Spatial Transcriptomics Depict Ligand-Receptor Cross-talk Heterogeneity at the Tumor-Stroma Interface in Long-Term Ovarian Cancer Survivors   https://tinyurl.com/bdddnmy3          One of the great unsolved mysteries of ovarian cancer is why are some patients long-term survivors? Much current research is directed to finding a reason why this is so.         This retrospective study re-examined the histology of apparently similar metastatic cancers from women who were survivors compared to those women who’s cancer course followed the normal path.        Using the new technology of spatial transcriptomics whereby it is possible to measure all the gene activity in a tissue sample, a difference in cell structure involving fibroblasts was detected in long-term survivors. This small study raises the possibility that the 15% of women, with advanced ovarian cancer who have good ...

Long-Term Health Consequences After Ovarian Removal at Benign Hysterectomy https://tinyurl.com/4a7rvkjp                     Ovarian cancer is often fatal and usually presents late. Because there is no suitable screening test, preventative surgery has being promoted in the form of opportunistic removal of the ovaries at the time of elective hysterectomy.        All surgical interventions have consequences, some of which are unexpected. This retrospective survey looked at data from Denmark comparing two large groups of women; one had hysterectomy with removal of ovaries, the other group had hysterectomy alone. These groups were assessed for the presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer and overall mortality. Both groups had a decreased incidence of ovarian cancer.        Those women who had their ovaries removed had higher risks of CV...

Do medicines that restrict new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis inhibitors) help women with epithelial ovarian cancer? https://tinyurl.com/yc3f886y          Bevacizumab has been used in the first-line treatment of ovarian cancer for 5 years. It is expensive, although biosimilar cheaper alternatives are now available, and causes significant side effects for many women, with hypertension, stroke and bowel perforation as possible fatal adverse reactions.        An analysis of all available literature, done by the Cochrane Collaboration looked at treatment with Bevacizumab for patients with epithelial ovarian cancer, with the purpose of determining if it is effective.        Results showed no benefit for women who commenced treatment as maintenance after initial therapy. Quality of life is decreased with Bevacizumab treatment and significant side effects increased. There is no incr...

Imaging ovarian cancer – from baseline characteristics to high-risk image factors https://tinyurl.com/y6dz4p48          Most patients with ovarian cancer have a CT scan. The purpose of the scan is partly to confirm the diagnosis, but mostly to demonstrate the extent of the disease.         Currently a full CT report involves determination of the presence or absence of disease at 13 sites. It takes time and may be subjective.        This retrospective study looked at historical CT scans from patients with known outcomes. A new CT scan report, named the short score, was restricted to review of two features; peritoneal carcinomatosis (usually seen as ascites) and enlarged diaphragmatic lymph nodes. Close correlation is seen between the score, the stage of the cancer and survival.         The authors suggest using the score reduces the ti...

Analysis of prognosis and associated factors in multiple recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer with three or more cytoreductive surgeries. https://tinyurl.com/rsx6jyhc         A trend in the management of ovarian surgery is more aggressive intervention looking for total clearance of residual tumour. Because the outcomes for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer is so poor, many such women now have multiple attempts to do so.       Whether this is appropriate is debatable. This study looks at women who have had three or more attempts at clearance surgery.        The results show a diminishing effectiveness of such surgery with poor outcomes and significantly increased adverse result. The authors suggest that more than two attempts at surgical clearance is unlikely to provide significant benefit.

Significance of cholecystectomy in cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer https://tinyurl.com/2t3em4fr          This summary of the above article was produced using ChatGPT. I asked for a general interest summary. The following is the sixth attempt. It is accurate and easily read. You might consider doing the same for any other stuff that is of interest to you.        “The article published in BMC Surgery investigates the significance of cholecystectomy during cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer. The study analyzed data from 225 patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery, and the authors found that cholecystectomy was associated with longer operative times and increased blood loss, but it did not significantly affect the rate of postoperative complications or mortality.        The study suggests that cholecystectomy may be beneficial for patients with ...

Patient-Initiated Follow-Up in Ovarian Cancer https://tinyurl.com/p428mjdb         Sometimes the management of ovarian cancer is stereotyped being usually what has always been done. This means a schedule of repeat consultations is used to follow up patients after initial successful treatment of the cancer.       This prospective pilot study looked at giving women the choice to either seek follow up when they thought they needed it, or the usual routine schedule. Both patient groups had serial CA125 testing as normal.           Just over 40% chose to take that choice. They reported no increased anxiety or lack of support. Results of blood tests were made available by encrypted messaging. When making their own decisions, women had half as many follow up visits. No significant delay in detecting and managing recurrence occurred.