Toward a microRNA signature of endometrial cancer

A simple meta-analysis of eight microRNA (miRNA) expression surveys of endometrial cancers reveals a panel of sixteen miRNAs that are significantly over-expressed (n = 15) or under-expressed (n = 1) in at least three surveys. Examination of these miRNAs indicates that they target mRNAs involved in a number of basic cellular processes including the crucial epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxia response. The central role played by these miRNAs is reinforced by the demonstration that they are all among the most ancient of all animal miRNAs. This suggests that they are members of a core set of miRNAs dysregulated as part of the carcinogenic cellular reprogramming process

Wnt signaling in granulosa cell tumors of the ovary

Granulosa cell tumors (GCT), a malignant type of sex-cord stromal tumor, account for approximately 2-5% of all ovarian malignancies. They are often identified before they have spread beyond the ovary, but advanced disease can be quite challenging to treat. Wnt signaling has been suggested to contribute to the formation of GCT. We hypothesized Wnt signaling was involved in human GCT

Ultrasound evaluation of pelvic masses seen within a university gynecologic oncology clinic: does the scan location matter?

To quantify variations in the reporting of ultrasound characteristics of adnexal masses between local ultrasound centers and a tertiary care center for women referred to gynecologic oncology for evaluation of a pelvic mass. This study also sought to evaluate whether a gynecologic oncologist’s impression regarding the suspicion for malignancy differed based upon the information provided in the local ultrasound report as compared to the tertiary care center ultrasound report

H19/miR-675 non-coding RNA expression differentiates among cancers of the human endometrium.

H19 is a maternally expressed non-coding RNA located at chromosome 11p15.5 near the reciprocally imprinted insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) gene. Though the function of H19 is unknown, it is transcribed during embryonic development after which transcription is absent in all but a few tissues including cardiac muscle, breast, ovary, uterus, and placenta. Linking H19, miR-675 and RB1 expression with serous tumors of the endometrium suggests that RB1 suppression may be a differentiating event in serous tumorigenesis

Primary radiation as initial management in endometrial cancer: investigating EBRT, IMRT and HDR brachytherapy

For patients with endometrial cancer at increased risk of perioperative morbidity, primary radiation therapy is an effective alternative treatment option. However, there has been no consensus on radiation technique and little data on outcomes. Our aim was to identify factors which determine patient selection for primary radiation, investigate treatment efficacy of radiation compared to surgical management of endometrial cancer and to evaluate different radiation modalities including external beam radiation therapy alone or with a boost of either high dose rate brachytherapy or intensity-modulated radiation therapy for differences in toxicities, recurrence-free interval, cancer-specific survival and overall survival

Small cell carcinoma of the cervix: a retrospective analysis of characteristics important in outcomes

To assess clinical characteristics and treatment modalities in patients with small cell carcinoma of the cervix and the effect this has on overall (OS) and recurrence free survival (RFS)

Single incision laparo-endoscopic surgery (SILS) is comparable with robotic surgery at a tertiary care center for the management of gynecologic oncology patients

A shift toward minimally invasive surgical techniques has been implemented in the surgical management of gynecologic oncology patients. Over the course of 18 months, we have established a single incision laparo-endoscopic surgery program (SILS), and incorporated it in the management of our patients. We sought to assess the operative and postoperative outcomes of these patients in relation to patients who underwent robotic surgery during that same time period at our institution

The effect of weight-based chemotherapy dosing in a cohort of gynecologic oncology patients

The American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends that full weight-based doses of chemotherapy be used to treat obese patients with cancer. However, many oncologists limit the dose of chemotherapy based on ideal body weight or a maximum body surface area (BSA) of m2. The objective of our study is to determine how weight-based chemotherapy dosing affects toxicity, treatment delays, and laboratory values in a cohort of obese gynecologic cancer patients at our institution. We hypothesize that full weight-based dosing in obese patients does not increase adverse chemotherapy outcomes

Zmiz1 is overexpressed in epithelial ovarian cancer and associated with p53 gene mutations

Zmiz1 staining is elevated in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. Tumors that are Zmiz1 positive are associated with mutations of the p53 gene. Zmiz1 overexpression may be associated with decreased survival in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. Additional studies are needed to more clearly determine the role of Zmiz1 in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer

Zmiz1 is overexpressed in epithelial ovarian cancer and associated with p53 gene mutations

Zmiz1 staining is elevated in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. Tumors that are Zmiz1 positive are associated with mutations of the p53 gene. Zmiz1 overexpression may be associated with decreased survival in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. Additional studies are needed to more clearly determine the role of Zmiz1 in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer