European Society of Gynaecological Oncology Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Vulvar Cancer

Objective The aim of this study was to develop clinically relevant and evidence-based guidelines as part of European Society of Gynaecological Oncology's mission to improve the quality of care for women with gynecologic cancers across Europe. Methods The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology Council nominated an international development group made of practicing clinicians who provide care to patients with vulvar cancer and have demonstrated leadership and interest in the management of patients with vulvar cancer (18 experts across Europe). To ensure that the statements are evidence based, the current literature identified from a systematic search has been reviewed and critically appraised. In the absence of any clear scientific evidence, judgment was based on the professional experience and consensus of the development group (expert agreement). The guidelines are thus based on the best available evidence and expert agreement. Prior to publication, the guidelines were reviewed by 181 international reviewers including patient representatives independent from the development group. Results The guidelines cover diagnosis and referral, preoperative investigations, surgical management (local treatment, groin treatment including sentinel lymph node procedure, reconstructive surgery), radiation therapy, chemoradiation, systemic treatment, treatment of recurrent disease (vulvar recurrence, groin recurrence, distant metastases), and follow-up

Uterus transplantation : perspectives of Australian women with absolute uterine factor infertility regarding desirability and utility

Background: Uterus transplantation is an emerging surgical innovation offering the option of genetic and gestational motherhood to women with absolute uterine factor infertility. More than 15 centres worldwide have now commenced clinical trials, but the procedure has not been performed in Australia. Aim: To explore the awareness, attitudes and perceptions regarding uterus transplantation among Australian women with absolute uterine infertility. Materials and Methods: An online survey targeting Australian women with absolute uterine factor infertility was performed. Data collected included demographic data, infertility circumstances, considered motherhood options and wellbeing, followed by specific questions regarding uterus transplantation. In total, the participants completed 50 items. Results: All 57 respondents (90% response rate) indicated awareness of uterus transplantation. Of the women who desired parenthood, more than two-thirds indicated a strong desire to carry their own child, with an even higher number (80%) endorsing the need for the procedure to be an option in Australia. Which donor model is preferred (deceased or live), requires further exploration. Conclusion: This study indicates that uterus transplantation is desired by the majority of Australian women with absolute uterine factor infertility. Clinical introduction of uterus transplantation in Australia has strong support from the women who would benefit from the procedure

Extracellular matrix of the human cyclic corpus luteum

Extracellular matrix regulates many cellular processes likely to be important for development and regression of corpora lutea. Therefore, we identified the types and components of the extracellular matrix of the human corpus luteum at different stages of the menstrual cycle. Two different types of extracellular matrix were identified by electron microscopy; subendothelial basal laminas and an interstitial matrix located as aggregates at irregular intervals between the non-vascular cells. No basal laminas were associated with luteal cells. At all stages, collagen type IV α1 and laminins α5, β2 and γ1 were localized by immunohistochemistry to subendothelial basal laminas, and collagen type IV α1 and laminins α2, α5, β1 and β2 localized in the interstitial matrix. Laminin α4 and β1 chains occurred in the subendothelial basal lamina from mid-luteal stage to regression; at earlier stages, a punctate pattern of staining was observed. Therefore, human luteal subendothelial basal laminas potentially contain laminin 11 during early luteal development and, additionally, laminins 8, 9 and 10 at the mid-luteal phase. Laminin α1 and α3 chains were not detected in corpora lutea. Versican localized to the connective tissue extremities of the corpus luteum. Thus, during the formation of the human corpus luteum, remodelling of extracellular matrix does not result in basal laminas as present in the adrenal cortex or ovarian follicle. Instead, novel aggregates of interstitial matrix of collagen and laminin are deposited within the luteal parenchyma, and it remains to be seen whether this matrix is important for maintaining the luteal cell phenotype