axis diameter ≥1 cm and for whom CCRT is planned. The treatment arms will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either receive CCRT (control arm) or undergo surgical debulking of bulky or multiple LNs before CCRT (experimental arm). CCRT consists of extended-field external beam radiotherapy/pelvic radiotherapy, brachytherapy and LN boost, and weekly chemotherapy with cisplatin (40 mg/m²), 4-6 times administered intravenously. The primary endpoint will be 3-year progression-free survival rate. The secondary endpoints will be 3-year overall survival rate, treatment-related complications, and accuracy of radiological diagnosis of bulky or multiple LNs. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05421650; Clinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT0007137.

Randomized Comparison Between Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy and Lymph Node Dissection in Early Stage Endometrial Cancer

Through this clinical trial, the investigators aim to verify the usefulness and stability of sentinel lymph node mapping in endometrial cancer of clinical stage I-II.

Circulating Tumor DNA and BRCA Reversion Mutation in Advanced or Recurrent Ovarian Cancer Patients With Germline Mutation.

Increasing number of ovarian cancer patients are receiving PARP inhibitor as maintenance or salvage therapy. Predictive factors to PARP inhibitor other than BRCA mutation or HRD status as well as specific resistance mechanism are unknown. Thus, the objective of this study was to prospectively collect serial blood samples in ovarian cancer patients with germline BRCA mutation who receive PARP inhibitor. We investigated circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) before patients are started on PARP inhibitor and every 3 months thereafter until progression on PARP inhibitor. Through assessment of the changes in ctDNA mutational landscape, we aimed to investigate resistance mechanism to PARP inhibitor including BRCA reversion mutation.