Maria D. Iniesta

Role of Fallopian Tubes in the Development of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic malignancy and the fifth cause of cancer death in women in the United States. The most common and lethal histologic subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer is high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC), which generally presents at an advanced stage. HGSC may be associated with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Historically, HGSC was believed to originate from the ovarian epithelial cells. However, more recent evidence supports the idea that most ovarian cancers originate in the fallopian tube epithelium in both high-risk women and in the general population. Serous tubal intraepithelial carcinomas may ultimately evolve into ovarian or peritoneal cancer. As a result, prophylactic salpingectomy with conservation of the ovaries has become an increasingly more common practice for premenopausal women undergoing risk-reducing surgery. Because the fallopian tube is now recognized as the most common potential site of origin of ovarian carcinoma, there is ongoing research to explore molecular and genetic factors that may be critical in the development of this disease. Further research is needed to identify novel opportunities for early detection and screening of ovarian cancer with the ultimate goal of increasing overall survival.

Perioperative trajectory of patient reported symptoms: A pilot study in gynecologic oncology patients

OBJECTIVE With the growing focus on patient-centered care, patient reported outcomes (PROs) are becoming an important component to clinical trials and quality metrics. The objective of this study was to pilot the collection of patient reported symptom burden in women undergoing surgery in a gynecologic oncology practice. METHODS Perioperative patient reported symptom burden was measured for women undergoing laparotomy on the gynecologic oncology service at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Symptoms were assessed using the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI-OC), a 27 item tool validated for use in patients with ovarian cancer. The MDASI-OC was administered as a preoperative baseline, daily while admitted to the hospital after surgery, twice a week on the first week after discharge and then weekly until 8 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS 29 patients were evaluable. Seventy-five percent of patients had a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Of those patients, half underwent a primary debulking surgery and the other half had neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to interval cytoreductive surgery. In the postoperative inpatient setting, the five symptoms with the highest overall burden were fatigue, pain, abdominal pain, dry mouth and drowsiness. Longitudinal change of the top 5 symptoms during hospitalization did not show any significant difference between those who had neoadjuvant chemotherapy and those who did not. CONCLUSION The collection of longitudinal PROs to assess symptom burden is feasible in patients undergoing gynecologic oncology surgery. Patient reported outcomes are a crucial component of patient-centered research and the longitudinal collection and analysis of symptom burden can allow for more meaningful comparisons of surgical technique and perioperative care.

Management of Preinvasive Lesions

Serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma is considered the precursor lesion of high-grade serous carcinoma, and found in both low-risk and high-risk populations. Isolated serous tubal intraepithelial carcinomas in patients with BRCA1/2 mutations are detected in ∼2% of patients undergoing risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and even with removal of the tubes and ovaries the rate of developing primary peritoneal carcinoma following remains up to 7.5%. Postoperative recommendations after finding incidental STICs remain unclear and surgical staging, adjuvant chemotherapy, or observation have been proposed. Discovery of STIC should prompt consideration of hereditary cancer program referral for BRCA1/2 mutation screening.

Bowel surgery in an Enhanced Surgical Recovery Programme (ESRP) for gynaecologic surgery: Is recovery still enhanced or do we need to take a step back?

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of ERAS approach (“fluid restrictive & drainless”) on open liver resections for HCC comparing their outcome with open resections in pre-ERAS period and with laparoscopic surgery. Methods: 207 patients undergoing minor liver resection for HCC were divided into three groups: Group A, open minor resections in pre-ERAS period (95 patients); Group B, laparoscopic ERAS resections (55 patients); Group C, open ERAS resections (57 patients). Results: Blood loss was lower in group C and B compared with group A. Postoperative morbidity was 26.5% in group A, 16.3% in group B and 12.1% in group C (p<0.05). Ascites was less frequent in group B (7.5%) and C (6.2%) compared with group A (12%). Median time for functional recovery in groups B (3 days) and C (3 days) was shorter compared with group A (5 days). Conclusion: The laparoscopic approach was associated with reduced blood loss and postoperativemorbidity. In patients who are not candidates to minimally-invasive approach, ERAS management seems to be associated with a reduction in blood loss and postoperative morbidity. Results achieved in this group of patients were more similar to those of laparoscopy than to pre-ERAS open surgery. Disclosure of interest: None declared.

Implementation of an Enhanced Surgical Recovery Programme (ESRP) in gynaecologic oncology: Has the development of a preoperative order set improved compliance for preventive analgesia and deep venous thromboembolic (DVT) prophylaxis?

Javier D. Lasala , Jagtar Singh Heir , Gabriel E. Mena , Alpa M. Nick , Larissa A. Meyer , Maria D. Iniesta , Mark F. Munsell , Gloria Salvo , Juan P. Cata , Ifeyinwa Ifeanyi , Vijaya Gottumukkala , Katherine E. Cain , Pedro T. Ramirez . Anaesthesiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States; Gyn Onc & Reproductive Med, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States; Biostatistics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States; 4 Pharmacy Clinical Programs, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States