Paradigm Shifts in Gynaecological Oncology Surgery

A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This special issue belongs to the section "Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 2851

Special Issue Editor

1. Department of Gynaecological Oncology, University College London Hospital (UCLH), 235 Euston Road, London NW1 2BU, UK
2. Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, UK
Interests: ovarian cancer; gynaecological oncology; abdominal surgery
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Dear Colleagues,

Over the past decade, there have been significant advances and developments in surgical gynecological oncology. Whilst improved understanding of tumor biology, advances in genomics, and novel chemotherapeutic agents have all contributed to increasing cancer survival, surgery remains the cornerstone of curative treatment in gynecological oncology. Our patients facing surgery experience the ongoing balancing act between ultraradical surgery to prolong survival and maintaining quality of life. We welcome submissions that cover any relevant topics in the areas of gynecological cancer surgery, perioperative risk management, cancer survivorship, and associated health economics of women’s cancers, including ovarian, endometrial, cervical, vulval/vaginal, and breast cancer.

All submitted articles will undergo a rigorous peer review process to ensure the highest scientific quality and relevance to the field. We encourage contributions from researchers, clinicians, and experts in the field of surgical gynecological oncology.

Should you have any questions, require further information, or need any assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to support and facilitate your participation in this Special Issue.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to receiving your valuable submissions.

Dr. Faiza Gaba
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • gynecological surgery
  • genomics risk management
  • survivorship health economics

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 690 KiB  
Article
Intraoperative Radiation Therapy for Recurrent Cervical and Endometrial Cancer: Predicting Morbidity and Mortality in a Contemporary Cohort
by Lindsay N. Howlett, Priyal P. Fadadu, Leah O. Grcevich, Angela J. Fought, Michaela E. McGree, Andrea Giannini, Kristina A. Butler, Lucia Tortorella, Amanda A. Marnholtz, Michael G. Haddock, Allison E. Garda, Carrie L. Langstraat, Sean C. Dowdy and Amanika Kumar
Cancers 2024, 16(21), 3628; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16213628 - 28 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1287
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Our objective was to describe the use of intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) for the treatment of recurrent/persistent cervical or endometrial cancer and assess predictors of postoperative complications and 3-year mortality. Methods: In this multi-site retrospective study, data were abstracted for recurrent/persistent endometrial [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Our objective was to describe the use of intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) for the treatment of recurrent/persistent cervical or endometrial cancer and assess predictors of postoperative complications and 3-year mortality. Methods: In this multi-site retrospective study, data were abstracted for recurrent/persistent endometrial or cervical cancer patients who underwent IORT from June 2004 to May 2021. Complications were graded on the six-point Accordion scale. Variables associated with complications were analyzed with univariate logistic regression, while variables associated with death within 3 years were analyzed with Cox proportional hazards modeling. Survival was analyzed with the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: Eighty patients had planned IORT for recurrent/persistent endometrial (n = 35) or cervical cancer (n = 45). The mean age of the cohort was 56.8 years (SD = 13.7), and the median disease-free interval from primary disease to recurrence was 20.0 months (IQR 10.0–63.1). The overall survival at 3 years was 48.6% (95% CI: 38.3–61.6%) with a median survival of 2.8 years. Within 30 days postoperative, 16 patients (20.1%) had grade 3–5 complications and one death (1.3%) occurred. Factors associated with grade 3+ complication included ECOG PS 2–3 (OR 18.00, p = 0.04), neoadjuvant chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy (OR 6.98, p < 0.01), and pelvic sidewall involvement (OR 8.80, p = 0.04). Factors associated with death within 3 years of surgery included ECOG PS 2–3 (HR 8.97, p < 0.01), neoadjuvant chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy (HR 2.34, p = 0.03), whether exenteration was performed (HR 2.64, p = 0.01), and positive resection margin (HR 3.37, p < 0.01). Conclusions: In well-selected patients, IORT is a feasible and safe option for the treatment of recurrent/persistent gynecologic malignancy with an appreciable survival benefit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Paradigm Shifts in Gynaecological Oncology Surgery)
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Review

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24 pages, 682 KiB  
Review
Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT) in Gynecologic Cancers: A Scoping Review
by Evrim Erdemoglu, Stuart A. Ostby, Sanjanaa Senthilkumar, Amanika Kumar, Sujay A. Vora, Longwen Chen, Sarah E. James and Kristina A. Butler
Cancers 2025, 17(8), 1356; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17081356 - 18 Apr 2025
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Abstract
Objective: We aimed to analyze the current literature for IORT in gynecological cancers and summarized clinical outcomes regarding patient selection. Methods: A systematic search was conducted utilizing PUBMED, Embase, and CINAHL to identify studies following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A PICOS structure was utilized: population: [...] Read more.
Objective: We aimed to analyze the current literature for IORT in gynecological cancers and summarized clinical outcomes regarding patient selection. Methods: A systematic search was conducted utilizing PUBMED, Embase, and CINAHL to identify studies following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A PICOS structure was utilized: population: patients with epithelial gynecological cancers; intervention: IORT; C: a comparator was not required, as we aimed to analyze patient selection; outcome: clinical outcomes and overall survival; and S: experimental and quasi-experimental analytical observational studies and descriptive observational studies, excluding case series published in English and limited to the last 10 years. Data extraction was conducted for patient selection, IORT, oncological outcomes, and morbidity. Results: A total of 707 results were identified, and 509 studies were uploaded to Covidence for screening after removing duplications. Of the 21 eligible studies, 9 were included in the final review. The total number of patients included was 348. The studies were retrospective single-institution studies, except for one. There was significant heterogeneity in their design and protocols. IORT was exclusively used for recurrent and advanced stage gynecological cancers adjunct to pelvic exenteration or laterally extended endopelvic resections with variable indications across institutions. The mean number of IORT patients per study was 2.8 per year. Survival rates were variable and dependent on the surgical margin. Endometrial cancer had a favorable outcome compared to vulvar and cervical cancers. Conclusions: Current clinical practice, as demonstrated by the research, is consistent with NCCN guidelines that endorse the application of IORT in instances of recurrent cervical, vaginal, and vulvar malignancies; however, there are no established recommendations for primary tumors. The analysis shows that there are gaps in our knowledge, mainly regarding the status of the margins, the criteria used to choose patients, and the outcomes that are specific to each histology. The standardization of protocols and prospectively powered studies are needed to refine patient selection criteria. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Paradigm Shifts in Gynaecological Oncology Surgery)
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Other

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20 pages, 2817 KiB  
Systematic Review
Fluorescence-Guided Surgery to Detect Microscopic Disease in Ovarian Cancer: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
by Evrim Erdemoglu, Carrie L. Langstraat, Amanika Kumar, Stuart A. Ostby, Marlene E. Girardo, Andrea Giannini and Kristina A. Butler
Cancers 2025, 17(3), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17030410 - 26 Jan 2025
Viewed by 867
Abstract
Background: The objective in epithelial ovarian cancer is to reach maximal cytoreduction with no visible residual tumor. Tumor detection during cytoreductive surgery depends on visual inspection, palpation, or blind biopsy, methods that lack reliability for identifying microscopic disease. Although the importance of [...] Read more.
Background: The objective in epithelial ovarian cancer is to reach maximal cytoreduction with no visible residual tumor. Tumor detection during cytoreductive surgery depends on visual inspection, palpation, or blind biopsy, methods that lack reliability for identifying microscopic disease. Although the importance of microscopic disease in epithelial ovarian cancer is controversial, it may harbor chemoresistant cells and explain the high recurrence rates. Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) is an emerging approach. However, the potential in ovarian cancer remains underexplored; the majority of the existing evidence pertains to gastrointestinal tumors and a limited group of ovarian cancer patients. Their comparative effectiveness is still uncertain. Objective: To systematically review and evaluate the role of fluorescence-guided surgical techniques in detecting microscopic disease in ovarian cancer and compare their efficacy to total peritonectomy. Data Sources: A systematic search was made in three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase). The search was conducted from 1975 to 2024, including randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and conference abstracts in the last 25 years. Study Selection: Clinical studies published in English involving ovarian cancer patients undergoing FGS or total peritonectomy were included. Case reports, reviews, animal studies, and studies involving mixed cancer populations without ovarian cancer-specific data were excluded. Two independent reviewers screened 631 studies, yielding 12 eligible studies for final analysis. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Data were extracted and synthesized in accordance with PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines, using random-effects models for independent analysis. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and odds ratios (ORs) were grouped, accompanied by subgroup analyses based on the fluorescence agent employed. For quality assessment, we utilized the NIH quality tool. Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s): The primary outcome was the rate of change in surgical management due to fluorescence guidance or total peritonectomy. Secondary outcomes comprised lesion-level sensitivity, specificity, and PPV. Safety outcomes included adverse events associated with fluorescence agents. Results: There were 12 studies involving 429 ovarian cancer patients. FGS improved the detection of microscopic disease compared to standard visualization methods, with a pooled sensitivity of 0.77. Folate receptor-targeted agents had high sensitivity (84%) but low specificity (26%). Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) showed superior diagnostic accuracy with a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 96%. Total peritonectomy showed no significant advantage over FGS for detecting microscopic disease. The adverse events were mild, with no serious events reported. We observed a high heterogeneity across studies and methodologies. Conclusions and Relevance: Fluorescence-guided surgery utilizing fluorescence tracers demonstrates potential in improving the detection of microscopic disease and may change surgical management in epithelial ovarian cancer, particularly with 5-ALA. Variability in performance and limited data on survival outcomes necessitates additional research. Total peritonectomy does not offer further advantage in the detection of microscopic disease. Future trials should focus on standardizing methodology and evaluating the effects of microscopic disease removal on survival outcomes. Registration: The study was registered to PROSPERO as CRD42024578274. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Paradigm Shifts in Gynaecological Oncology Surgery)
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