Víctor Lago

Cervical injection as an alternative to the utero-ovarian ligament for mapping pelvic sentinel lymph node in early-stage ovarian cancer

Abstract Purpose In early-stage ovarian cancer, sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping using double injection into the utero-ovarian and infundibulo-pelvic ligaments has been postulated. Cervical injection, commonly used in other gynaecologic tumors, may provide a simpler alternative to utero-ovarian injection for pelvic-SLN detection. This study aims to demonstrate whether cervical and utero-ovarian injections drain to the same pelvic SLN using different tracers for each injection site: technetium-99m (99mTc) at cervix and indocyanine green into the utero-ovarian ligament. Methods This prospective trial enrolled endometrial cancer patients scheduled for SLN biopsy from July 2023 to May 2024. Each hemipelvis was considered a case. 99mTc was injected at the cervix preoperatively. If 99mTc migration occurred, indocyanine green was injected into the utero-ovarian ligament intraoperatively. Concordance of migration was determined in those hemipelvis with both 99mTc-cervical and indocyanine green utero-ovarian migration. Results Seventeen patients (34 hemipelvis) were included. Migration from both injection sites occurred in 17 hemipelvis, identifying the same pelvic-SLN in all cases, being the concordance rate of 100%. Migration of 99mTc or indocyanine green from cervical injection was detected in 91.2% (95% CI 81.6–100%), whereas migration of indocyanine green injection from the utero-ovarian ligament was detected in 73.9% (95% CI 56–91.9%); these detection rates were not significantly different (p = 0.077). Conclusions Lymphatic migration from the cervix to the pelvis seems to be comparable to the migration from the utero-ovarian ligament to the pelvis, with both pathways converging at the same SLN.

Key issues in diagnostic accuracy of sentinel lymph node biopsy in early-stage ovarian cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping may reduce the morbidity of lymphadenectomy while maintaining diagnostic accuracy. Nevertheless, SLN mapping in epithelial ovarian cancer is still under investigation. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the detection rate and diagnostic accuracy of SLN mapping for each field (pelvic and para-aortic), and to evaluate the tracers and doses used. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science. Patients with clinical stages I-II ovarian cancer undergoing SLN biopsy (index test) and a systematic pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy (reference standard) were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) tool. A meta-analysis was performed to assess SLN mapping detection rates and diagnostic accuracy for each field (pelvic and para-aortic) and by subgroups (type of tracer and dosage). 239 patients from four studies were included. The SLN detection rate was 59.5% (95% CI 50.2 to 68.1%) and 64.4% (95% CI 58.2 to 70.2%) for the pelvic and para-aortic fields, respectively. The use of technetium-99 ( The use of PROSPERO CRD42024544812.

Correspondence on “Sentinel lymph node biopsy in ovarian cancer: more questions than certainties” by Fagotti et al

Fertility sparing treatment in patients with endometrial cancer (FERT-ENC): a multicentric retrospective study from the Spanish Investigational Network Gynecologic Oncology Group (SPAIN-GOG)

The primary objective was to evaluate the response rate of conservative treatment for endometrial cancer, and the secondary objective was to assess oncological, fertility and obstetric outcomes in patients who underwent fertility preservation treatment. This multicentre, observational, retrospective study evaluated endometrial cancer patients who underwent fertility-sparing treatment in Spanish centres between January 2010 and January 2020. Seventy-three patients with stage IA endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the uterus were included in the study. The levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) was the most common fertility-sparing treatment (53.4%), followed by megestrol acetate (20.5%) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (16.4%). During the 24-month follow-up period, the rate of complete response to fertility-sparing management was 74% (n = 54), and 8.2% (n = 6) of patients presented a partial response. Additionally, 13 (17.8%) patients presented with persistent disease and six (8.2%) relapsed after response. The LNG-IUD was associated with a higher complete response rate than the other methods (87.2 vs. 58.8%; p = 0.01). Surgical treatment (at least hysterectomy) was performed in 44 (60.3%) patients as the end of fertility-sparing treatment. Four (5.5%) patients presented relapse after surgery, associated with final FIGO stage III (p = 0.036), myometrial invasion > 50% (p = 0.018) and final tumour grade 2-3 (p = 0.018). The mean follow-up period was 57.8 (range 6-159) months. The 5-year relapse-free survival and overall survival rates were 92.6% [95% CI (81.3, 97.2)] and 93.5% [95% CI (80.7, 97.9)], respectively. During follow-up, three patients (4.1%) died of the disease after completion of surgical treatment. Up to 50.7% of patients included in the study attempted to get pregnant. Of these, the rate of pregnancy was 81.1% (n = 30/37), and reproductive techniques were used for this purpose in 78.4% of cases. Fertility-sparing management presented a high response rate in patients with endometrial cancer. LNG-IUD was associated with a better response rate compared to the other treatment options. Moreover, in patients using this management method, pregnancy could be achieved using reproductive techniques.

Alternatives of the pelvic sentinel lymph node migration pathway in early ovarian cancer: the simplest the best

Sentinel Lymph Node Technique in Apparent Early Ovarian Cancer: Laparoscopic Technique

To demonstrate the feasibility of laparoscopic sentinel lymph node technique in presumed early-stage ovarian cancer. Video illustrating the laparoscopic performance of the sentinel lymph node technique in ovarian cancer. The Oncologic Gynecology Department at the University Hospital La Fe. Candidates for the technique presented an apparent early stage ovarian cancer. The technique was performed in the context of a clinical trial called SENTOV (NCT03452982). To date, lymphadenectomy is recommended after the diagnosis of apparent early-stage ovarian cancer as part of the surgical staging. Minimally invasive surgery can be considered for the purpose of restaging [1]. Up to 14% of the patients are upstaged because of positive lymph nodes after pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy [2]. Regarding low-grade tumors, a lower rate of lymph node involvement has been reported [3]. Sentinel lymph node technique has been reported to be feasible in a recent pilot study [4]. Two clinical trials (Sentinel Lymph Node in Early Ovarian Cancer and Sentine Lymph Node in Early Ovarian Cancer) are currently ongoing to clarify the use of sentinel lymph node technique in early ovarian cancer. The injection points were at the infundibulopelvic and ovarian ligament stumps. Two hundred microliters of saline solution containing 37 MBq of technetium-99m nanocolloid followed by 0.5 mL of indocyanine green (ICG) was injected subperitoneally. We used a 27 G needle at each injection point. Immediately after injection and also at 15 and 30 minutes after injection, the operative field was checked guided by the acoustic signal of the gamma probe and the near-infrared camera. We performed a minimum dissection looking for the sentinel lymph node or nodes in the pelvic and para-aortic region. Any lymph node with a remarkable radioactivity count as high as 10 times the background and/or dyed with ICG was considered a sentinel lymph node and was harvested separately. A systematic surgical staging was performed after the sentinel lymph node procedure was completed. Because of its small size, the ICG molecule is not caught in the lymph node valve system and keeps migrating when performing lymphography. An exhaustive direct view of the dye path is required to avoid misleading detection of the real sentinel lymph node. This theoretical problem is resolved by the use of the 99mTC-nanocolloid. This tracer gets trapped into the lymph node valve system because of its molecular size and does not keep migrating as does ICG. As such, a combination of both methods is proposed. Laparoscopic performance of sentinel lymph node technique in ovarian cancer seems to achievable. Between 2017 and 2019, this procedure was performed in 30 patients (13 laparoscopic), in the context of our pilot experience [4] and the Sentinel Lymph Node in Early Ovarian Cancer clinical trial (NCT03452982).

Molecular Management of High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma

High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) represents the most common form of epithelial ovarian carcinoma. The absence of specific symptoms leads to late-stage diagnosis, making HGSOC one of the gynecological cancers with the worst prognosis. The cellular origin of HGSOC and the role of reproductive hormones, genetic traits (such as alterations in P53 and DNA-repair mechanisms), chromosomal instability, or dysregulation of crucial signaling pathways have been considered when evaluating prognosis and response to therapy in HGSOC patients. However, the detection of HGSOC is still based on traditional methods such as carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) detection and ultrasound, and the combined use of these methods has yet to support significant reductions in overall mortality rates. The current paradigm for HGSOC management has moved towards early diagnosis via the non-invasive detection of molecular markers through liquid biopsies. This review presents an integrated view of the relevant cellular and molecular aspects involved in the etiopathogenesis of HGSOC and brings together studies that consider new horizons for the possible early detection of this gynecological cancer.

Protective Maneuver to Avoid Tumor Spillage during Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy: Vaginal Cuff Closure

To demonstrate the feasibility of a protective maneuver to avoid tumor exposure during laparoscopic radical hysterectomy. This video illustrates the vaginal cuff closure technique in cervical cancer surgery. The Oncologic Gynecology Department at the University Hospital La Fe. After the Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer trial [1], the laparoscopic approach to the surgical treatment of cervical cancer has been questioned: laparotomic surgery has been associated with a better cancer outcome. This publication has changed the current approach recommendation for performing radical hysterectomy from minimally invasive surgery to open surgery. There are some theories that might justify these findings. In minimally invasive surgery, the use of a uterine manipulator can condition the spread owing to erosion and friction caused on the tumor, even leading to the perforation of the tumor. In addition, intraperitoneal colpotomy can lead to pelvic peritoneum contamination by the tumor. To close the gap between laparoscopy and laparotomy, some protective maneuvers, such as vaginal cuff closure, have been proposed [2,3]. These strategies aim to reduce the possibility of manipulation or exposure of the tumor to the pelvis during colpotomy in laparoscopic radical hysterectomy. These protective maneuvers have been shown to decrease the relapse rate in retrospective studies [4]. However, prospective trials are needed to elucidate and confirm these findings. In this video, we explain step-by-step the technique of vaginal cuff closure before a radical hysterectomy performance for uterine cervical cancer. First, the nodal status is established by laparoscopic sentinel lymph node dissection and frozen section study. Bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy is completed according to the size of the tumor. In the case of negative nodal status, the vaginal cuff is closed: Approximately 2 to 3 cm from the tumor (depending on its size), a circumferential incision of the vaginal mucosa is performed, followed by the dissection of the vaginal wall, which should be sufficient to allow a tension-free vaginal closure. The vaginal cuff is then closed with a running suture. A laparoscopic radical hysterectomy is then completed, and the surgical specimen is removed without any manipulation of the tumor. Avoiding manipulation of the tumor during cancer surgery is crucial. A vaginal cuff closure technique appears to be an easy protective maneuver that prevents tumor exposure and manipulation during laparoscopic radical hysterectomy.

A restrictive stoma policy after colorectal anastomosis in ovarian cancer based on ghost ileostomy use

The incidence of anastomotic leak after colorectal anastomosis in ovarian cancer has been reported to be much lower than that in colorectal cancer patients. Regarding the use of protective manoeuvres (diverting ileostomy) as suggested by clinical guidelines, the goal should be the implementation of a restrictive stoma policy for ovarian cancer patients, given the low rate of anastomotic leakage in this population. Patients who underwent cytoreduction surgery in a single centre (University Hospital La Fe, Valencia Spain) due to ovarian cancer between January 2010 and June 2023 were classified according to two groups: a non-restrictive stoma policy group (Group A) and a restrictive stoma policy group (Group B). A total of 256 patients were included in the analysis (group A 52 % vs group B 48 %). The use of protective diverting ileostomy was lower in the restrictive stoma policy group (14 % vs 6.6 %), and the use of ghost ileostomy was 32 % vs 87 % in groups A and B, respectively (p < 0.00001). No differences were found in the anastomotic leak rate, which was 5.2 % in the non-restrictive group and 3.2 % in the restrictive stoma policy group (p = 0.54). The use of a restrictive stoma policy based on the use of ghost ileostomy reduces the rate of diverting ileostomy in patients with ovarian cancer after colorectal resection and anastomosis. Furthermore, this policy is not associated with an increased rate of anastomotic leakage nor with an increased rate of morbi-mortality related to the leak.

Procalcitonin and C‐reactive protein as early markers of anastomotic leakage in intestinal resections for advanced ovarian cancer (EDMOCS)

AbstractIntroductionSerum levels of procalcitonin and C‐reactive protein (CRP) have been used to predict anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery, but information is scarce in advanced ovarian cancer (AOC) surgery with bowel resection. This study aimed to assess the predictive value of procalcitonin and CRP in detecting anastomotic leakage after AOC surgery with bowel resection. The study also aimed to determine the optimal postoperative reference values and the best day for evaluating these markers.Material and methodsThis prospective, observational and multicentric trial included 92 patients with AOC undergoing debulking surgery with bowel resection between 2017 and 2020 in 10 reference hospitals in Spain. Procalcitonin and CRP levels were measured at baseline and on postoperative days 1–6. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to evaluate the predictive value of procalcitonin and CRP at each postoperative day. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated.ResultsAnastomotic leakage was detected in six patients (6.5%). Procalcitonin and CRP values were consistently higher in patients with anastomotic leakage at all postoperative days. The maximum area under the curve (AUC) for procalcitonin was observed at postoperative day 1 (AUC = 0.823) with a cutoff value of 3.8 ng/mL (83.3% sensitivity, 81.3% specificity). For CRP, the maximum AUC was found at postoperative day 3 (AUC = 0.833) with a cutoff level of 30.5 mg/dL (100% sensitivity, 80.4% specificity).ConclusionsProcalcitonin and C‐reactive protein are potential biomarkers for early detection of anastomotic leakage after ovarian cancer surgery with bowel resection. Further prospective studies with a larger sample size are needed to confirm these findings.

Conservative management of burst adbomen after interval cytoreduction surgery of ovarian carcinosarcoma

Laparoscopic sigmoidectomy with ghost ileostomy in ovarian cancer recurrence