Is There Re-staging Surgery Necessity for Borderline Ovarian Tumors

Objective:This study assessed the necessity of surgical re-staging in women with borderline ovarian tumors(BOTs)and evaluated the impact of complete surgical staging,lymphadenectomy,and omentectomy on disease recurrence and survival.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with BOTs.A total of 901 patients were eligible for inclusion in the study,and we evaluated some of the variables and clinical/surgical characteristics of the cases.The effects of the type of surgical procedure,surgical staging,and complete or incomplete staging on recurrence were calculated.The rates of disease-free survival,overall survival,and recurrence were compared according to complete surgical staging.A Cox regression analysis was performed to identify potential prognostic factors,and survival curves were constructed using the Kaplan-Meier method.Results:The overall recurrence rate was 13.9%,and recurrence was comparable between the complete surgical staging group and the incomplete groups(P>0.05).The performance of complete surgical staging did not show an effect on long-term survival,and complete surgical staging,omentectomy,and lymphadenectomy had no effect on recurrence.In multivariate analyses,only radical surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy were risk factors for the recurrence of BOTs.Furthermore,we found that omentectomy led to a relatively low recurrence rate in patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics(FIGO)stage>Ⅰ(P=0.022).Conclusion:Our results suggest that complete surgical staging should be considered a standard treatment for patients with advanced stage BOTs but not for those at FIGO stageⅠ.It might be safe to reduce the scope of surgical procedures in patients with early-stage BOTs.However,it is not necessary to perform re-staging operations for BOTs with a macroscopically normal extra-ovarian appearance.

Identification of serous ovarian tumors based on polarization imaging and correlation analysis with clinicopathological features

Ovarian cancer is one of the most aggressive and heterogeneous female tumors in the world,and serous ovarian cancer(SOC)is of particular concern for being the leading cause of ovarian cancer death.Due to its clinical and biological complexities,ovarian cancer is still considered one of the most di±cult tumors to diagnose and manage.In this study,three datasets were assembled,including 30 cases of serous cystadenoma(SCA),30 cases of serous borderline tumor(SBT),and 45 cases of serous adenocarcinoma(SAC).Mueller matrix microscopy is used to obtain the polarimetry basis parameters(PBPs)of each case,combined with a machine learning(ML)model to derive the polarimetry feature parameters(PFPs)for distinguishing serous ovarian tumor(SOT).The correlation between the mean values of PBPs and the clinicopathological features of serous ovarian cancer was analyzed.The accuracies of PFPs obtained from three types of SOT for identifying dichotomous groups(SCA versus SAC,SCA versus SBT,and SBT versus SAC)were 0.91,0.92,and 0.8,respectively.The accuracy of PFP for identifying triadic groups(SCA versus SBT versus SAC)was 0.75.Correlation analysis between PBPs and the clinicopathological features of SOC was performed.There were correlations between some PBPs(δ,β,q_(L),E_(2),rqcross,P_(2),P_(3),P_(4),and P_(5))and clinicopathological features,including the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics(FIGO)stage,pathological grading,preoperative ascites,malignant ascites,and peritoneal implantation.The research showed that PFPs extracted from polarization images have potential applications in quantitatively differentiating the SOTs.These polarimetry basis parameters related to the clinicopathological features of SOC can be used as prognostic factors.

Value of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging combined with tumor markers in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors

BACKGROUND Compare the diagnostic performance of ultrasound(US),magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),and serum tumor markers alone or in combination for detecting ovarian tumors.AIM To investigate the diagnostic value of US,MRI combined with tumor markers in ovarian tumors.METHODS The data of 110 patients with ovarian tumors,confirmed by surgery and pathology,were collected in our hospital from February 2018 to May 2023.The dataset included 60 cases of benign tumors and 50 cases of malignant tumors.Prior to surgery,all patients underwent preoperative US and MRI examinations,as well as serum tumor marker tests[carbohydrate antigen 125(CA125),human epididymis protein 4(HE4)].The aim of the study was to compare the diagnostic performance of these three methods individually and in combination for ovarian tumors.RESULTS This study found statistically significant differences in the ultrasonic imaging characteristics between benign and malignant tumors.These differences include echo characteristics,presence or absence of a capsule,blood flow resistance index,clear tumor shape,and blood flow signal display rate(P<0.05).The apparent diffusion coefficient values of the solid and cystic parts in benign tumors were found to be higher compared to malignant tumors(P<0.05).Additionally,the time-intensity curve image features of benign and malignant tumors showed significant statistical differences(P<0.05).The levels of serum CA125 and HE4 in benign tumors were lower than those in malignant tumors(P<0.05).The combined use of US,MRI,and tumor markers in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors demonstrates higher accuracy,sensitivity,and specificity compared to using each method individually(P<0.05).CONCLUSION US,MRI,and tumor markers each have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to diagnosing ovarian tumors.However,by combining these three methods,we can significantly enhance the accuracy of ovarian tumor diagnosis,enabling early detection and identification of the tumor’s nature,and providing valuable guidance for clinical treatment.

Premature Puberty Revealing an Ovarian Tumor in a Five-Year-Old Girl

Background: Ovarian tumors in the girl child are sometimes revealed by the development of secondary sexual characteristics. The authors report the case of a five-year-old girl in whom the disease was revealed by early puberty. Case presentation: A five-year-old girl with an enlarged abdomen for about four months. The onset of pain and the sensation of a mass prompted the consultation. The development of secondary sexual characteristics (SSC) noted by the family had not been mentioned. The patient was classified as pubertal stage 2 according to the Tanner classification. An abdominal ultrasound and a CT scan showed a large left ovarian mass, an enlarged uterus for the patient’s age and a normal right ovary. The hormonal workup was not contributive. The treatment consisted only of a left salpingo-ovarectomy, without complementary chemotherapy. Anatomic pathological examination of the surgical specimen concluded to a juvenile tumor of the granulosa. The evolution was good with a beginning of regression of the HSC one month after the ovarectomy. Discussion: Granulosa tumors are sometimes secretory cancers, generally with a low potential for malignancy and therefore a very good prognosis. Surgery based on total adnexectomy is the first-line treatment. The large size of the tumor, the presence of ascites and capsular rupture are factors of poor prognosis, hence the importance of early diagnosis. Conclusion: Routine comprehensive physical examination should be de rigueur for abdominal masses in girls, especially in the context of various beliefs that may impede early referral to care.

Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: Possible Genesis of Ovarian Tumors

Background: Prolonged exposure to environmental toxicants like endocrine-disrupting chemicals has been linked to several ovarian pathologies. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals may start at any time of life from the fetal stage to adulthood resulting in various health complications The purpose of our study is to compare the concentration levels and association of benzopyrene, bisphenol A and genistein in patients with ovarian tumors and normal control group. We also sort to evaluate the predictive performance of benzopyrene, bisphenol A and genistein in patients with ovarian tumors. Methods: A case-control study was conducted for randomly selected participants involving 30 patients and 30 controls. 30 patients with radiologically diagnosed and histopathological confirmed ovarian tumors were included in the study between January 2022 and December 2022. Urine samples from each group were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Descriptive analysis for normally distributed continuous variables was done accordingly. Concentration levels of endocrine-disrupting chemicals were assessed using the Mann-Whitney test. The association of endocrine-disrupting chemicals with pathological ovarian tumors was analyzed using binary logistic regression. Evaluation of the diagnostic performance of endocrine-disrupting chemicals was analyzed using the ROC curve. Results: Overall, patients were significantly (P = 0.000) older than the healthy controls. Mean years (SD) were 36.7 (7.90) and 28.8 years (4.89) for patients and normal women respectively. Endometriomas had the highest incidence of 50%. The level of benzopyrene and bisphenol A in patients was significantly higher than those in the control group, while the level of genistein was significantly higher in normal controls. Benzopyrene and bisphenol A were significantly associated with ovarian cysts, and the incidence of pathological ovarian cysts was positively correlated to these EDCs, with OR value 64.79 (P = 0.005) for benzopyrene and 9.609 (P = 0.001) for bisphenol A. Genistein was significantly negatively correlated with the incidence of pathological ovarian tumors, with OR value of 0.153 (P = 0.007). Diagnostic performance on the AUC for benzopyrene, bisphenol A and genistein&l.

Detection of Laminin in Serum and Ascites from Patients with Epithelial Ovarian Tumor

The change in serum laminin (LN) level and its clinical significance in epithelial ovarian tumor were investigated. The LN levels in serum and ascites samples from 69 patients with epithelial ovarian tumor and 42 cases as control group before and after operation were analyzed by radioimmunoassay. The results showed that the serum LN levels in the patients with malignant tumors (157.85 ±14.37 ng/ml) were significantly higher than that in the control group (125.14 ±7.03 ng/ml) and in the patients with benign tumors (128.36±8.75 ng/ml)(both P <0.01) before operation. The serum LN levels in the malignant group were decreased significantly after operation as compared with those before operation ( P <0.05). The serum LN levels in low differentiated tumors was higher than those in moderate differentiated tumors and high differentiated tumors ( P <0.05). The LN levels in ascites (172.94±15.26 ng/ml) was significantly higher than in serum (161.34±6.59 ng/ml)( P <0.05) in malignant tumors. The serum LN levels in the patients with lymph node metastasis (165.41±19.91 ng/ml) was obviously higher than those without lymph node metastasis (152.35±10.34 ng/ml)( P <0.05). It was concluded that LN levels in serum and acistes were remarkably increased in malignant epithelial ovarian tumors, suggesting that LN might be one of important diameters reflecting tumor biological characteristics.

CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF SMALL OVARIAN TUMOR IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

Objective： To investigate the clinical symptom, ultrasonographic scan finding, serum CA125 value, histopathological type and treatment of small ovarian tumor （〈5 cm） in postmenopausal women. Methods： Retrospective analysis was carried out for 52 clinical materials of ovarian tumor cases in women more than one year after menopausal between Jan 1997 and Dec 2004. The largest diameter of the ovarian mass is less than 5 cm. Results： There were 11 ovarian cancers and 1 borderline ovarian tumor among 52 small ovarian tumors （23.1%）. 10 ovarian cancers were epithelial neoplasms and 2 were sex cord-stromal tumors, and 8 cases were in late stage according to FIGO staging system （33.3%）. Compared with benign tumor, there is no significant difference in the onset age, interval after menopausal and duration of history. The main clinical feature is abdominal symptoms, such as abdominal pain and distension in the malignant cases. The patients with benign tumors often showed the ovarian mass during the annual screening or admitted into hospital for other causes. The ultrasonography finding and serum CA125 level showed much difference between benign and malignant cases. Unilocular smooth-walled ovarian cysts mostly were found in benign tumor and the CA125 values were always less than 35 U/ml; but the solid or complex sonographic structures （multilocular, or with a papillary projections on the wall） often indicated a high risk of cancer, especially there was ascites in the pelvic cavity. Serum CA125 level in many cancer cases was elevated （〉35 U/ml）, over 300 U/ml in more than half of the patients. Surgery is still the first choice to treat ovarian cancer, and chemotherapy would be an auxiliary method. Till now, 3 ovarian cancer patients died of complications of cancer and 2 cases had recurrence. Conclusion： Small ovarian tumor in postmenopausal women has a comparatively low malignant occurrence but more in later stage. Many are epithelial carcinoma. If there is complex or parenchymal sonographic structure accompanied with a high serum CA125 level, operation should be considered, while it can be followed up when the ultrasound shows a smooth cyst with normal CA125 value.

Construction of Human ScFv Phage Display Library against Ovarian Tumor

In order to construct a single chain fragment variable （ScFv） phage display library against ovarian tumor, by using RT-PCR, the human heavy chain variable region genes （VH） and light chain variable region genes （VL） were amplified from lymphocytes of ovarian tumor patients and subsequently assembled into ScFv genes by SOE. The resulting ScFv genes were electrotransformed into E. coli TG1 and amplified with the co-infection of helper phage M13KO7 to obtain phage display library. The capacity and titer of the resulting library were detected. The phage antibody library with a capacity of approximately 3 × 10^9 cfu/μg was obtained. After amplification with helper phage, the titer of antibody library reached 5 μ 10^12 cfu/mL. Human ScFv library against ovarian tumor was constructed successfully, which laid a foundation for the screening of ovarian tumor specific ScFv for the radioimmunoimaging diagnosis of ovarian tumor.

THE MODIFIED RADIOIMMUNOASSAY OF SERUM INHIBIN AND ITS VALUE IN MONITORING OVARIAN TUMOR

Objectives and Methods: A modified radioimmunoassay (RIA) of serum inhibin (INH) was developed and applied to measure serum INH contents in 39 fertile and 16 postmenopausal women. Thirty-three cases of ovarian tumors, including granulosa cell tumors and other kinds of ovarian tumors, were monitored by serum INH RIA. Results: The mean value of serum INH contents in follicular, peri-ovulatory and mid-luteal phases of fertile women were 9.48±7.10 pg/ml (2.04～18.53pg/ml), 19.04±9.73 pg/ml (3.49～33.26 pg/ml) and 131.13±110.81 pg/ml (3.49～ 341.10 pg/ml), respectively. Serum INH concentration was negatively correlated with serum FSH concentration, (rs=?0.483,P<0.01). Serum IHN contents were less than 3.6 pg/ml in normal postmenopausal women. The mean value of serum INH contents in ovarian granulosa cell tumor, thecoma, mucinous cystadenocarcinoma and malignant teratoma cases were significantly higher than that of other ovarian tumors, (P<0.01). Serum INH contents were elevated in ovarian granulosa cell tumor, thecoma, mucinous cystadenocaricinoma and endometrioid carcinoma cases with serum CA-125 values in normal range before operation, but serum INH contents decreased to normal range within one week after operation. And consecutive serum INH RIA could be a valuable tool in monitoring for therapeutic effect. Conclusion: Modified INH RIA was of convenient, time-saving and quantitative characteristics, especially with its high sensitivity (<1 pg/ml). There was a regular change of serum INH concentrations during menstrual cycle. INH could inhibit the synthesis and secretion of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). INH would become a valuable marker for ovarian tumor. INH RIA combined with the measurement of serum CA-125 would be helpful to the early diagnosis, treatment and follow-up for ovarian cancer.

MUTATIONAL SCREEN AT THE OEYTS-JEGHERS (LKB1) LOCUS IN SPORDIC COLON AND OVARIAN TUMORS

Objective: To screen LKB1 mutation in sporadic colon and ovarian tumors. Methods: Using PCR-SSCP analysis, 72 colon cancer, 45 ovarian cancer, 14 granulosa cell tumor were screened for LKB1 mutation. Results: no mutation was in sporadic colon and ovarian adenocarcinomas. Two mutations were detected in one of the granulosa cell tumors: a mis-sense mutation affecting the putative start codon (ATG→ACG, MIT); and a silent change in erxon 7 (CTT→CTA, leucine). Conclusion: LKB1 mutations in sporadic colon and ovarian cancers are rare event and LKB1 is not the target gene lost on chromosome 19p13.3 in ovarian cancers.

Develop a nomogram to predict overall survival of patients with borderline ovarian tumors

BACKGROUND The prognosis of borderline ovarian tumors(BOTs)has been the concern of clinicians and patients.It is urgent to develop a model to predict the survival of patients with BOTs.AIM To construct a nomogram to predict the likelihood of overall survival(OS)in patients with BOTs.METHODS A total of 192 patients with histologically verified BOTs and 374 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer(EOC)were retrospectively investigated for clinical characteristics and survival outcomes.A 1:1 propensity score matching(PSM)analysis was performed to eliminate selection bias.Survival was analyzed by using the log-rank test and the restricted mean survival time(RMST).Next,univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify meaningful independent prognostic factors.In addition,a nomogram model was developed to predict the 1-,3-,and 5-year overall survival of patients with BOTs.The predictive performance of the model was assessed by using the concordance index(C-index),calibration curves,and decision curve analysis(DCA).RESULTS For clinical data,there was no significant difference in body mass index,preoperative CA199 concentration,or tumor localization between the BOTs group and EOC group.Women with BOTs were significantly younger than those with EOC.There was a significant difference in menopausal status,parity,preoperative serum CA125 concentration,Federation International of gynecology and obstetrics(FIGO)stage,and whether patients accepted postoperative adjuvant therapy between the BOT and EOC group.After PSM,patients with BOTs had better overall survival than patients with EOC(P value=0.0067);more importantly,the 5-year RMST of BOTs was longer than that of EOC(P value=0.0002,95%CI-1.137 to-0.263).Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that diagnosed age and surgical type were independent risk factors for BOT patient OS(P value<0.05).A nomogram was developed based on diagnosed age,preoperative serum CA125 and CA199 Levels,surgical type,FIGO stage,and tumor size.Moreover,the c-index(0.959,95%confidence interval 0.8708–1.0472),calibration plot of 1-,3-,and 5-year OS,and decision curve analysis indicated the accurate predictive ability of this model.CONCLUSION Patients with BOTs had a better prognosis than patients with EOC.The nomogram we constructed might be helpful for clinicians in personalized treatment planning and patient counseling.

Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-7 in Serous Ovarian Tumors

Objective:To explore the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-7 in serous ovarian tumors. Methods: Expression of MMP- 1 in 6 normal ovaries, 12 serous cystadenomas of ovary, 6 borderline cystadenomas of ovary, and 22 serous cystadenocarcinomas of ovary were studied by immunohistoc/temical SP staining. Results: No expression of MMP- 1 was detected in normal ovaries. In most serous ovarian tumors, expression of MMP-7 was detected in both the cytoplasm of tumor cells and stroma, although it was reported in other tumors that MMP- 7 was mainly expressed in the cytoplasm of tumor cells. The expression level of MMP-7 in the cytoplasm of tumor cells was statistically insignificant between serous cystadenomas of ovary, borderline cystadenomas of ovary, and serous cystadenocarcinomas of ovary. But in the stroma, the expression level of MMP-7 in borderline cystadenomas of ovary and serous cystadenocarcinomas of ovary was significantly higher than that in serous cystadenomas of ovary (P<0. 05). In borderline cystadenomas and serous cystadenocarcinomas of ovary, expression of MMP-7 could also be detected in the nuclei of some tumor cells. Conclusion: MMP-7 may play an important role in the progression of serous ovarian tumors.

FLOW CYTOM ETRIC ANALYSIS OF CELLULAR DNA CONTENT IN EPITHELIAL OVARIAN TUMOR

The DNA content of tumor all was analyzed by flow cytometry on parafflnembedded specimens in 73 patients with epithelial ovarian tumor, and its clinical significance was evaluated. One of the 5 benign (20%), 2 of the 11 borderline (18.18%), and 30 of the 57 malignant (52. 63%) tumors were aneuplold. The occurrence rate of aneuploidy In malignant tumors was higher than In benign and borderline tumors ( P < 0. 05 ). Furthermore, aneuploidy was more frequently In the advanced stages (Ⅲ -Ⅳ ) (77. 7%) than in the early stages (Ⅰ - Ⅱ ) (9. 5%) (P<0. 005). The occurrence rate of DNA aneuploidy was higher in patients associated with ascites and the residual tumor≥.2 cm. Patients with aneuploid tumors had more of ten ascites (P<0. 005) and residual tumor size≥2cm (P< 0.005). There was no apparent correlation between the DNA ptoidy and the histologic grade, histologic type of the tumors. G0/G1 cell proportion of DNA diplold tumors in advanced carcinoma (64. 6%) was less than those of early stage carcinoma (75. 9% ) (P<0. 05). The survival rate of diplold tumor patients was higher than that of aneuploid tumor patients in the different time after operation, and the median survival time was 30. 2 months and 10. 3 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that cellular DNA ploidy was the most Important predictive factor (P = 0. 007) of prognosis, followed by residual tumor size (P= 0. 05). Different tumor specimen of the same patient can exhibit variation sometime (38. 9%).The results revealed that the DNA ploidy may reflect tumor biological characteristics, I. e. , Its proliferative ability. Analysis of cellular DNA content of epithelial ovarian tumors would help us to predict the prognosis of the patients better.

Case Report <i>ex Vivo</i>Oocyte Collection to Maintain Fertility in a Patient with Micropapillary Serous Borderline Ovarian Tumor

Background: Approximately 11% of cancer cases are diagnosed in people of childbearing age. Borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) make up 10%-15% of all ovarian epithelial malignancies. More than one-third of all BOTs occur in women under 40 years of age. Maintaining the fertility of cured patients is the common goal of both oncologists and reproductologists. Aim: Giving young women diagnosed with a prognostically worse type of BOT and after bilateral adnexectomy the possibility to have their genetically own children by the method of ex vivo oocyte collection. Case Presentation: A 34-year-old nulligravid woman with BOT underwent right laparoscopic salpingo-oophorectomy. Histologically, a serious borderline tumor with a micropapillary pattern and a tumor locus on the ovarian surface were found. Due to histopathology, the oncologist recommended re-staging surgery: laparotomy, left salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy and hysterectomy. The patient refused a hysterectomy as she was planning to get pregnant with her partner. To maintain her fertility, controlled hormonal hyperstimulation and ex vivo aspiration of follicles from the ovary after salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. Ex vivo follicle expiration yielded 10 oocytes. 9 mature oocytes were fertilized by ICSI. The 6 embryos of the highest quality were individually frozen by vitrification. Cryoembryotransfer will be scheduled with the consent of the oncologist. Conclusion: This method is suitable for young women with BOT after bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in whom ex vivo oocyte collection prevents possible leakage of tumor cells into the abdominal cavity, unlike during the conventional in vivo collection prior to surgery.

A Case of Low-Grade Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasm of Its Difficultly to Distinguish from a Right Ovarian Tumor Due to Postmenopause

We here present a rare case of appendiceal tumor mimicking ovarian tumor in menopause woman. The patient was a 56-year-old woman, G1P1, who presented to our hospital with a right adnexal cyst diagnosed at another hospital. Transvaginal echocardiography showed a cyst in the right adnexal region, and pelvic contrast-enhanced MRI revealed a small cyst in the same region. The left ovary was atrophic and identifiable. It was unclear whether the cyst was contiguous with the gastrointestinal tract. Blood tests showed no elevation of tumor markers. We considered its possibility of a gastrointestinal origin, but since right normal ovary was not found, we thought the tumor was of ovarian origin and decided on a laparoscopic resection of the right adnexa. Intraoperatively, we observed atrophied bilateral normal ovaries, and the pelvic tumor was contiguous to the appendix. Surgeons performed a laparoscopic appendectomy after consultation with us. After resection we searched the abdominal and pelvic cavities, but found no obvious disseminated lesions. The histological diagnosis was low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (LAMN), a rare benign tumor of the appendix. Appendiceal tumors can be difficult to differentiate from right ovarian tumors due to their close anatomic location in the pelvis. It is possible to determine whether the tumor is of ovarian or appendiceal origin by identifying normal ovaries and the location of the feeding vessels into the tumors. In our case, there were no lesions other than the appendix, but LAMN can metastasize to the ovary, cause pseudomyoxoma peritonei, or be an overlapping tumor with an ovarian tumor. If an appendiceal tumor is diagnosed after surgery for ovarian tumor, the intra-abdominal cavity should be searched for metastasis or dissemination, and a thorough search for ovarian lesions should be performed with the possibility of an overlapping tumor in mind.

Ectopic Hormone Production from Ovarian Tumor: A Review

Although ectopic hormone-production is uncommon complication, certain tumors can produce symptoms due to the secretion of various bioactive substances accompanied by the aberrantly located tumors. Because of the potential for the ovary to act as a source of aberrant hormone secretion, in the literature, ectopic hormone production from ovarian tumor includes granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), peptide-YY, gastrin and insulin. All patients may present with syndromes of hormone excess. Failure to localize the ovarian tumor preoperatively may be associated with a significantly higher risk of subsequent unnecessary ablative procedures. Better characterization of hormonal forms relatively specific for neoplasia may enhance the clinical value of ectopic hormones as tumor markers, especially in malignancies that are commonly associated with ectopic hormone production. These circumstances may recommend complete preoperative evaluation of the pelvis in female patients presenting with nonlocalizable endocrine tumors.

Clinical Presentation of Ovarian Tumors

Ovarian malignancy is a serious disease affecting women of all ages, more so above 50 years, and they are still difficult to treat, partly because no truly effective therapy has yet been developed although presentation is often vague and non-specific, the symptoms are definitely present. It is important to recognize the symptoms so far, there is no test yet available, which is truly specific and suitable for screening and early detection of epithelial ovarian carcinoma. So, it is concluded that for prognosis and patient survival, early detection and treatment is mandatory.

DIFFERENTIATION BETWEEN MALIGNANT AND BENIGN OVARIAN TUMORS BY MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING

Objective To determine the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of an ovarian mass which are most predictive of malignancy and assess the value of intravenous gadolinium administration in the characterization of an ovarian mass. Methods Totally 74 consecutive patients with a clinically or sonographically indeterminate adnexal mass underwent MR imaging, of whom 59 had subsequent surgical resection of 70 adnexal masses. These 59 patients formed the study population. MR imaging studies were prospectively and independently reviewed by a senior and a junior radiologist. The senior radiologist also reevaluated the studies in a blind fashion after a minimum 6 months interval. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of contrast-enhanced and unenhanced MR imaging were evaluated. Results The most predictive MR imaging findings for malignancy were presence of vegetations in a cystic lesion and presence of necrosis in a solid lesion. The odds ratio was even higher when the ancillary finding of peritoneal metastasis or ascites was present. Contrast media contributed significantly to lesion characterization. Total 70 ovarian masses were detected by contrast-enhanced MR imaging including 37 malignant ovarian masses and 33 benign ovarian masses with 87% (61/70) accuracy, 86% (32/37) sensitivity, 88% (29/33) specificity, 89% (32/36) positive predictive value, and 85% (29/34) negative predictive value, whereas 70 ovarian masses were detected by unenhanced MR imaging with 74% (52/70) accuracy, 73% (27/37) sensitivity, 76% (25/33) specificity, 77% (27/35) positive predictive value, and 71% (25/35) negative predictive value. There were significant differences in accuracy (P<0.01), sensitivity (P<0.01), specificity (P<0.01) between contrast-enhanced and unenhanced MR imaging. Conclusion Contrast-enhanced MR imaging is highly accurate in detection and characterization of complex adnexal masses.

Therapeutic strategies for targeting the ovarian tumor stroma

Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most lethal type of gynecologic malignancy. Sixty percent of women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer present with advancedstage disease that involves the peritoneal cavity and these patients have a 5-year survival rate of less than 30%. For more than two decades, tumor-debulking surgery followed by platinum-taxane combination chemotherapy has remained the conventional first-line treatment of ovarian cancer. Although the initial response rate is 70%-80%, most patients with advancedstage ovarian cancer eventually relapse and succumb to recurrent chemoresistant disease. A number of molecular aberrations that drive tumor progression have been identified in ovarian cancer cells and intensive efforts have focused on developing therapeutic agents that target these aberrations. However, increasing evidence indicates that reciprocal interactions between tumor cells and various types of stromal cells also play important roles in driving ovarian tumor progression and that these stromal cells represent attractive therapeutic targets. Unlike tumor cells, stromal cells within the tumor microenvironment are in general geneticallystable and are therefore less likely to become resistant to therapy. This concise review discusses the biological significance of the cross-talk between ovarian cancer cells and three major types of stromal cells(endothelial cells, fibroblasts, macrophages) and the development of new-generation therapies that target the ovarian tumor microenvironment.