Blue Book PDF

Overview of Gynecologic Oncology
The Blue Book
R. Kevin Reynolds, MD
10th Edition, Revised January 2007
www.med.umich.edu/obgyn/gynonc
Gyn Oncology.......................................................................734-764-9106
Cancer Center Answer Line ...............................................800-865-1125
Contents
Gyn Tumors Page
Breast Cancer ......................................................................... 1
Cervical Cancer 6
Endometrial Cancer................................................. 17
Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia 24
Ovarian Cancer ....................................................... 29
Sarcomas 44
Vaginal Cancer ........................................................ 47
Vulvar Cancer 49
Associated Treatment Modalities

Nutrition, Fluid and Electrolytes 62
Radiation Therapy ................................................... 67
Chemotherapy 71
Perioperative Management ..................................... 90
Tools and Equipment for the Art of Surgery 104
Appendix
GOG Toxicity Criteria ............................................ 119
Performance Status............................................... 123
Special thanks to William Burke, MD, for his update of the Perioperative Management
chapter and to Catherine Christen, PharmD, for her careful proof reading
Favorite Quotes
"Statistics are no substitute for judgment."
Henry Clay
"A leading authority is anyone who has guessed right more than once."
Frank A. Clark
"Well done is better than well said."

Ben Franklin
"Trust me. I'm a doctor"

Donald H. Chamberlain, MD
"To err is human; to repeat the error is sometimes cause for concern."
"Good surgery is like a ballet!"
George W. Morley, MD
Try not. Do or do not. There is no try.

Yoda
"If your ship doesn't come in, swim out to it."

Jonathan Winters
Gyn Onc Overview, Page 1
Breast Cancer
I. Incidence: Most common cancer of women in US. 212,000 new cases in 2006, with 40,970
deaths (Jemal). Incidence increasing 1-2% annually. Average lifetime risk of developing
breast cancer is 10%.
II. Epidemiology
A. Risk factors
1. Cumulative Likelihood of Developing Breast Cancer, By Age And Risk Factors
Relative Risk Coefficient Risk Factors
Age 1 2 5 1 Menarche 14y, no breast biopsies, first
20-40 0.5% 1.0% 2.5% birth 20y, no first degree relatives with
20-50 1.7% 3.4% 8.3% breast cancer
30-50 1.7% 3.3% 8.1% 2 One first degree relative with breast cancer
30-60 3.2% 6.3% 14.9% first birth 30y, menarche <12y, one prior
40-60 2.8% 5.5% 13.1% breast biopsy
40-70 4.4% 8.6% 20.0% 5 Two first degree relatives with breast
50-70 3.2% 6.4% 15.1% cancer, one relative with breast cancer
50-80 4.4% 8.5% 19.9% and one prior breast biopsy
60-80 3.0% 5.9% 14.0% Assumes well screened population
2. Risk of positive family history, between ages 30-70
Mother or Sister's Lesion Risk
Premenopausal, unilateral 7%
Postmenopausal, unilateral 18%
Premenopausal, bilateral 51%
Postmenopausal, bilateral 25%
3. Other risk factors: endometrial/ovarian cancer, prior radiation exposure, atypical
benign breast disease (ductal or lobular hyperplasia), obesity, low parity, early
menarche, high socioeconomic status
B. Etiology. Estrogen, progesterone, prolactin implicated. Two temporal sets of etiologies:
1. Premenopausal cancers influenced by genetic linkage, and ovarian-pituitary
dysfunction. Several pedigrees exist: site specific, breast-ovary, and Lynch II family
cancer syndrome. Genes BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 implicated in many familial cases
2. Postmenopausal cancers influenced by obesity, dietary fat intake, and hormones.
III. Pathology
A. Benign lesions
1. Nipple discharge. Present in 75% of women. Discharge associated with: duct ectasia
(green); benign intraductal papilloma and cancer (serous or bloody). Likelihood of
cancer: serous discharge (6%), bloody discharge (13-20%). Evaluate suspicious
discharge with ductogram and excision. Cytology rarely helpful.
2. Fibrocystic change. Present in up to 75% of women. No longer considered an
accurate diagnostic term.
3. Cysts. Common during reproductive years. Probably develop due to estrogen.
Evaluate palpable mass by FNA. If clear fluid obtained without residual mass, then
repeat exam in 1 month. If bloody fluid obtained, or if mass persists, submit cytology
specimen, order mammogram, and perform biopsy.
4. Fibroadenoma. Most common benign tumor of breast. Peak incidence age 20-30.
Usually firm, well circumscribed, and solitary. FNA often diagnostic. Phylloides
tumors can mimic fibroadenoma. Lobular CIS reported in these tumors occasionally.
Biopsy appropriate.
2. Papilloma, intraductal. Associated with bloody discharge. Palpable subareolar
lesions in 30%. Evaluate with ductogram and excision. B. Premalignant lesions. May
be either precursors or marker lesions.
B. In-Situ Lesions
1. Ductal carcinoma in situ. Average age 55y. Represents 10-20% of new breast
cancers. Often multifocal: up to 60% have residual DCIS after biopsy, 12%
associated with cancer in contralateral breast , and 21-30% associated with cancer
in ipsilateral breast. Lifetime breast cancer risk increased 10x. Treatment
controversial. Options include excision +/- radiation, or mastectomy.
2. Lobular carcinoma in situ. Average age 45y. Usually an incidental finding (not
detected on clinical or mammogram exam) in premenopausal women. Multifocal: 60-
90% have residual LCIS after biopsy, 30-50% associated with LCIS in contralateral
breast, and 25% associated with cancer in either breast (usually ductal). Treatment
controversial. Options include bilateral mastectomy, or excision with close followup.
C. Malignant lesions
1. Ductal carcinoma
a. Infiltrating ductal carcinoma: 80% of breast cancers (53% pure, 28% mixed
ductal patterns). Arise in myoepithelial cells around duct. Marked desmoplastic
response can cause skin dimple or nipple retraction. In inflammatory carcinoma,
a poor-prognosis subtype, dermal lymphatics contain tumor.
b. Comedocarcinoma: 5% of breast cancers. Predominantly intraductal tumor.
c. Medullary carcinoma: 6% of breast cancers. Arise in ductal epithelium. Tumors
bulky, soft, often necrotic. Less likely to spread than infiltrating ductal tumors.
Prognosis good (85-90% 5y survival).
d. Papillary carcinoma: < 1% of breast cancers. Commonly involves multiple ducts.
e. Colloid carcinoma: < 1% of breast cancers. Bulky, gelatinous, mucin-containing
tumors with relatively good prognosis.
2. Lobular carcinoma: 5% of breast cancers. Arise in acinar cells and terminal ducts.
Usually multicentric.
3. Paget's disease: 2% of breast cancers. Arises from mammary ducts. Clinical
appearance of eczematoid nipple.
4. Sarcoma: < 1% of breast cancers. Cystosarcoma phylloides has benign and
malignant types, and is most common sarcoma of breast. Metastases rare.
Treatment usually simple mastectomy.
IV. Diagnosis
A. Evaluation of a palpable mass
Palpable mass
< 30 years old > 30 years old, Premenopause Post-

menopause
Breast Ultrasound Mammogram and Fine Needle Aspirate Mammogram

(FNA)
Cyst or Simple Cyst, Diagnostic FNA not

Fibro- Other Resolves FNA, Benign Diagnostic
adenoma
Observe, Biopsy Observe, Bx Observe, Biopsy

Biopsy if Recurrence Biopsy if
B. Screening
1. Breast examination. Most breast cancers present as palpable mass. 10-15% of
cancers detectable only by clinical exam. Best to examine shortly after menses.
2. Mammography
a. Recommended frequency (ACS): Baseline exam between 35-40y. Every other
year between ages 40-50. Annually after age 50. Only 25-35% of women are
currently screened following the guidelines. Ultrasound more effective for women
< 35y.
b. Efficacy: 42% of breast cancers detectable only by mammography. Regularly
screened women have 30-40% less breast cancer mortality, and 25% fewer
cases are advanced stage at diagnosis. False negative rate 10-15%.
c. Technique: Breasts compressed. Radiation dose 0.1cGy. Cancers typically have
irregular contour or calcifications of variable size or linear arrangement.
V. Staging
American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM Clinical Breast Cancer Staging System, 2002
Tx Primary tumor not assessable
T0 No evidence of primary tumor
Tis Carcinoma in situ.
DCIS Ductal carcinoma in situ
LCIS Lobular carcinoma in situ
Paget's disease if no underlying tumor present
T1 Tumor 2cm
mic Microinvasion 0.1 cm
a Tumor 0.5 cm
b Tumor > 0.5 cm, and 1cm
c Tumor > 1cm, and 2cm
T2 Tumor > 2cm, and 5cm
T3 Tumor >5cm. May include invasion of pectoral fascia or muscle
T4 Any size with direct extension to chest wall or skin
a Extension to chest wall not including pectoralis muscle
b Edema (including peau d'orange), ulceration, or ipsilateral satellite nodules
c Both T4a and T4b
d Inflammatory carcinoma
Nx Regional lymph nodes not assessable

N0 No regional lymph node involvement
N1 Metastases to movable ipsilateral axillary nodes
N2 a Metastases to fixed or matted ipsilateral axillary nodes
b Metastases to clinically apparent (exam or imaging) ipsilateral internal mammary
nodes in the absence of axillary nodes
N3 a Metastases to ipsilateral infraclavicular lymph nodes without axillary or internal
mammary nodes
b Metastases to ipsilateral internal mammary and ipsilateral axillary nodes
c Metastases to ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph nodes
Pathologic (pN) based on axillary dissection. If sentinel nodes done, denote with (sn)
postscript
pNx Regional nodes cannot be assessed (previously removed or not removed)
pN0 No regional lymph node metastases, no additional exam for isolated tumor cells
(ITC)
ITC defined as individual tumor cells or clusters 0.2 mm detected by
immunohistochemistry (IHC), molecular methods or histologic verification. Usually
no evidence of proliferation or stromal reaction
pN0(i - ) No regional lymph node metastases, negative IHC
pN0(i + ) No histologic evidence of regional lymph node metastases, positive IHC, no
IHC clusters > 0.2 mm
pN0(mol - ) No regional lymph node metastases, negative molecular findings with reverse
transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
pN(mol + ) No regional lymph node metastases, positive molecular findings with reverse
transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
pN1 Metastases in 1-3 axillary nodes, and/or internal mammary nodes with
microscopic disease detected by sentinel node dissection without clinically
apparent disease on exam or imaging
mi Micrometastasis > 0.2 mm and 2 mm
a Micrometastases in 1-3 axillary nodes
b Metastases in internal mammary nodes with microscopic disease detected by sentinel
node dissection but not clinically apparent
c Metastases in axillary and internal mammary nodes with microscopic disease detected
by sentinel node dissection but not clinically apparent
pN2 Metastases in 4-9 axillary nodes or in clinically apparent internal mammary
nodes in the absence of axillary node metastases
a Metastases in 4-9 axillary nodes with at least one tumor deposit of > 2 mm
b Metastases clinically apparent internal mammary nodes in the absence of
axillary node metastases
pN3 Metastases in 10 axillary nodes, or in infraclavicular nodes, or in clinically
apparent internal mammary nodes in the presence of 1 axillary node
metastases; or in > 3 axillary nodes with internal mammary node
micrometastases; or supraclavicular node metastasis
a Metastases in 10 axillary nodes with at least one tumor deposit of > 2 mm,
or in infraclavicular nodes
b Metastases in clinically apparent internal mammary nodes in the presence of
1 axillary node metastases; or in > 3 axillary nodes with internal mammary
micrometastases that are clinically inapparent
c Metastases in ipsilateral supraclavicular nodes
Mx Distant metastases cannot be assessed

M0 No distant metastases
M1 Distant metastases present
Note: regional lymph nodes include axillary and ipsilateral internal mammary nodes. The
axillary nodes are divided into 3 groups: Level I nodes are lateral to pectoralis minor
muscle, Level II nodes are between lateral and medial border of pectoralis minor (Rotter's
nodes), and Level III nodes are medial to pectoralis minor including subclavicular,
infraclavicular and apical nodes. Metastases to other nodes, including cervical, and
contralateral internal mammary nodes are considered distant (M1).
VI. Treatment
Treatment for breast cancer is complex and rapidly evolving. Full discussion of this topic is
beyond the scope of this monograph. Continually updated management guidelines can
be accessed through the National Comprehensive Cancer Network at www.nccn.org
References
Jemal A, Siegel R, Ward E, Murray T, Xu J, Smigal C, Thun MJ. Cancer statistics, 2006.
CA Cancer J Clin 2006; 56: 106-30
Breaast Cancer Guidelines. www.nccn.org
Cervical Cancer
I. Incidence: Second most common cancer of women, worldwide. 12th most common cancer of
women and 3rd most common gyn malignancy in USA. 9,710 cases, and 3700 deaths in
2006 in USA (Jemal)
II. Epidemiology:
A. Falling incidence 1940 to1986. Rising since 1986 for Caucasian women
B. Table of Relative Risks (Morrow, Wright in Hoskins) RR
Age at coitarche (years) <16 vs>19 16
16-19 vs>19 3
Menarche-coitarche interval (years) <1 vs>10 26
1-5 vs>10 7
6-10 vs>10 3
Sexual partners (# before age 20) >4 vs 0-1 4
Genital Warts 3
Smoker > .25 PPD, >20 years vs < 1 yr 4
HPV detectable on exam Varies by HPV type 4-40
OCP, long term use 1.5-2
Deficient carotene, vitamin C (Verreault) 2-3

Increased risk: lack of screening or screening interval too long (Hartmann, Shy),
immunosuppression (HIV, pharmacologic), black, poor, hi-risk male (multiple sexual
partners, uncircumcised with poor hygiene)
Decreased risk: barrier contraceptives, religious social behavior
C. Etiology: cervical cancer is a sexually transmitted disease (Wright in Hoskins)
1. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA detectable > 95% of squamous cervical cancers,
and many adenocarcinomas (30-40%). Types 16, 18, 31, 45 (and less common
types 33, 35, 39, 51, 52, 54, 55, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68) more frequently associated with
malignancy than 6, 11 more often seen with condyloma. Possible co-carcinogens:
nicotine, herpes
2. HPV is circular, double-strand DNA virus of about 8kb with eight open reading
frames, when in its infectious state and in condyloma. Viral DNA inserts into host
genome when progression to malignant phenotype occurs. HPV E6 gene codes for
a protein that degrades p53 and HPV E7 gene codes for a protein which complexes
with pRB, thereby releasing transcription factor E2F. The cell is immortalized.
3. Invasion is the endpoint of disease beginning as dysplasia, progressing through
various stages of CIN. Incidence of progression: CIN-1 (16%), CIN-2 (30%), CIN-3
(70%). Average transit time from CIN-1 to CIN-3 is 7 years. Transit of CIN-3 to
invasion ranges between 0 and 20 years.
III. Pathology, with subtypes Prevalence HPV Associated
Squamous carcinoma 65-85% (falling) >95%
Verrucous rare
Adenocarcinoma 10-25% (rising) Subset >30%
Endocervical 47-69%
Endometrioid 1-17%
Clear cell <13%
Adenoid cystic <3%
Adenosquamous 5%
Glassy cell rare
Small Cell Neuroendocrine uncommon unlikely
Sarcoma/lymphoma/serous rare unlikely
IV. Natural history
A. Symptoms: Postmenopausal bleeding (46%), Metrorrhagia (20%), Postcoital bleeding
(10%), vaginal discharge (9%), pain (6%).
B. Spread via local invasion followed by lymphatic and vascular metastasis
V. Screening: ACS / NCCN / ASCCP consensus (Saslow)
A. When to Initiate Screening
1. Begin 3 years after coitarche or by age 21
2. Begin earlier if DES exposed, Hx of HPV or cervical CA, immunocompromised
3. Do not delay onset of gyn care if screening not yet needed
B. When to discontinue screening
1. >70y with 3 consecutive negative Paps & no CIN for 10y
2. Hysterectomy without CIN2-3 or cancer as indication
3. Co-morbid or life threatening illness
C. Screening interval
1. Initial interval
a. Every 1y conventional or
b. Every 2y liquid cytology. Higher sensitivity than glass-slide method
2. At >30y age may increase to
a. Every 2-3y if 3 consecutive, satisfactory, negative Paps and no high risk factors
such as CA, DES or immunocompromised
b. Every 3y using HPV test for hi risk types with either Pap method
VI. Diagnosis of dysplasia and invasive carcinoma
A. Speculum and bimanual exam with biopsy of visible lesions
B. Cytology: false negative rate 20% for squamous CA, 40% for adeno CA
C. Colposcopy with biopsy and ECC.
1. Flow Chart for Management of the Abnormal Pap
Colposcopy with biopsy
and ECC
Unsatisfactory Satisfactory
Cone Biopsy or I Positive Negative

LEEP ECC ECC
Biopsy = HSIL, or Biopsy = invasion,

persistent LSIL Clinical staging
Small lesion, Large lesion FIGO stage Any FIGO

and low or high grade IA-1, Invades stage
grade to 3 mm > IA-1
Fertility Desired See Invasive

Observation LEEP or Cancer Flowchart
only, unless Laser or Yes No
persistent; or Cone biopsy
treat sparingly Cone Biopsy Simple hysterectomy
2. Pap Triage and Indications for Colposcopy (ALTS trial, ASCCP consensus
guidelines [Wright], and www.NCCN.org)
a. ASC-US: reflex HPV test if liquid-based pap done. If HPV positive for high-risk
types, then do colposcopy. If HPV negative, resume annual pap
b. HSIL, LSIL or ASC-H: colposcopy
3. Technique of colposcopy with directed biopsy and ECC.
a. Stain with acetic acid (3-5%). Frequently moisten mucosa.
b. Inspect with colposcope, 15X objective; with and without green filter.
c. Find squamocolumnar junction (SCJ). This defines "satisfactory" or "adequate"
colposcopy. Most cervical cancers arise at the SCJ.
d. Look for acetowhite epithelium and vascular patterns. Biopsy atypical areas.
Always do ECC unless patient pregnant.
e. Warning signs to safeguard against overlooking cancer
i. Yellowish color, especially areas that are friable
ii. Irregular contour (exophytic or ulcerative)
iii. Atypical vessels
iv. Extremely coarse mosaicism or punctation
v. Large, complex, multiquadrant lesions
3. Colposcopy scoring system (Reid)
Reid's scoring system to improve colposcopic accuracy:
Score
0 1 2
Margin Exophytic condylomata; areas Lesions with regular shape, Rolled, peeling edges
showing a micropapillary showing smooth, straight Any internal demarcation
contour edges between areas of differing
Lesions with distinct edges colposcopic appearance
Feathered, scalloped edges
Lesions with angular, jagged
shape
Satellite areas and acetowhite
staining distal to the original
SCJ
Color Shiny, snow-white color Intermediate shade (shiny, but Dull reflectance with oyster-
Areas of faint, semitransparent gray-white) white color
whitening
Vessels Fine caliber vessels, poorly No surface vessels Definite, coarse punctation or
formed patterns mosaic
Iodine Any lesion staining mahogany Partial iodine staining, mottled Mustard yellow staining of
brown, or mustard yellow pattern significant lesion (score of >3
staining by a minor lesion by first three criteria)
If Score 0-2: expect condyloma / CIN-I
If Score 3-5: expect CIN-II
If Score 6-8: expect CIN-III
VII. Treatment of Cervical Dysplasia. Guidelines supported by ASCCP and NCCN. In general,
"treat lesions, not cytology"
A. Condyloma and CIN-I:
1. Observation with pap smears every 6 months x 2
2. If antecedent pap was HSIL, review cytology and consider LEEP or cone biopsy
3. If lesion regresses on both paps, resume annual pap
4. If lesion persists at one year or if high risk HPV types are present at one year, repeat
colposcopy
B. CIN II and CIN III
1. LEEP, or laser, or cryocautery or cone biopsy
2. Followup with pap every 6 months x 2, then resume annual pap
3. Hysterectomy is acceptable if age, reproductive desire, and comorbidity are
concordant
C. Unsatisfactory colposcopy
If colposcopy, ECC or cytology suggest endocervical lesion, then cone biopsy. LEEP
may not suffice given the difficulty in obtaining an intact endocervical canal
specimen
D. Management During Pregnancy
1. Speculum and bimanual exam with screening cytology. Biopsy visible lesions
2. If pap abnormal, then colposcopy with directed biopsy if HSIL or invasive carcinoma
suspected. ECC contraindicated
a. Pap low grade SIL, colposcopic appearance concurs: pap q. 8-12 weeks and
repeat colposcopy postpartum
b. Pap high grade SIL, and/or colposcopic appearance of high grade lesion: biopsy,
then repeat colposcopy ( biopsy) q. 6-8 weeks until postpartum
c. Vaginal delivery indicated
3. Antepartum conization only for microinvasion on punch biopsy or for suspicion of
invasion
E. Treatment of vaginal dysplasia or condyloma
1. Krebs regimen. 5% Efudex cream, 1.5 gm (one quarter applicator) intravaginally
once per week for 10 weeks. Use Desitin ointment on vulva, water douche morning
after Rx. Minor skin irritation common. Contraindicated during pregnancy. This is an
Off Label use of the drug.
2. Laser photoablation. Requires an anesthetic, cost higher.
3. A few case reports support use of imiquimod cream 5% (Aldara) for treatment of
vaginal or vulvar dysplasia (Diakomanolis)
VIII. General Principles of Laser Treatment for Pre-invasive Disease
A. Clinical utility depends on use of appropriate wavelength. The CO2 laser is most
applicable to ablation of condyloma, dysplasia, and carcinoma-in-situ. It is also well
suited for laser conization. The 10,600 nm wavelength is absorbed by water, resulting in
tissue vaporization. Absorption occurs at the surface. Thermal damage to underlying
tissue is minimized
B. Power density must be adequate to prevent char
PD (Watts/cm2)=(Watts x 100)/r2, r=spot radius (not diameter)
C. A colposcope is used to guide the laser. Low power Helium Neon (HeNe) laser (red
beam) is used for aiming. Eye protection mandatory
IX. Laser Treatment for Cervical Pre-invasive Disease
A. Technique
1. Transformation zone (T-zone) outlined using acetic acid and colposcope
2. Set power density to 750-1000 W/cm2; 25-30 W with spot size of 2 mm
3. Anesthetize cervix with 1% Lidocaine with epinephrine (0.5 mL injections around
circumference of portio)
4. Vaporize entire T-zone, one quadrant at a time, to a depth of 7 mm. This ablates
gland crypts. If bleeding noted, defocus beam for hemostasis. Any char produced is
removed immediately to prevent increased thermal injury
5. Apply Monsel's solution for hemostasis
B. Advantages of Laser Treatment
1. Precise control of tissue ablation/excision
2. Minimal damage to adjacent normal tissue
3. SCJ remains at external os
4. More effective than cryotherapy for large lesions
C. Disadvantages of Laser Treatment
1. Risk of bleeding 1-3%; risk of stenosis 1%
2. Expensive
3. More training required than for cryocautery
4. Small but real concern of airborne transmission of viral particles
5. Destruction of large portion of cervix possible
X. General Principles of Electrosurgery for Cervical Pre-invasive Disease
A. Radio frequency current (350 KHz-3.3 MHz) results in kinetic energy transfer to
intracellular ions which vaporizes intracellular water. Avoid Faradic Effect (50 Hz-200
KHz), which stimulates muscle and nerve causing pain by using proper equipment
B. Cutting: sine-wave RF current; coagulation: pulsed ("spark gap") RF current
XI. Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP)
A. Technique
1. Transformation zone outlined using acetic acid and colposcope
2. Anesthetize with 1% Lidocaine with epinephrine
3. Choose loop to excise entire T-zone (1.5 cm x 7 mm, or 2.0 cm x 8 mm)
4. Excise tissue in single pass, using 40 W, blend mode (use insulated speculum)
5. Obtain ECC
6. Cauterize base with ball electrode at 50 W, coagulation mode
7. Apply Monsel's solution
B. Advantages
1. Diagnostic and therapeutic intervention, potentially with one clinic visit
2. Histologic specimen improves diagnostic accuracy
3. SCJ remains at external os
4. Equipment less costly than laser
C. Disadvantages
1. Risk of bleeding 1-3%; risk of stenosis 1%
2. Greater cost to patient than cryocautery
3. Small but real concern of airborne transmission of viral particles
4. Destruction of large portion of cervix possible
XII. General Principles of Cryosurgery for Cervical Pre-invasive Disease
A. Rapid cooling with NO2 forms intracellular ice which ruptures cell membranes
B. Freeze-thaw-freeze technique results in higher success rates than single freeze
XIII. Cryocautery Procedure for Cervical Pre-invasive Disease
A. Technique
1. Transformation zone outlined using acetic acid and colposcope
2. Select flat or dimpled cryo-probe (not cone tip) and apply lubricant to tip
3. Freeze until ice ball extends 5 mm lateral to all sides of cryo-probe. Do not use time
as a measure of adequacy of the freeze
4. Allow tissue to thaw until pink and pliable
5. Repeat step 3
B. Advantages
1. Inexpensive
2. Easy to learn
C. Disadvantages
1. Risk of bleeding 1%; risk of stenosis 1%
2. Heavy vaginal discharge during healing
XIV. Treatment Results for Cervical Pre-invasive Disease. Successful elimination of CIN
Treatment CIN 2 CIN 3 ( quadrants) CIN 3 (> 2 quadrants)
Cryocautery 80-94% 85% 60-65%
Laser 80-94% 80-94% 80-94%
LEEP 90-95% 82-88% 82-88%
Cone Biopsy 90-97% 90-97% 90-97%
A. If margin of LEEP or cone biopsy is involved with dysplasia, likelihood of successful
eradication of CIN is 60%. Options include surveillance versus repeat excision.
XV. Followup for Cervical Pre-invasive Disease
A. Repeat Pap smear (and colposcopy at discretion of physician) every 6 months x 1 year
B. Partner should be informed about HPV and role of "safe sex"
1. 70% will have lesions
2. Treatment of male has no proven effect on prevention of recurrence in the female
XVI. Treatment Failures for Cervical Pre-invasive Disease
A. Reinfection of epithelium with existing latent HPV virus (not preventable)
B. Incomplete destruction of transformation zone (preventable)
C. Missed diagnosis of invasive lesion (preventable)
D. Prevention of treatment failures
Risk of preventable treatment failure minimized by use of triage rules:
Never ablate (cryocautery or laser) a cervical lesion unless:
1. All of the transformation zone is visible, and
2. Biopsies and Pap smears are consistent, and
3. Endocervical curettage is negative, and
4. There is no colposcopic or cytologic suspicion of invasion
Otherwise, excise for diagnosis (LEEP or cone biopsy)
XVII. Cervical Cancer Stage: determined by clinical examination.
FIGO Staging for Cervix, Revised 1995
0 Carcinoma in situ
I Carcinoma confined to the cervix (Disregard extension to corpus)
I a 1 Measurable invasion 3 mm in depth and 7 mm in diameter
I a 2 Measurable invasion > 3 and 5 mm in depth and 7 mm in diameter
I b 1 Lesion of > 5 mm depth and/or >7mm diameter, but 4 cm in diameter
I b 2 Lesion of > 4 cm diameter
II Tumor extends beyond the cervix but not to the pelvic wall. Tumor may involve
vagina, but not the lower 1/3
I I a No parametrial involvement
I I b Parametrial involvement
III Tumor extends to the pelvic wall, or may involve the lower 1/3 of vagina.
I I I a No extension to pelvic wall
I I I b Extension to pelvic wall. Includes hydronephrosis or non-functioning kidney
IV Spread beyond the true pelvis or involvement of bladder or rectal mucosa
IV a Spread to adjacent organs
IV b Spread to distant organs
A. Tests which may be used to stage include biopsy, colposcopy, IVP, CXR, cystoscopy,
and sigmoidoscopy. Tests which may not be used to stage include surgery, CT or MRI
scans, and lymphangiograms. All tests may be used for treatment planning
B. Cystoscopy and sigmoidoscopy usually indicated only in stage IIB, III, IV or if symptoms
such as hematuria or narrowed fecal stream exist (Shingleton)
XVIII. Management of invasive cervical carcinoma
A. Microinvasion: a subset of early cancers with minimal risk of local or node metastases.
See Flow Chart VI.C.1 (above) for diagnosis and clinical management
1. Rationale for conservative treatment to preserve fertility
SGO (FIGO IA-1) FIGO IA-2
Histology NO VSI or Confluence -
Incidence of node mets < 1% 8%
2. Adenocarcinoma is not substaged into a microinvasive category although literature
supports conservative treatment in selected cases (Schorge)
B. Flow Chart for Management of Invasive (> Stage IA-1) Cervical Cancer. For
microinvasive cervical cancer, see VI.C.1. (above) for flowchart.
Clinical staging with bimanual and rectovaginal
examination
FIGO Stage IA-2, IB, IIA FIGO Stage IIB FIGO Stage III, IVA
CXR; IVP or CT CXR, CT scan of CXR, CT scan of

scan of abdomen abdomen and pelvis, abdomen and pelvis,
and pelvis cysto & sigmoidoscopy cysto & sigmoidoscopy
Radical hysterectomy External pelvic External pelvic radiation

upper vaginectomy, radiation therapy with therapy with interstitial
pelvic lymphadenectomy chemosensitization template, chemo-
and possible ovarian and either: sensitization, and possible
preservation; or Fletcher- Suite para-aortic RT.
For select IA-2 and IB-1 brachytherapy (low Chance of fistula fairly high:
where fertility is desired: dose rate) palliative urinary diversion
radical trachelectomy or high dose rate or colostomy occasionally
with laparoscopic lymph- brachytherapy necessary
adenectomy, cerclage applications
C. Conventional radical hysterectomy is via the laparotomy approach. Newer techniques
include laparoscopic radical hysterectomy, laparoscopic lymphadenectomy with
Schauta (vaginal) radical hysterectomy or radical trachelectomy (Dargent, Plante,
Reynolds)
D. Chemosensitization has been shown to significantly improve outcome in 5 randomized
trials. Most common regimen is cisplatin 40 mg/meter2/week (maximum dose of 70
mg/week) during RT. Other regimens include cisplatin and 5-FU. (Rose, Keys)
E. Comparison of Surgery vs Radiation (for Stage Ib/IIa tumors)
Surgery Radiation
Survival 91% 89%
Serious complications Urologic Fistulae 1-2% Intestinal and urinary strictures
and fistulae 1.4-5.3%
Vaginal function Initially shortened, Fibrosis and stenosis, especially
lengthens with in postmenopause. Dilator
intercourse or dilator minimizes stenosis.
Ovarian function Conserved Destroyed
Chronic effects Atonic bladder 3% Radiation enteritis 6-8%
F. Special Cases
1. Pregnancy
a. Stage for stage, pregnancy does not worsen survival. Delayed diagnosis is
common
b. Timing of treatment controversial. Classical approach is to terminate pregnancy if
gestation 24 weeks at diagnosis. If >24 weeks, delay therapy until fetal viability.
Newer studies suggest no decrease in survival with longer treatment delays
(Takushi)
c. Cesarean delivery usually recommended for invasive lesions due to friability of
tumor. Vaginal delivery does not worsen prognosis but tumor implants in
episiotomy sites have been reported
2. Occult carcinoma: tumor not diagnosed prior to surgery
a. Treatment options include pelvic radiation, radical parametrectomy
b. If appropriate treatment not done, recurrence rate >75%
c. Prognosis is poor if gross tumor is cut through on margins of hysterectomy
3. Barrel shaped cervix: intact cervix of 4-6 cm diameter (Keys, Maruyama, Paley)
a. High rate of central pelvic failure (25-40%) after RT
b. Some advocate combined RT followed by extrafascial TAH. Reported pelvic
recurrence drops from 19% to 2%, and extrapelvic recurrences from 16% to 7%.
4. Positive lymph vascular space involvement, positive nodes or extracervical spread
detected during or after completion of radical hysterectomy (Peters)
a. If node or parametrial involvement is documented, then pelvic radiation therapy
with cisplatin chemosensitization is given. If VSI positive, consider RT + chemo
b. If para-aortic nodes involved, consider scalene node biopsy and offer extended
field radiation, if scalene nodes negative
5. Central pelvic recurrence
a. Patient with prior radical hysterectomy: radiation therapy to pelvis with
chemosensitization.
b. Patient with prior pelvic radiation with or without prior radical hysterectomy: total
pelvic exenteration. Contraindicated with lymphatic metastases, extension of
disease to pelvic sidewall or distant matastasis. Removes bladder, uterus, vagina
and rectum. Requires extensive reconstruction including urinary conduit
(continent or non-continent), low rectal anastamosis or end colostomy, and
vaginoplasty with split thickness skin graft or myocutaneous flap. Salvage rate
60-70%, mortality rate 2%
c. In special circumstances, patients with recurrent disease extending to the pelvic
sidewall may benefit from the laterally extended endopelvic resection (LEER)
procedure or intra-operative radiation to the sidewall (Hckel)
6. Distant metastatic disease cannot be considered curable with chemotherapy.
Progression free intervals are in the 9-15 month range. Regimens include:
a. Cisplatin, 50-75 mg/m2, 23% response rate
b. Ifosfamide, 1.7gm/m2/day x 3days, with MESNA (uroprotector), 20% of
ifosfamide dose given IV 15 minutes before, 4 and 8 hours after each dose.
MESNA can be given 2 and 6 hours after ifosfamide at 40% of ifosfamide dose.
Response rate 33%
c. Other single agents reported to be active: 5-flurouracil (5-FU), paclitaxel,
topotecan
d. Cisplatin and ifosfamide, 79% response rate for tumor in non-irradiated sites,
18% response rate for tumor in previously radiated sites. Other reported
combinations include cisplatin (50 mg/m2 on day 1) with topotecan (0.75
mg/m2/day on days 1-3); OR paclitaxel (135 mg/m2 over 24 hours on day 1) with
cisplatin (50 mg/m2 on day 2)
e. Cisplatin and 5-FU, similar response rates to cisplatin and ifosfamide.
f. Participation in clinical trials is strongly encouraged
XIX. Prognostic Factors and Survival
A. Factors important to survival include: age, stage, size, VSI, grade, and node status
B. Incidence of Nodes by Stage
Stage % Positive % Positive
Pelvic Nodes Para-aortic Nodes
Ia2 4.8 <1
Ib 15.9 2.2
IIa 24.5 11
IIb 31.4 19
III 44.8 30
IVa 55 40
C. Survival
Stage Nodes 5 Yr Survival
Squamous Adenocarcinoma
I Unknown 91% 60%
I Negative 96% 82%
I Positive 56% 28%
I Positive 3 PLN 70%
I Positive >3 PLN 40%
I Positive PAN 37%
II 65% 47%
III 45% 8%
XX. Prevention
A. Immunization (Blumenthal, Mao, Stanley)
1. Gardasil (Merck): FDA approved in 2006, quadrivalent for HPV 6, 11, 16, 18. Phase
III randomized trial (n=12,150) with injection on day 1, month 2 and month 6 showed
100% prevention of CIN 2-3 at 17 months followup if no HPV infection occurred and
97% efficacy if HPV infection occurred after immunization with 24 months followup
(Villa). May be commercially available by late 2006
2. Cervarix (Glaxo Smith Kline): FDA approval anticipated in 2007-08. Bivalent for HPV
16 and 18.
B. Sex education to alter high-risk behavior and age of first intercourse (Howard)
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12/2006
Endometrial Carcinoma
I. Incidence: most common gyn tumor in U.S. Fourth most common cancer of women in U.S. In
2006, 41,200 new cases per year, resulting in 7,350 deaths (Jemal). Average age at onset
is 58 years.
II. Epidemiology
A. Represents progression from normal to hyperplastic to atypical then invasive
endometrial cells.
B. Risk factors RR
Overweight (age 50-59) by 20-50 pounds 3
by > 50 pounds 10
GO vs G> 5 5
Menopause after age 52 2
Diabetes 3
Unopposed estrogen replacement (Includes tamoxifen) 6
Combination OCP 0.5
C. Etiology
1. Prolonged or non-cyclic estrogen stimulation (endogenous or exogenous) for Type I
cancers
2. Risk of progression to cancer of endometrial hyperplasia without atypia (1-3%), with
atypia (29%) (Kurman)
3. 5% of endometrial cancers arise as hereditary cancers in HNPCC families
associated with mismatch repair genes MLH, MSH, PMS1, and PMS2 (Boyd)
III. Screening
No test or procedure has been identified as a cost-effective method to screen for
endometrial cancer. ACOG does not recommend screening
IV. Diagnosis
A. Symptoms: 90% present with postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) or abnormal discharge
1. Common etiologies of PMB: hormone replacement therapy (27%),endometrial
carcinoma (13-16%), cervical carcinoma (1-4%), atrophy (10%), polyps (7-23%),
cervicitis (6-14%). No pathology (20-23%).
2. Likelihood that PMB is associated with endometrial cancer is a function of age:
70
60
50
Percent
40
30
20
10
0
<50 50-59 60-69 70-79 >80
Age
B. Pap test very low sensitivity, but necessary to rule out cervical cancer as a cause of
postmenopausal bleeding
C. Endometrial biopsy 90-97.5% sensitive (Stovall)
D. Fractional curettage hysteroscopy is diagnostic gold standard
E. Vaginal U/S for endometrial thickness. Cancer rare if stripe <4 mm (Varner)
F. Preoperative CXR
G. Preop CA-125: accurate predictor of extra-uterine disease and survival (Sood)
V. Pathology
Endometrioid 75-85%
Squamous differentiation common
Papillary (Villoglandular) rare
Secretory rare
Uterine Papillary Serous Tumor (UPST) 5-7%
Clear Cell Carcinoma 4%
Mucinous Rare
Squamous Rare
Type I refers to well differentiated tumors arising from estrogen stimulation
Type II refers to poorly differentiated or non-endometrioid histology and is associated
with poorer prognosis (Boyd)
VI. Prognostic Factors

A. Recurrence rate without extrauterine mets (7%), with extrauterine mets (43%)
B. Incidence of adnexal metastases by grade and depth of invasion in clinical stage I:
Grade 1 (2.5%), 2 (3.5%), 3 (13%); Depth 0 (4%), 1/3 (1.5%), 2/3 (9%), >2/3 (10%).
C. Histologic type: prognosis poor with papillary serous and clear cell types.
D. Estrogen/Progesterone receptors: present in 80% of grade 1, and 30% of grade 3
tumors.
E. Incidence of Node Metastases
1. When complete surgical staging has not been done (Boronow)
Risk Factor Pelvic Node Mets Paraaortic Node Mets
Grade 1 3% 2%
Grade 2 9% 5%
Grade 3 18% 11%
No invasion 1% 1%
Invades inner third 5% 3%
Invades middle third 6% 1%
Invades outer third 25% 17%
Invades lower uterine segment 16% 14%
Vascular space involvement 27% 19%
Positive peritoneal cytology 25% 19%
Adnexal metastasis 32% 20%
Pelvic / Paraaortic Node Mets by Depth of Invasion and Grade
1/3 2/3 > 2/3
Grade 2 3/0% 33/17% 20/20%
Grade 3 24/33% 25/0% 42/25%
2. Incidence of positive pelvic nodes in Stage II 36%.

VII. Staging is surgical:
FIGO Staging for Endometrium (Revised 1989)
I Tumor confined to uterine corpus
I a No myometrial invasion
I b <1/2 myometrial invasion
I c >1/2 myometrial invasion
I I a Tumor involves endocervical mucosa, no stromal invasion
I I b Endocervical stromal invasion
I I I a Invasion involving uterine serosa, adnexae, and/or positive
peritoneal cytology
I I I b Vaginal metastases
I I I c Pelvic/Para-aortic node metastases
IV a Invasion of bladder or bowel mucosa
IV b Distant metastases, including inguinal nodes, or intra-abdominal
disease
Grade 1 5% of nonsquamous solid growth pattern
Grade 2 6-50% of nonsquamous solid growth pattern
Grade 3 >50% of nonsquamous solid growth pattern
VIII. Treatment based on initial clinical presentation

A. If medically operable, clinical stage I: total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-
oophorectomy (TH/BSO), pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy, peritoneal cytology
1. Abdominal hysterectomy has historically been the standard approach for treatment
of endometrial cancer
2. Laparoscopic hysterectomy
a. A number of studies have shown similar staging efficacy and complication rates
for laparoscopic vs. abdominal approach (review by Kueck).
b. Small prospective randomized trials show equivalent survival outcome (review by
Kueck).
c. Definitive, large, randomized trial (GOG LAP-2) has not yet reported survival
outcomes comparing laparoscopy vs laparotomy
3. Role of lymphadenectomy
a. Surgery without lymphadenectomy will miss metastatic disease in 29% (Ben-
Shachar, Yenen) and upstaging or upgrading occurs in 67% of fully staged
patients compared to those in whom frozen section is relied upon to determine
need for staging (Frumovitz)
b. Therapeutic value of lymphadenectomy is debated, with a number of studies
suggesting survival benefit (Chan, Cragun, Creutzberg, Kilgore, Trimble) and a
number of studies showing no benefit (Ceccaroni, Kitchener, Vizza). There have
been no sizable, prospective, randomized trials to date.
4. Panniculectomy: may improve exposure for the obese patient. Shown to increase
number of nodes recovered and ability to complete surgical staging (Wright)
B. If poor candidate for complete staging procedure, clinical Stage I, Grade 1-2: vaginal
hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
C. In young patients desiring to retain fertility with clinical stage I grade 1 disease: treat
with curettage followed by progestin therapy (megestrol acetate 80 mg po bid for 3
months) followed by repeat biopsy or curettage. Small series show excellent outcomes,
but careful informed consent necessary for non-standard therapy (Farhi)
D. If medically inoperable: pelvic radiation therapy with brachytherapy application(s)
E. Clinical Stage II: pelvic radiation therapy (Pelvic RT and brachytherapy) followed by
TAH/BSO and para-aortic lymphadenectomy, or radical hysterectomy/BSO and nodes
F. Suspected metastatic disease in peritoneal cavity or nodes: Pre-op imaging with CT or
MRI, then TH/BSO, pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy, peritoneal cytology,
omentectomy, debulking (Bristow, Mariani)
G. Suspected metastatic disease in vagina, parametrium, bladder or rectum: Pre-op
imaging with CT or MRI, then RT +/- surgery or chemotherapy
H. Suspected distant metastases: Pre-op imaging with CT or MRI, then multimodal therapy
with chemotherapy +/- RT or surgery
IX. Adjuvant therapy for surgically staged disease

A. Stage I disease
Postoperative Therapy
Low Risk Intermediate Risk High Risk

Stage IA G1 or G2, or Stage IC G1 or G2, or Stage IB G3 or
Stage IB G1 or G2, or Stage IB G3, and Stage IC G1 or G2 with
Stage IA G3, and No adverse risk factors* adverse risk factors*, or
No adverse risk factors* Stage IC G3 (any)
No further treatment No further treatment vs. Pelvic RT

Pelvic RT or vaginal
brachytherapy**
1. Adverse risk factors (*) defined as age >60, lymph vascular space involvement
(LVSI), tumor size, lower uterine segment involvement
2. Randomized trials (**) show reduced pelvic recurrences with pelvic radiotherapy but
no improvement in overall survival (Keys: GOG 99, Creutzberg: PORTEC-1).
B. Stage II
1. Stage IIA grade 1-2: observe or vaginal brachytherapy
2. Stage IIA grade 3 or all stage IIB: vaginal brachytherapy +/- pelvic RT
3. If initial Tx was radical hysterectomy without extrauterine spread, then no RT
C. Stage III:
1. Stage IIIA
a. Positive washings with no other evidence of metastatic disease. Prognostic
significance debated with some studies showing no impact on survival
(Grimshaw, Kasamatsu) and some showing poor outcome (Creasman)
b. Adnexal or uterine serosal involvement: treated with chemotherapy +/- tumor
directed RT (NCCN)
2. Stage IIIB: tumor directed RT +/- chemotherapy
3. Stage IIIC: chemotherapy better (50% vs. 38% disease free survival at 5 years)
based on randomized trial comparing whole abdominal RT vs. cisplatin and
doxorubicin chemotherapy (Randall)
4. Treatment individualized. May include surgery, and/or tumor directed RT
D. Stage IV: Treatment individualized.
1. Chemotherapy
a. Cisplatin 50 mg/m2 day 1, doxorubicin 45 mg/m2 day 1 and paclitaxel 165 mg/m2
day 2 with cytokine support days 3-12 repeated every 3 weeks. Regimen has
highest response rates 57% vs. 34% for cisplatin 50 mg/m2 and doxorubicin 60
mg/m2. Average progression free survival is 5 to 8 months (Fleming)
b. Doxorubicin (Adriamycin), 60-75 mg/m2 IV q3weeks (maximum cumulative dose
450 mg/m2), is the most active single-agent drug. Response rate is 37%
2. Tumor directed RT may be useful to palliate bleeding or pain.
3. For estrogen-progesterone receptor positive tumors, or metastatic grade 1-2 tumors,
hormonal therapy with megestrol acetate, 80 mg po bid and / or tamoxifen 10-20 mg
po bid, sometimes useful
E. There is no demonstrated benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy or hormonal therapy
(Morrow)
F. Uterine papillary serous tumors (UPST)
1. Clinical stage underestimates extent of disease in 50%.
2. Patients with surgical stage I recur in 50-60%. Recur in upper abdomen 67%.
Natural history resembles ovarian tumors.
3. Adjuvant therapy using combination chemotherapy with or without pelvic RT favored
in phase II trials. No sizable phase III studies available. Best regimens reported
include carboplatin and paclitaxel alone (Dietrich) or in combination with RT
(Bancher-Todesca, Kelly, Turner)
G. Incompletely staged disease. If uterine disease is myoinvasive or grade is 2-3, then
either complete staging surgically or image and base adjuvant therapy on best
assessment of disease extent.
X. Survival
A. Endometrioid Histology
5 Yr Survival
Stage I Grade 1 94%
Grade 2 87%
Grade 3 75%
Stage II 57%
Stage III 36%
Stage IV 9%
B. Uterine Papillary Serous Histology
5 Yr Survival
Stage I-II 45%
Stage III-IV 11%
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12/2006
Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia
I. Trophoblastic neoplasms are essentially tumors of the placenta. The disease can be divided
into a non-invasive group of tumors consisting of complete and partial moles, and an
invasive group of tumors including invasive mole, choriocarcinoma and placental site
trophoblastic tumor.
II. Incidence of hydatidiform molar pregnancies (Non-invasive disease)
A. Population based studies 1:522 (Japan) to 1:1560 (Sweden)
B. Hospital based studies 1:85 (Indonesia) to 1:1724 (USA)
C. In elective abortions in US 1:600 and 1:1500 pregnancies in US
III. Epidemiology of hydatidiform moles
Table of Relative Risks RR
Prior Molar Pregnancy 10-40
Maternal age <20 1.5
Maternal age >40 5.2
Prior Spontaneous Abortion 1.9-3.3
Vitamin A, above median 0.6
Parity >1 0.4
IV. Pathology of hydatidiform moles
A. Complete: Arise from fertilization of an empty oocyte with 1 sperm that is then
duplicated (more common) or 2 sperm (less common)
B. Partial: Arises from fertilization of an apparently normal oocyte with 2 sperm
Characteristic Complete Mole Partial Mole
Karyotype 46XX (90%) Triploid (90%)
46XY (10%) 69XXX or 69XXY
All paternal Diploid (10%)
chromosomes 46 paternal
chromosomes
Fetus Absent Often present
Villous edema Prominent and diffuse Focal if at all
Fetal RBC None Usually present
Proliferation of trophoblast Prominent Mild to moderate
Likelihood of local invasion 15% 3.5%
Likelihood of metastasis 4% 0.6%
V. Clinical Features
A. Presenting Symptoms of Moles Complete Partial
Vaginal Bleeding 97% 73%
Excessive Uterine Size 51% 8%
Theca Lutein Cysts (>6 cm) 50% 0%
Preeclampsia 27% 3%
Hyperemesis 26% 0%
Hyperthyroidism 7% 0%
Trophoblastic Emboli (over all) 2% 0%
If size of uterus is > 16 weeks 27%
B. Diagnosis of hydatidiform moles
1. Usually diagnosed in first trimester. Workup often initiated because of symptoms
(Section V.A.)
2. Ultrasound:
a. Complete mole: vesicular pattern, snowstorm pattern
b. Partial mole: focal cystic change in placenta and ratio of transverse to AP
dimension of gestational sac of > 1.5. A small for dates fetus with multiple
anomalies may be present
3. -hCG elevated, especially in complete moles. 46% of complete moles have -hCG
> 100,000 mU/mL. Only 6% of partial moles have -hCG > 100,000 mU/mL. Partial
moles may have higher percentage of -hCG.
VI. Treatment of hydatidiform moles
A. Pre-treatment workup: CBC and platelet count; clotting function studies; -hCG; liver,
renal and thyroid function tests; blood type with Rh and antibody screen; chest X-ray
B. Curettage, suction and sharp, using oxytocin. Do not begin oxytocin until uterus
evacuated to minimize intra-uterine tone and trophoblastic emboli. Hysterectomy
acceptable, if fertility no longer desired
C. Post-treatment follow-up: Follow -hCG every week until normal for 3 weeks, then
monthly for 6 months. Contraception to prevent confusion over interpretation of -hCG
values is important. OCPs do not increase the likelihood of persistent disease.
D. If -hCG levels plateau x3 weeks or rise x2 weeks, then metastatic workup and
chemotherapy is initiated. Repeat curettage occasionally useful.
E. Management Flow Diagram
Suction curettage,
weekly -hCG
-hCG: normal -hCG: plateau or rise

regression
Observation x 6
months with Metastatic workup
contraception
Assess risk and

FIGO stage
Low risk High risk
Single agent chemo with See treatment plans for

Methotrexate / FA. Keep stage and histologic
Actinomycin-D in reserve type
Treat 1-3 cycles after

-hCG negative. Follow
-hCG x1y
F. Two randomized trials show that high risk moles may be treated with prophylactic
chemotherapy. High risk defined as -hCG >100,000 mU/mL, uterine size > dates and
ovary(s) > 6 cm. Results in reduced risk of post-molar invasion (47 vs. 14%). If
persistence occurs, more cycles of chemo needed. Deaths have been reported with
prophylactic chemo using methotrexate and folinic acid or dactinomycin regimens.
G. Choriocarcinoma can arise from a normal pregnancy (1 : 22,000-100,000 pregnancies).
Mother is at increased risk of medical complications of pregnancy. Karyotype of
pregnancy may be required to confirm diagnosis. Genetics different than other GTN.
Worse prognosis.
H. Phantom hCG (false positive) can confuse diagnosis. Usually seen with low hCG levels.
Caused by heterophilic antibodies in circulation. Should be suspected if clinical
response to methotrexate does not occur. Should be ruled out before doing
hysterectomy or multi-agent chemotherapy. Can be tested for by urine pregnancy test
(negative) with positive blood test, or by doing serial dilution tests.
VII. Incidence of invasive gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD)
A. Invasive mole noted after 15% of complete moles and 3.5% of partial moles
B. Metastases occur following 4% of complete moles and 0.6% of partial moles
C. Choriocarcinoma occurs following 3-7% of hydatidiform moles and 1:40,000 term
pregnancies. Of all choriocarcinoma cases, 50% preceded by mole, 25% by SAb, 25%
by term pregnancy
D. Placental Site Trophoblast Tumor (PSTT) is a rare variant of GTD (55 cases by 1991)
VIII. Pathology of GTD
A. Invasive mole: hyperplastic trophoblasts with villi invading myometrium
B. Choriocarcinoma: trophoblasts without villi invading myometrium or other tissues.
Necrosis and hemorrhage common
C. PSTT comprised of intermediate cytotrophoblasts
D. Tumor marker: -hCG useful for all types except PSTT (hPL may be elevated in PSTT)
E. Metastases, when present, occur in: lung (80%), vagina (30%), pelvis (20%), brain or
liver (10%), bowel or kidney or spleen (<5%).
IX. Evaluation for metastatic disease
A Metastatic workup:
1. Initial Labs: CBC; -hCG; liver, thyroid, renal function tests; chest X-ray
2. If chest X-ray positive or if choriocarcinoma is present or if vaginal mets present,
then: CT of head, chest, abdomen and pelvis
3. Lumbar puncture for -hCG if CXR positive, but head CT negative. Serum/CSF
-hCG ratio <60 indicates CNS disease.
4. Pelvic ultrasound with or without Doppler may be helpful to detect sites of persistent
intra-uterine disease.
5. Avoid biopsy of vaginal lesions due to tendency to hemorrhage
B. FIGO Anatomic Staging for Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia (GTN)
Stage I Disease confined to the uterus
Stage II GTN extends outside of uterus, but is limited to genital structures
including adnexa, vagina, broad ligament
Stage III GTN extends to lungs with or without genital tract involvement
Stage IV All other metastatic sites
C. Current staging combines anatomic staging with the modified WHO prognostic scoring
system. For stage I disease, risk is usually low. For stage IV disease, risk is usually
high. Stage II and III disease is best stratified with the modified WHO prognostic scoring
system
D. Stage is recorded as Anatomic Stage and FIGO modified WHO score, separated by
colon. Example of format. Stage IV: 8
E. Modified WHO Prognostic Scoring System as adapted by FIGO
Score
Factor 0 1 2 4
Age (y) < 40 > 40
Antecedent pregnancy type Mole Ab Term
Preg. to Treatment interval (m) <4 4 - <7 7 - 13 > 13
Pretreatment -hCG (IU/L) < 103 103 - 104 104 - 105 > 105
Tumor size including uterus (cm) - 3-5 >5 -
Site of Metastases Lung Spleen GI Brain
Kidney Liver
Number of Mets 0 1-4 5-8 >8
Previous failed chemo regimens Single >2
Total: If score is > 7, then patient is high risk and requires intensive, multi-agent
chemotherapy
X. Treatment of Invasive or Metastatic GTD
A. Stage I, Low Risk
1. Fertility desired: Treat with single agent chemo. 87% will be complete responders
(CR) with a single regimen. If a second single agent regimen is needed for persistent
disease, the CR increases to 92%. Rarely, resistance may require hyst or multiagent
chemotherapy regimens (EMA/CO). Results in CR of 100% remissions (2 reported
failures in literature). First line regimen is methotrexate with folinic acid. Treatment
conversion to dactinomycin is made if resistance or dose-limiting toxicity occurs.
a. Methotrexate (1.0 mg/kg IM days 1,3,5,7) and Leucovorin (0.1 mg/kg IM days
2,4,6,8). Repeated every 2 weeks.
b. Dactinomycin (1.25 mg/m2 IV, Q14 days)
c. Other dose schedules for both drugs are published (Rubin)
d. 5 fluorouracil is widely used for treatment of GTN in other countries, with
excellent results
2. Fertility not desired: hysterectomy and adjuvant single agent chemotherapy as
above.
3. Treatment continues until the -hCG is negative. Surveillance includes weekly
-hCG during treatment, then -hCG every 2 weeks x 3, then monthly -hCG for 12
months after completion of therapy.
B. Stages II and III, High Risk
1. Multi agent chemotherapy with EMA/CO is the preferred regimen
a. Etoposide 100 mg/m2 IV on day 1 and 2, dactinomycin (Actinomycin-D) 0.5 mg
IV on day 1 and 2, methotrexate 100 mg/m2 IV push on day 1 then 200 mg/m2 IV
over 12 hours on day 1 (alkalinize urine). Leucovorin 15 mg IM or PO q 6 hours x
4 doses beginning 12 hours after methotrexate is completed.
b. Cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2 IV on day 8, vincristine 1 mg/m2 on day 8
c. Repeat cycle every 2 weeks
d. If resistance occurs, cisplatin 80 mg/m2 IV on day 8 and etoposide 100 mg/m2 IV
on day 8 is administered in the EMA/EP regimen as a replacement of the
cyclophosphamide and vincristine portion of the EMA/CO regimen. The EMA
portion of the regimen is unchanged.
e. If brain metastasis is present, high dose EMA/CO is used. EMA/CO doses are
the same as above except the methotrexate dose: 1000 mg/m2 by 24 hour
infusion on day 1 (alkalinize urine), Leucovorin 15 mg IV, IM or PO q 8 hours x 9
doses after MTX infused. May also need to add intrathecal methotrexate 12.5 mg
every 2 weeks.
2. Treatment continues for three full cycles after the -hCG becomes negative.
Surveillance includes weekly -hCG during treatment, then -hCG every 2 weeks x
3, then monthly -hCG for 24 months after completion of therapy.
C. Stage IV, High Risk
1. Treatment is urgent and includes EMA/CO, selective surgery and selective radiation
therapy depending on the sites of metastases. Liver lesions may hemorrhage and
resection is occasionally needed.
2. Brain metastasis is usually symptomatic and is considered an oncologic emergency.
Treatment is either with radiation therapy (30 Gy in 10 fractions) or intrathecal
methotrexate or high dose EMA/CO (see section X.B.1.e, above).
D. If resistant disease develops, diagnosis may be aided by PET scan, angiography, or
radiolabelled antibody to -hCG. Surgical resection of resistant foci of disease in uterus,
lung, brain, or liver may improve prognosis
E. Placental site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT) is refractory to chemotherapy. When
identified, surgical treatment including hysterectomy is indicated.
XI. Survival
Rx Survival
Low Risk MTX-FA, Act-D 95-100%
High Risk EMA/CO 83%
High Risk, CNS EMA/CO, CNS RT 68%
Note that low risk disease includes lung metastases.
XII. Fertility is essentially unchanged once the disease has been cleared.
References
ACOG Practice Bulletin. Diagnosis and treatment of gestational trophoblastic disease. Obstet
Gynecol 2004; 103: 1365-1377
Berkowitz RS, Goldstein DP. Gestational trophoblastic diseases. In: Hoskins WJ, Perez CA,
Young RC, Barakat R, Markman M, Randall M (Eds.). Principles and Practice of
Gynecologic Oncology, 4th edition. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2005.
Rubin SC. Chemotherapy of gynecologic cancers, Second edition. Philadelphia, Lippincott
Williams and Wilkins, 2004
Rev. 3/2005
Ovarian Cancer
I. Incidence:
A. Second most common gyn malignancy in U.S. Largest number of gyn cancer deaths. In
2006, incidence 20,180 cases with 15,310 deaths (Jemal)
B. Incidence rises with age, peak incidence age 54-64
C. Individual lifetime risk of any ovarian neoplasm 5-7%. Individual lifetime risk of ovarian
cancer 1.8%. Risk that adnexal mass is malignant 7-13% (premenopause), and 30-45%
(postmenopause) (Koonings)
D. Differential diagnosis for adnexal masses
1. Ovary
a. functional cysts
b. endometriosis
c. benign neoplasm: epithelial, germ cell, stromal
d. malignant neoplasm: epithelial invasive, epithelial low malignant potential, germ
cell, stromal
2. Uterus (e.g. pedunculated fibroid, sarcoma, etc.)
3. Fallopian tube (e.g. hydrosalpinx, paratubal cyst, Fallopian tube carcinoma, etc.)
4. GI tract (e.g. diverticulosis, appendiceal abscess or tumor, rectal carcinoma, etc.)
5. Urinary tract (e.g. neurogenic bladder, bladder carcinoma, etc.)
6. Other: (e.g. aneurysm or A-V malformation, pelvic fracture, etc.)
II. Epidemiology
A. Incidence increased 200% between 1930-2004
B. Risk Factors, Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma RR
Positive Family History 29
History breast cancer 2
Nulliparity (vs. P >5) 4-5
Age at 1st pregnancy (>25 vs < 20) 3
Talc (rare cause of cancer because exposure is low) 3
Obesity 2
OCP use 0.5
C. Risk factors, germ cell: 50% risk of dysgerminoma in patients with dysgenetic gonads
D. Proposed etiologies, epithelial carcinomas
1. "Incessant ovulation". Probably accounts for the majority of ovarian cancers.
a. Prolonged stimulation by pituitary gonadotropins
b. Repetitive surface trauma / healing due to ovulation or inflammation
2. Genetic: autosomal dominant gene with variable penetrance. Three known
pedigrees for Familial Breast / Ovarian Cancer (FBOC): site specific, breast-ovary,
"cancer family syndrome" (Lynch II). FBOC accounts for 5-10% of ovarian cancers
a. BRCA-1. Chromosome 17q21. Tumor suppressor gene. Over 500 mutations
reported. Accounts for 70-80% of FBOC. Founder mutations in Ashkenazi Jews:
185delAG, 5382insC.
b. BRCA-2. Chromosome 13q12. Tumor suppressor gene. Over 300 mutations
reported. Accounts for 10-30% of HBOC. Associated with male breast cancer.
Founder mutation in Ashkenazi Jews: 6174delT.
c. Criteria to determine high risk individual for BRCA1 or BRCA2 testing:
i. Personal history of breast cancer < age 40, bilateral breast cancer, or breast
and ovarian cancer.
ii. Family history predictive of >10% chance of mutation: breast cancer in 2
relatives at age < 50, or 1 breast cancer at age < 50 and any ovarian cancer,
or 2 ovarian cancers, or any male relative with breast cancer, or any
Ashkenazi Jewish family with breast or ovarian cancer
iii. If individual is high risk, then:
a. Genetic counseling should be recommended and gene testing offered.
b. High risk individuals may benefit from chemoprevention with OCP
(literature with conflicting studies)
c. For BRCA mutation carriers, prophylactic oophorectomy results in 85-96%
ovarian cancer risk reduction and 53-68% breast cancer risk reduction
(Lalley: Kauff, Reebeck)
d. HNPCC (Lynch II). Mismatch repair genes: MLH1, MSH2, PMS1, PMS2. Identify
high risk individual for HNPCC testing using Amsterdam criteria for risk
assessment: (1) 3 or more relatives with colon cancer across 2 generations, (2)
at least 1 colon cancer < 50 years of age, (3) exclude FAP, (4) any colon with
either endometrial cancer < 50 years of age or ovarian cancer at any age.
e. Risk of cancer depends on specific mutation and age of patient and may be
modified by environmental issues (e.g. chemoprevention).
Site BRCA1 BRCA2 HNPCC
Female breast cancer 60-85% 60-85% N/C
Ovarian cancer 20-40% 10-20% 12%
Endometrial cancer N/C N/C 42-60%
Colon cancer Possible N/C 70-82%
Stomach / GI N/C Possible 19%
Male breast cancer N/C 6% N/A
Prostate 25% 5-7.5% N/C
E. Presenting symptoms: Abd discomfort (50%), GI (20%), urinary (15%), vaginal bleeding
(15%), weight loss (15%). Symptoms may mimic pregnancy. Germ cell tumors may
present with acute pain. Precocious pseudopuberty and virilization seen with some
germ cell and sex cord/stromal tumors
III. Diagnosis and Screening for Ovarian Mass
A. Obtain family history and initiate genetic counseling and gene testing for high risk
individual. (See Section II.D.2.a-e.)
B. Regular pelvic exams per ACOG recommendation.
C. Ultrasound for screening controversial due to cost and sensitivity/specificity (DePriest).
When used to triage a known mass 75-100% sensitive, 83-95% specific (Sassone,
Kawai, Kurjak)
D. Tumor Markers. Sensitivity and specificity too low for screening. CA-125 has 55% false
negative rate for stage I epithelial ovarian cancer. See Pathology Section (VII.A-D.) for
markers associated with each tumor type. New markers such as Ovacheck (proteomics-
based chip) and LPA are in development.
E. Prospective, randomized trial does not show benefit to screening for ovarian cancer with
combined CA-125 and ultrasound (Jacobs)
IV. Preoperative Testing and Preparation (Guidozzi, Ozols)
A. Tumor marker(s) appropriate for patient's age
B. Ultrasound helpful for triage of clinically palpable cystic masses
C. Chest X-ray abnormal in 9% of new cases, to rule out metastases or effusions
D. Liver function tests, important if ascites present to rule out primary liver disease
E. Barium enema or colonoscopy abnormal in 39% of new cases with large or fixed
masses. Order if > 45 years old or if GI symptoms present
F. Abdominal and pelvic CT scan useful for some new cases with large or fixed masses.
Not necessary for all new cases
G. Intravenous pyelogram abnormal in 45% of new cases. CT scan more useful particularly
if large or fixed mass present
H. Head CT or abd/pelvic MRI; liver, spleen, and bone scans NOT routinely indicated
I. Patients with suspicious adnexal masses should be prepared for definitive staging
procedure
1. Preoperative consultation with or referral to gynecologic oncologist
2. Consent for primary staging and cytoreductive surgery
3. Mechanical bowel preparation
4. Pre-operative antibiotics
5. Thromboembolic prophylaxis with SCDs and / or heparin or fractionated heparin
6. Appropriate positioning of the patient
a. Low lithotomy for patients with cul de sac masses
b. Supine for all others
7. Appropriate incision
a. Vertical incision preferred if malignancy is likely
b. Maylard incision is acceptable alternative
c. Pfannenstiel incision not desirable for high risk cases. Can be converted to
Cherney incision for improved upper abdominal exposure
d. Laparoscopic approach requires careful triage (Reynolds)
J. Adnexal mass decision tree:
Palpable Adnexal
Mass
Exclude Non-Gyn
Problem
Premenopausal Postmenopausal
Premenarchal Reproductive Age Ultrasound > 5cm,

or complex features
Any adnexal Cystic, or ultrasound Solid, or ultra-
mass 2 cm finding of 6 cm with sound finding of
no complex features >6cm, or complex
features
Tumor Markers Observation or
Favor germ cell: optional OCP
AFP, -hCG, hormonal suppression Larger or
LDH, CA-125 for 6 wks Stable
Karyotype: rule Mass Tumor Markers: Favor epithelial

out (46XY) Smaller Order germ cell / stromal markers
selectively based on clinical features
No Surgery
Surgery and
possible
staging procedure
V. Surgical Procedures for Ovarian Cancer
A. Initial surgical procedure for diagnosis and staging:
1. Objective is to define stage and to remove as much of the tumor as possible.
2. Staging requires biopsy or removal of affected ovary, pelvic and para-aortic lymph
nodes, omentum, peritoneal biopsies (pelvic sidewall, cul de sac, bladder serosa,
pericolic gutters, and diaphragm), intraperitoneal cytology, and any suspicious
lesions.
3. Debulking removes macroscopic disease. Residual disease is described in terms of
diameter of largest remaining nodules and percentage of tumor removed.
4. Techniques and procedures for debulking include. Aggressiveness of resection
depends on the likelihood of attaining optimal debulking. If a patient has non-
resectable disease, radicality of debulking will be decreased to minimize morbidity.
a. TAH-BSO
b. Modified posterior exenteration
c. Small or large intestinal resection
d. Splenectomy
e. Peritoneal stripping
f. Ablation or resection of surface lesions with CUSA, LEEP, laser or excision
g. Resection of portions of affected organs such as ureter, liver, and stomach
B. Interval cytoreductive surgery
1. Debulking surgery following neoadjuvant (induction) chemotherapy for patients
who could not have an optimal primary cytoreductive surgery due to extent of
disease
2. Significant survival benefit demonstrated in one prospective randomized clinical trial
(van der Burg)
C. Second look surgery
1. Surgical reassessment for patients with complete response after primary surgery
and chemotherapy
2. May be used as part of treatment protocols with informed consent but should not be
used as routine clinical practice
D. Secondary cytoreductive surgery
1. Debulking surgery for patients with persistent disease after completion of planned
therapy or with recurrent disease after a period of remission.
2. Best candidates for this surgery have localized recurrences.
3. Predictors of successful secondary cytoreduction include relapse 12 months or
longer from completion of therapy, tumors that were responsive to primary
chemotherapy, high performance status, and potential for complete resection based
on preoperative evaluation (Eisenhauer)
4. Patients able to be debulked to microscopic residual disease have 51% survival at 5
years compared to 10% survival at 5 years if any residual disease remained.
(Hoskins)
E. Palliative secondary surgery
1. Surgery to relieve symptoms associated with progression of ovarian carcinoma such
as bowel obstruction.
2. Palliative surgery is kept to a minimum and is offered to patients likely to receive
symptomatic relief
3. Selection of patients likely to benefit from palliative surgery for bowel obstruction
associated with progression of ovarian cancer can be objectively scored (Krebs)
a. If score < 6, 84% chance of palliative benefit from surgery resulting in survival of
at least 8 weeks.
b. If score > 6, 20% chance of palliative benefit from surgery resulting in survival of
at least 8 weeks.
c. Scoring system
Parameter Risk
Score
Age (years) < 45 0
45-65 1
>65 1
Nutritional Deprivation None or minimal 0
Moderate 1
Severe 2
Tumor Status No palpable intraabdominal masses 0
Palpable intraabdominal masses 1
Liver involvement or distant mets 2
Ascites None or mild (asymptomatic, no distension) 0
Moderate (abdominal distension) 1
Severe (requiring frequent paracentesis) 2
Previous None or no adequate trial 0
chemotherapy Failed single drug therapy 1
Failed combination therapy 2
Previous radiation None 0
therapy Pelvic radiotherapy 1
Whole abdominal radiotherapy 2
F. Prophylactic oophorectomy (Berchuck, NIH consensus)
1. Candidates for prophylactic oophorectomy should have documented hereditary
ovarian cancer pedigree (ovarian site specific, breast-ovary, or hereditary non-
polyposis colorectal cancer) or proven gene mutation (BRCA-1, BRCA-2, MSH-2,
MLH-1, PMS-1, PMS-2)
2. Ovaries removed after age 35 or completion of childbearing
3. Primary peritoneal carcinoma can occur in women who have undergone prophylactic
oophorectomy in 210% of cases but risk of dying from ovarian cancer drops from
RR 24 to RR13 in the surgically treated group
G. Management of the pelvic mass in pregnancy (Carney)
1. Surgical intervention usually deferred until second trimester, if possible, in order to
minimize anesthetic risks to developing embryo.
2. Staging may be abbreviated due to suboptimal exposure secondary to uterine
enlargement
3. If tumor is of advanced stage or high grade, chemotherapy during pregnancy may be
needed. Literature supports use of chemotherapy but data on effects upon
pregnancy are scant. Treatment for lower risk disease deferred until postpartum.
H. Surgical pitfalls. Ovarian cancer outcome may be hampered by poor surgical technique,
inadequate or incomplete staging, and absence of aggressive debulking. Adequacy of
staging and survival is improved when treatment is performed by a gynecologic
oncology specialist (Gershenson, Carney, Elit, McGowan)
I. Surgical controversies
1. Rupture of ovarian cyst during surgery does not worsen prognosis (Sevelda)
2. Delay of definitive surgery after initial diagnosis worsens prognosis (Lehner)
3. Role of restaging after incomplete staging procedures (Soper)
4. Role of laparoscopic surgery (Maiman, Reynolds)
5. Attaining optimal debulking is the result of:
a. Favorable tumor biology (Covens)
b. Surgical expertise (Eisenkop)
VI. Intra-operative steps for initial assessment and staging of adnexal masses regardless of
laparotomy versus laparoscopy approach.
Washings for cytology followed by
exploration of abdomen and pelvis
Suspected metastases No suspected metastases
Frozen section Cystectomy or

Benign oophorectomy
Solid or Simple cyst or

complex dermoid
Frozen
Malignant section
All Germ Cell, All Other

Stage I-II LMP, Types
Sertoli-Leydig Benign
No Further Treatment
Fertility desired Fertility not desired
Oophorectomy TAH-BSO,
PLND/PAND PLND/PAND,
Omentectomy Omentectomy,
Cytoreduction Cytoreduction
Adjuvant therapy according to histology and stage

VII. Pathology
A. Epithelial Ovarian Tumors: 80-90% of ovarian cancers. Subdivided into low malignant
potential (LMP, "borderline"), and malignant types. LMP tumors account for 15-20% of
epithelial cancers, and 40-80% are detected while stage I. Malignant epithelial tumors
present beyond Stage I in 60-80% of cases.
1. Serous: 50% of epithelial CA. Bilateral >33%. Marker: CA-125
2. Mucinous: 10-15% of epithelial CA. Bilateral 5-10%. Marker: CA 19-9, CEA
3. Endometrioid: 10-15% of epithelial CA. Bilateral 15%. Synchronous endometrial
primary 15-30%. Marker: CA-125
4. Clear Cell: 5% of epithelial CA. Bilateral 5-10%. Marker: CA-125
5. Brenner: <1% of epithelial CA. Marker: CA-125
B. Germ Cell Tumors: 3-5% of ovarian cancers (15% in oriental or black populations). 65-
70% present Stage I. Almost always unilateral, except for dysgerminoma.
1. Dysgerminoma: 50% of malignant germ cell tumors. 75% occur between age 10-30,
rare after 35. 15% have mixed histology. 5% associated with dysgenetic gonad. 75%
present Stage I; node mets 25%. Bilateral 15-20%. Marker: LDH, PLAP
2. Teratoma. Marker: none.
a. Immature: 20% of malignant germ cell tumors. 50% occur between ages 10-20.
b. Malignancy arises in 1-2% of mature teratomas (usually squamous carcinoma).
3. Endodermal Sinus Tumor (yolk sac tumor): 20% of malignant germ cell tumors.
Median age at incidence 17, 33% occur before menarche. 75% present with pain.
Spontaneous rupture common. Marker: AFP
4. Embryonal Carcinoma: 5% of malignant germ cell tumors. Median age at incidence
14. Markers: AFP, hCG
5. Mixed germ cell tumors: 10-15% of malignant germ cell tumors, components: DG
80%, EST 70%, choriocarcinoma 70%, IT 53%. Marker: AFP, hCG
6. Rare types: polyembryoma, choriocarcinoma, gonadoblastoma
C. Sex Cord/Stromal Tumors: 5-6% of ovarian cancers. Usually diagnosed while Stage I
1. Granulosa Cell Tumor
a. Adult type: 3% of all ovarian cancers. Average age at incidence 53. , Can recur
after 5-30 years. Often rupture and hemorrhage. Bilateral <5%. Produce
estrogen, causing endometrial adenocarcinoma in 10-15%, and hyperplasia in
25-50%. Virilization occurs rarely. Markers: inhibin A & B, estradiol
b. Juvenile type: rare tumor, 97% occur before 30y. Usually produces estrogen.
2. Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumor: <1% of ovarian cancers. Average age at incidence 25.
70-85% hormonally active, usually virilizing. Bilateral <1%. Marker: testosterone
3. Thecoma-Fibroma: rare. Usually benign, 1-5% of all ovarian tumors. Bilateral 10%
4. Rare types: Sertoli cell tumor (Pick's adenoma), Leydig cell tumor, hilus tumor, sex
cord tumor with annular tubules, gynandroblastoma
D. Tumors metastatic to ovary: 5-6% of ovarian cancers.
1. Gyn sites: endometrial CA 5% metastasize to ovary, cervical adenocarcinoma 1%
2. Breast: at autopsy, 24% with metastases to ovary
3. GI: Krukenberg tumors account for 30-40% of ovarian metastatic lesions
4. Lymphoma: 5% with advanced stages have ovarian metastases
VII. FIGO Staging for Ovary, Revised 1989
Stage I: Growth limited to the ovaries.
Ia Growth limited to one ovary; no ascites. No tumor on the external surface;
capsule intact.
Ib Growth limited to both ovaries; no ascites. No tumor on the external surface;
capsule intact.
Ic Tumor on the surface of one or both ovaries; or with capsule ruptured; or with
ascites present containing malignant cells or with positive peritoneal washings.
Stage I I: Growth involving one or both ovaries with pelvic extension.
IIa Extension and/or metastases to the uterus and/or tubes.
IIb Extension to other pelvic tissues.
IIc Tumor of stage II with tumor on surface of one or both ovaries; or with
capsule(s) ruptured; or with ascites present containing malignant cells or with
positive peritoneal washings.
Stage I I I: Tumor involving one or both ovaries with peritoneal implants outside the pelvis
and or positive retroperitoneal or inguinal lymph nodes. Superficial liver
metastasis equals Stage III.
IIIa Histologically confirmed microscopic seeding of abdominal peritoneal surfaces.
IIIb Histologically confirmed implants of peritoneum, 2 cm in diameter. Nodes
negative.
IIIc Abdominal implants >2 cm and/or positive retroperitoneal or inguinal lymph
nodes.
Stage IV: Distant metastases. If pleural effusion is present, there must be positive
cytologic
test results to allot to a stage IV. Parenchymal liver metastasis equals stage IV.
VIII. Treatment Plans
Note that complete surgical staging and debulking is required even if uterus and
contralateral ovary are to be preserved
A. Epithelial carcinomas
1. Low malignant potential
a. Stage I, II: unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (USO) or TAH-BSO, depending on
reproductive desires. Complete surgical staging and debulking is required. No
adjuvant therapy if no residual disease.
b. Stage III-IV: TAH-BSO. Complete surgical staging and debulking is required.
Then:
i. No adjuvant therapy if no residual disease
ii. If residual disease is present or for either invasive implants or micropapillary
architecture, then carboplatin and paclitaxel (Taxol) IV chemo x 6 cycles.
Consider intraperitoneal therapy if residual disease / adhesions minimal
iii. Consider clinical trial for primary, consolidation or recurrent disease therapy
iv. Second look laparotomy only if on clinical trial
2. Invasive epithelial carcinoma
a. Stage Ia grade 1, Ib grade 1: USO, BSO or TAH-BSO, depending on
reproductive desires. Complete surgical staging and debulking is required. No
adjuvant therapy.
b. Stage Ia grade 2, Ia grade 3, Ib grade 2, Ib grade 3, Ic; IIa, IIb, IIc: TAH-BSO
Complete surgical staging and debulking is required. Then:
i. Carboplatin and paclitaxel (Taxol) IV chemotherapy x 3-6 cycles, or
ii. Consider clinical trial for primary, consolidation or recurrent disease therapy,
or
iii. Consider intraperitoneal chemotherapy if residual disease and adhesions
minimal
c. Stage III, IV: TAH-BSO. Complete surgical staging and debulking is required.
Then:
i. Carboplatin and paclitaxel (Taxol) chemotherapy x 6 cycles, or
ii. Consider clinical trial for primary, consolidation or recurrent disease therapy,
or
iii. Strongly consider intraperitoneal chemotherapy if, or
iv. Consider whole abdominal radiation therapy, if residual disease < 5 mm (not
a standard therapy)
v. Second look laparotomy only if on clinical trial
vi. If unable to be debulked, consider neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by
secondary cytoreductive surgery
B. Germ cell malignancies (carboplatin is NOT equivalent to cisplatin for these tumors)
1. Dysgerminoma
a. Stage Ia: USO. Complete surgical staging and debulking is required. No adjuvant
therapy.
b. All others: USO or TAH-BSO, depending on reproductive desires. Complete
surgical staging and debulking is required. Then:
i. BEP regimen: cisplatin, etoposide, bleomycin repeated q 3-4 weeks x 3-6
cycles, or until markers negative x 3; or,
ii. VAC: vincristine, dactinomycin (Actinomycin-D), cyclophosphamide repeated
q 3-4 weeks x 3-6 cycles, or until markers negative x 3; or
iii. Whole abdominal radiation therapy (not preferred therapy because
chemotherapy has excellent chance of cure while preserving fertility whereas
radiation will cause ovarian failure)
2. Teratoma
a. Stage Ia grade 1: USO. Complete surgical staging and debulking is required. No
adjuvant therapy.
b. All others: USO or TAH-BSO, depending on reproductive desires. Complete
surgical staging and debulking is required. Then: BEP or VAC chemo x 3-6
cycles, or until markers negative x 3.
3. All Other germ cell tumors, all stages: USO or TAH-BSO, depending on reproductive
desires. Complete surgical staging and debulking is required. Then: BEP or VAC
chemo x 3-6 cycles, or until markers negative x 3.
C. Sex-cord stromal malignancies
1. Stage Ia grade 1: USO. Complete surgical staging and debulking is required. No
adjuvant therapy. D&C required to rule out synchronous endometrial tumor.
2. All others: USO or TAH-BSO, depending on reproductive desires. Complete surgical
staging and debulking is required. Then cisplatin, vinblastine, bleomycin (PVB); or
BEP x 3-6 cycles or until markers negative x 3. D&C required if uterus not removed
to rule out endometrial cancer or hyperplasia.
D. Tumors metastatic to ovary: Treat based on site of primary disease.
E. Relapse after primary treatment
1. Epithelial tumors sensitive to platinum and with progression-free interval > 12-24
months: retreat with carboplatin + paclitaxel regimen.
2. Epithelial tumors with resistance to platinum or progression-free interval < 6 months:
a. Treat with sequential monotherapy using FDA approved chemotherapy. Active
drugs include liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil), etoposide, gemcitabine, topotecan,
and docetaxel (Taxotere). Also active but used less often are: irinotecan,
cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), altretamine (Hexalen), melphalan, and vinorelbine
(Navelbine)
b. Enroll on clinical trials. Active trials listed at www.NCI.NIH.gov in the PDQ
database.
IX. Survival
A. Epithelial Tumors
1. Grade effects survival. Stage I, grades 1, 2, 3 5y survival 96%, 81%, 58%, resp.
2. LMP tumors: excellent survival in all stages if tumor completely resected.
Recurrences can be late (> 10 y.)
3. Advanced stage disease successfully debulked to microscopic residual (NED) vs. <2
cm, vs. >2 cm (Cohen)
Group Survival Status
NED 100% @ 45m. NED
2 cm 100% @44m. 50%AWD
>2 cm 35% @15.9m. 100%AWD
4. Randomized clinical trials
a. ICON 2: demonstrated that carboplatin alone was equally efficacious to cisplatin,
doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide. ICON 3 reconfirmed this finding when single
agent carboplatin was compared to carboplatin and paclitaxel. ICON 4 shows
weak, but statistically significant benefit to the combination of carboplatin with
paclitaxel.
b. GOG #111: cisplatin with either cyclophosphamide or paclitaxel showed that
paclitaxel-containing treatment arm had higher complete response (51 vs. 31%),
higher overall response (73 vs. 60%), longer PFI (18 vs. 13 months), and longer
median survival (38 vs. 24 months). (McGuire)
c. GOG #158: paclitaxel with either cisplatin or carboplatin was equally efficacious.
Carboplatin arm had lower neurotoxicity and more severe thrombocytopenia.
(Ozols)
d. Dose intensity trial tested single-agent carboplatin at escalating doses.
Effectiveness was equivalent for all doses above AUC 4 using the Calvert
formula. (Jakobsen)
e. Intraperitoneal versus intravenous therapy shows survival and progression-free
interval advantages with IP therapy in 3 of 5 randomized trials (Markman). GOG
# 172 randomized IV paclitaxel (135 mg/m2 over 24 hours) and IV cisplatin (75
mg/m2) q 21 days for 6 cycles versus IV paclitaxel (135 mg/m2 over 24 hours on
day 1), IP cisplatin (100mg/m2 on day 2), and IP paclitaxel (60 mg/m2 on day 8) q
21 days for 6 cycles. Median progression-free survival was 18.3 and 23.8
months, and overall survival was 49.7 versus 65.6 months, respectively. Only
42% of patients could complete the IP therapy largely due to catheter
complications. Quality of life was significantly worse in the IP group during and
shortly after Tx but not at 1 year. Grade 3-4 toxicity was higher in the IP group by
the following ratios: GI (2x), renal (3.5x), infection (2.5x), fatigue (4x), pain (7x),
and metabolic events (3.5x) (Armstrong)
5. Ovarian epithelial cancer survival, by stage
Survival by Stage, Ovarian Epithelial Cancer

100
80
IA
IB
60
Percent
IC
IIA
40
IIB-C
III
20
IV
0
0 1 2 3 4 5
Years
Morrow, 1998
B. Germ Cell and Stromal Tumors
Histology Stage Therapy Survival
DG Ia Surgery, VAC or RT if recurs 95%
All others Surgery plus VAC 85%
IT Ia1 Surgery 90-95%
All others Surgery plus BEP 85%
EST All stages Surgery plus BEP or PVB 75-95%
Granulosa All stages Surgery chemotherapy (VAC, 95%, 68%
Cell BEP, PVB, RT or hormone tx.) 5y,10y
Sertoli- All stages Surgery VAC or BEP or PVB 70-90%
Leydig
X. Fertility
A. If anatomic structures are preserved, fertility excellent
B. Alkylating chemotherapy drugs cause ovarian failure as function of age and dose. If
amenorrhea occurs, < 10% chance of resumed ovarian function
C. Radiation therapy causes ovarian failure as function of age and dose. All women
receiving > 800 cGy to pelvis develop ovarian failure
XI. NIH consensus recommendations regarding management of ovarian cancer
A. Women with masses having a significant risk of malignancy should be given the
opportunity to have surgery performed by a gynecologic oncologist
B. Aggressive cytoreductive surgery as primary management of ovarian cancer will
improve chances for long term survival
C. Fully staged FIGO IA-1 and IB-1 ovarian cancers do not require postoperative adjuvant
therapy
D. Second look laparotomy should only be done for patients enrolled in clinical trials or for
those patients in whom surgery will affect clinical decision making
E. Platinum-based (carboplatin or cisplatin) and paclitaxel (Taxol) are optimal first line
chemotherapy drugs following primary debulking surgery
F. There is no evidence to support screening of women with or without affected first
degree relatives
G. Recommendations for prophylactic oophorectomy include
1. Confirmed pedigree
2. Annual U/S and CA-125 until 35y or completed childbearing
3. Oophorectomy after 35y or completed childbearing
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Rev. 12/2006
Uterine Sarcomas
I. Smooth Muscle Tumors

A. Benign and Borderline Types
1. Atypical smooth muscle tumors: leiomyoblastoma, clear cell leiomyoma, epithelioid
leiomyoma, plexiform tumorlet. Very rare. Treated by excision, 10% recur.
2. Intravenous leiomyomatosis. Rare. Usually premenopausal and hormonally
sensitive. Treated by excision, 13% recur.
3. Benign metastasizing leiomyoma. Rare. Histologically benign pulmonary mets.
Disease progresses in premenopausal women, stable in postmenopausal women.
Treated by estrogen ablation.
4. Leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata. Rare. Risk factors: Black (67% of cases),
pregnant (50% of cases), oral contraceptive users (30% of cases). May not require
treatment.
B. Leiomyosarcoma (LMS)
1. Epidemiology. Mean age at diagnosis 53. Nulliparas account for 20% of LMS. LMS
accounts for 35-40% of uterine sarcomas. Risk factors: poorly understood. Radiation
not a risk factor
2. Natural History and Prognostic Factors. Patients present with menometrorrhagia or
post menopausal bleeding (75%), pain, awareness of mass, vaginal discharge. Only
15% detected preoperatively. Recurrences detected locally <25%; lung mets
common
3. Pathology. LMS graded by mitotic index (mitoses/10 high power fields) and cytologic
atypia. (<5 benign, 5-9 borderline, 10 malignant; recurrence rate <10%, 33%, 67%,
respectively)
4. Treatment
a. TAH, BSO. Lymph node sampling not helpful due to likelihood of distant mets
b. Adjuvant radiation probably not helpful, even for local control
c. Adjuvant chemotherapy decreases distant mets from 55% to 27%, but does not
improve survival. Use is controversial.
d. Chemotherapy for metastatic disease. Active drugs: doxorubicin (27% response
rate), ifosfamide, gemcitabine with docetaxel, VAC or MAI.
II. Endometrial Tumors
A. Endometrial stromal nodule. Rare. Median age 53. Solitary nodules, pushing margins,
variable mitotic index.(usually 3/10 HPF). Treatment: TAH; recurrences not reported.
B. Endolymphatic stromal myosis (ESM, low grade endometrial stromal sarcoma)
1. Epidemiology. Rare. Patients usually premenopausal.
2. Natural History and Prognostic Factors. Rarely diagnosed pre-op. Stage > I in 21%
of cases. Indolent course despite 55% recurrence rate for stage I disease.
Recurrence more likely if tumor > 5 cm. Long-term survival common, even with
disease.
3. Pathology. Low mitotic index (usually < 5/10 HPF). Gross appearance of "worm-like"
growth through myometrium.
4. Treatment
a. Surgical resection. Radical hysterectomy preferred if diagnosed pre-op.
Oophorectomy reduces recurrence risk. Measure hormone receptors in tumor
b. Adjuvant RT improves local control; 40% have distant recurrences.
c. Progestin therapy effective: 25% CR, 25% PR, 45% stable disease
d. Post surgical RT or progestins warranted if tumor > 5 cm, or if VSI present.
e. Chemotherapy has limited effectiveness. Doxorubicin active, 25%
C. Endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS)
1. Epidemiology. ESS accounts for 14% of uterine sarcomas. Patients usually
postmenopausal.
2. Natural History and Prognostic Factors. Patients present with PMB, menorrhagia,
pain.
3. Pathology. High mitotic index, homologous cell type.
4. Treatment
a. TAH, BSO, consider node sampling. Measure hormone receptor content
b. Adjuvant RT improves local control, but doesn't prolong survival. Use for low
stage disease
c. Progestin therapy may be effective if receptors positive
d. Receptor negative, advanced stage lesions should receive chemotherapy
III. Mixed Tumors
A. Mllerian adenosarcoma. Rare. Benign glands, atypical stroma.
B. Malignant mixed mesodermal tumors (MMMT)
1. Epidemiology. MMMT accounts for 3-6% of all uterine cancers; 51% of uterine
sarcomas. Risk factors: nulliparity (25% of cases), obesity (40% of cases), diabetes
(15% of cases), prior radiation (10%, range 0-30% of cases). Estrogen not
implicated.
2. Natural History and Prognostic Factors. Patients present with bleeding (82%),
prolapsing cervical mass (33%), pain (25%), abdominal mass (10%). Distant mets
found in 10-20%, at presentation. Clinical stage I patients have 50% chance of extra-
pelvic mets when initially explored.
3. Pathology. Glandular and stromal components both malignant.
a. Homologous. Stromal differentiation into native uterine cell types. Also called
carcinosarcoma.
b. Heterologous. Stromal cell types not normally found in uterus (e.g. striated
muscle, cartilage, bone).
4. Treatment
a. TAH, BSO, lymph node sampling
b. Adjuvant radiation therapy indicated postoperatively to control high local
recurrence rate (54% without RT, 23% with RT). Survival not prolonged
c. Adjuvant chemotherapy may prolong survival if extrauterine disease present
d. Chemotherapy for metastatic disease. Active drugs: doxorubicin, ifosfamide,
cisplatin
IV. Rare Types
A. Rhabdosarcoma
1. Embryonal form: sarcoma botryoides, see Vaginal Cancer chapter.
2. Adult form: pleomorphic histology, poor survival.
B. Osteosarcoma
C. Chondrosarcoma
D. Hemangiopericytoma
E. Peripheral Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor (pPNET) or Ewings Sarcoma
V. Staging
By convention, uterine sarcomas are staged using FIGO endometrial cancer rules. Stage
subdivisions are usually ignored (e.g. IIIaIII).
FIGO Staging for Uterine Sarcoma
I Tumor confined to uterine corpus
II Tumor involves cervix
III Tumor confined to true pelvis
IV Distant metastases
VI. Survival
Stage LMS ESM ESS MMMT
I 48% 89% 78% 36%
II 67% 75% 0% 22%
III 0% 67% 14% 10%
IV 0% 0% 6%
Berchuck A, Rubin SC, Hoskins WJ, Saigo PE, Pierce VK, Lewis JL. Treatment of endometrial
stromal tumors. Gynecol Oncol 1990; 36: 60-65
Berchuck A, Rubin SC, Hoskins WJ, Saigo PE, Pierce VK, Lewis JL. Treatment of uterine
leiomyosarcoma. Obstet Gynecol 1988; 71: 845-850
Rose PG, Boutselis JG, Sachs L. Adjuvant therapy for stage I uterine sarcoma. Am J Obstet
Gynecol 1987; 156: 660-662
Salazar OM, Bonfiglio TA, Patten SF, et al. Uterine sarcomas: natural history, treatment and
prognosis. Cancer 1978; 42: 1152-1160
Schwartz SM, Thomas DB. A case-control study of risk factors for sarcomas of the uterus.
Cancer 1989; 64: 2487-2492
Sutton GP, Stehman FB, Michael H, Young PC, Ehrlich CE. Estrogen and progesterone
receptors in uterine sarcomas. Obstet Gynecol 1986; 68: 709-714
Vaginal Cancer
I. Incidence: 1-2% of all gyn cancers.
II. Epidemiology and Natural History: Etiology and cell types stratified by patient age
A. Childhood tumors
1. Sarcoma botryoides: embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. 90% occur before 5y of age.
Appearance of red-tan grape clusters protruding from vagina. Frequent lymphatic
mets to groin and pelvis. Hematogenous mets occur as well.
2. Endodermal sinus tumor: germ cell origin (see ovary chapter). Occurs in infants. Can
be mistaken for sarcoma botryoides.
B. Tumors of adolescence and young adulthood: Clear cell carcinoma (CCC) associated
with in-utero diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure.
1. Features of in-utero DES exposure: Risk of CCC (Vagina >> cervix) is 1:1000.
History of in-utero DES exposure present in 67% of vaginal CCC, 33% of cervical
CCC. Mean age of DES associated CCC 19y (range 7-42). Three histologic
subtypes: tubulocystic, papillary, solid. Tubulocystic has better prognosis (88% vs
73% 5y survival) and usually occurs after age 19. Adenosis present in 33%.
Squamous metaplasia in adenosis makes colposcopic evaluation of dysplasia
difficult, but causes eventual regression of adenosis. Lifetime risk of vaginal
dysplasia increased. Probably no significant increased risk of breast cancer
(controversial). DES associated uterine anomalies (80%) and infertility widely
reported.
2. Recommended routine DES exam: Initial colposcopy, pap smear, and palpation of
vagina. Take separate pap from vagina and cervix. If adenosis present, re-examine
q6 months with colposcopy at least every 4th visit.
C. Tumors of adults
1. Squamous carcinoma: Mean age 60-65y. Most common in upper 1/3 of vagina, and
on posterior wall. Lymphatic drainage mimics cervix for upper vaginal lesions, and
vulva for lower vaginal lesions. Frequently associated with HPV (usually HPV 16,
see cervix chapter).
2. Malignant melanoma: Average age 55y (range 22-83). Usually in lower 1/3 of
vagina, and on anterior wall. Pigmented in 95%, amelanotic in 5%.
3. Rarely, tumors develop in Gartner's duct cysts (Wolffian system) and Mllerian duct
cysts. They tend to be located anterolaterally, and anteriorly, respectively.
Lymphoma and sarcoma (adult type) also occur rarely.
D. Presenting symptoms: vaginal bleeding and foul discharge in 50-70%
III. Pathology
Squamous Carcinoma 80%
Adenocarcinoma 14%
Melanoma/Sarcoma 6%
Germ Cell Tumors Rare
IV. Diagnosis
A. Biopsy and pelvic exam. Must rule out cervical, vulvar, and rectal lesions. By
convention, tumor extension to cervix or vulva reclassifies tumor as cervical or vulvar.
B. Cystoscopy for anterior lesions
C. Sigmoidoscopy for posterior lesions
D. CXR and IVP, or CT of abdomen and pelvis
E. Consider tumor markers: SCC (TA-4) and CEA for squamous lesions; CA-125 for
adenocarcinoma
V. Staging
FIGO Staging for Vaginal Cancer is determined by clinical examination

I Limited to vaginal wall
II Involvement of subvaginal tissue
III Extension to pelvic wall
IV Spread beyond the true pelvis or involvement of bladder or rectal mucosa
IVa Spread to adjacent organs
IVb Spread to distant organs
Melanoma is staged using Breslow's system (see vulva chapter).
VI. Treatment
A. Carcinoma
1. Radiation therapy. Four field pelvic port (40-50 Gy) followed by interstitial implant
(25-40 Gy to tumor volume). If lower 1/3 of vagina involved, inguinal nodes also
treated. Patients with large or high stage lesions may benefit from addition of
radiation sensitizers (cisplatin and/or 5-fluorouracil). Small stage I lesions can be
treated with brachytherapy alone.
2. Surgery. Upper vaginal lesions treated with radical hysterectomy and vaginectomy.
Better suited for superficial, posterior fornix lesions, or for patients who cannot be
radiated. Recurrent tumors (after radiation) may be treatable by pelvic exenteration.
3. DES-associated CCC in young women. Treatment customized to include resection
+/- radiation therapy. Possible to preserve fertility in some cases.
B. Melanoma. No standard therapy. Treatment includes excision +/- radiation therapy,
radical surgery, and radiation therapy alone. Local excisions recur locally 80%. Radical
excision impacts little on survival.
C. Sarcoma botryoides. Treatment individualized. Vincristine, dactinomycin (Actinomycin-
D), cyclophosphamide (VAC) chemotherapy is crucial. Surgical resection radiation is
suggested for the tumor site and positive margins, respectively. Local control with
chemotherapy alone is 15%.
VII. Survival
A. Carcinoma
Stage Percent in Stage 5y Survival
I 17 77%
II 25 45%
III 40 31%
IV 18 18%
B. Melanoma, all stages 15-20% at 5y
C. Sarcoma botryoides, all stages 75% at 5y
Vulvar Cancer
I. Incidence: 4.4% of all gyn malignancies, 0.5% of all malignancies in women. 3740 new
cases and 880 deaths in the USA in 2006 (Jemal). Mean age 65
II. Epidemiology:
A. Bimodal age distribution. In young women HPV linked to development of cancer. In
older women, lichen sclerosis more common.
B. HPV types associated with gynecologic neoplasia (Hoskins). Underlined lesions are
predominant.
Lesion HPV Association
Condyloma 6, 11, 16, 30, 40, 41,
42, 44, 45, 54, 55, 61
VIN, VAIN 6, 11, 16, 18, 30, 31, 33, 35, 39, 40, 42,
45, 51, 52, 55, 59, 61, 62, 64, 66-70
Cervical Cancer 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 54, 55,
56, 58, 59, 66, 68
C. VIN and vulvar cancer etiology. N=235 with VIN and CA, from 24 N.Y. hospitals, case
control study, 30 months duration (Trimble).
HPV Positive Mean Age
VIN, n=54 88.9% 49
Basaloid / Warty CA, n=21 85.7% 61
Keratinizing SCC, n=48 6.3% 65
D. Association of vulvar cancer with prior vulvar dystrophy and VIN. (Trimble).
LS&A Hyperplastic VIN
KSCC, n=48 19% 33% 4%
B-W, n=21 5% 19% 81%
KSCC=keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma
B-W=basaloid-warty carcinoma
E. Comparison of relative risk for HPV and Non-HPV associated vulvar cancer (Trimble)
Overall B-W KSC
Sex Partners, 2 (vs 1) 2.9 8.1 2.2
Coitarche, <20y 1.5 7.4 2.5
Abnl Pap 2.3 4.7 NC
Condyloma 5.9 10 NC
Smoker, ever 4.9 12.3 NC
F. Progression of untreated VIN to cancer
1. Age of women with VIN 3 fell from 52.7y to 35.8y between 1961 and 1992 (Jones)
2. Incidence of VIN rose exponentially between 1961 and 1992 (Jones)
3. Untreated VIN more likely to progress to cancer. (Jones)
Status Cancer
Treated VIN (n=105) 3.8%
Untreated VIN, 8 years (n=8) 87.5%
G. Relative Risks in Non-HPV Associated Vulvar Cancer RR
Coffee (>2 cups/day vs. none) 2.8
Occupation (laundry, dry cleaning) 3.8
Hx vulvitis (granulomatous STD) 8.5
Hx leukoplakia 13.0
H. Association with cervical malignancy in 15% of all vulvar cancers.
III. Pathology: (Dunton)
Squamous carcinoma 85-90%
Melanoma 5-10%
Bartholin's Adenocarcinoma 4%
Basal Cell carcinoma <2%
Sarcoma <2%
Paget's Disease <1%
A. Melanoma occurs most often in 6th and 7th decades in Caucasian. One third occur in
women younger than 50 (Wilkinson). Incidence 360 per year in USA in 2001 (Greenlee)
B. Melanoma Types
1. Superficial Spreading Melanoma. Accounts for 4% of vulvar lesions (Ragnarsson).
Radial spread 4 or more rete lateral to the vertical or infiltrative growth (Wilkinson)
2. Nodular Melanoma. Accounts for 22% of vulvar lesions. Vertical growth pattern.
(Ragnarsson).
3. Lentiginous types account for 57% of vulvar lesions (Ragnarsson).
a. Acral Lentiginous Melanoma, more common subtype on vulva.
b. Lentigo Maligna Melanoma
4. Amelanotic melanoma, containing no melanin, occurs in up to 27% of vulvar lesions
(Ragnarsson)
IV. Natural History
A. Symptoms
1. Mass (45%)
2. Pruritus (45%). More commonly associated with LS&A and dysplasia.
3. Pain (23%)
4. Ulcer (13%)
B. Spread
1. Indolent local invasion, followed by
2. Lymphatic spread: superficial inguinal to femoral to pelvic nodes. Spread is usually
ipsilateral, but 0.4% positive contralateral nodes with ipsilateral negative nodes
reported
V. Diagnosis
A. Differential Diagnosis
1. Benign solid neoplasms including leiomyoma, lipoma, syringoma, trichoepithelioma,
granular cell tumor, neurofibroma, schwannoma
2. Glandular neoplasms including papillary hidradenoma, nodular hidradenoma, ectopic
breast or nipple, endometriosis
3. Cysts including Bartholins cyst, epithelial inclusion cyst (sebaceous cyst), Wolfian
cyst (mesonephric cyst), cyst of canal of Nuck (mesothelial cyst)
4. Vascular lesions including angiokeratoma, capillary hemangioma, cavernous
hemangioma, cherry angioma, varicose veins
5. Nevi and pigmented lesions including vitiligo, fibroepithelial polyp (skin tag,
acrochordon), seborrheic keratosis, vulvar melanosis, nevus, dysplastic nevus
6. Infectious diseases including HPV, HSV, condyloma lata, molluscum, chancroid,
lymphogranuloma venereum, granuloma inguinale
7. Vulvar dystrophy
B. Biopsy indicated for obtaining diagnosis. Complete excision not required.
C. Punch biopsy technique: use Keys punch or Kevorkian forceps with local anesthetic. No
suture required. Apply silver nitrate or Monsels solution for hemostasis (Reid). Excision
of small lesion: make elliptical incision following lines of tension in skin. Incise,
undermine and remove lesion with minimal margin, if benign in appearance. Undermine
surrounding skin to mobilize for closure. Use mattress or subcuticular stitch with fine
absorbable suture (Jenison, Karlen).
D. Shave biopsy technique contraindicated for possible melanoma lesions
E. Colposcopy of the Vulva
1. Indications
a. Persistent condyloma or visible lesion
b. Chronic pruritus or pain
2. Colposcopy technique
a. Soak vulva with gauze moistened with acetic acid. Let soak for several minutes
b. Inspect methodically
c. Lesions may appear white, red, or pigmented. Mosaic and punctation uncommon
d. Biopsy anything which does not appear normal
VI. Treatment of Pre-Invasive Disease
A. Condyloma
1. TCA (85%): apply topically 1-3x per week. Safe during pregnancy
2. Laser (CO2): requires anesthesia. See technique below.
3. LEEP: requires local anesthetic. Best method for debulking large condylomata.
4. Imiquimod (Aldara): apply to skin 3 times per week for up to 16 weeks. Apply at h.s.
and leave on 6-10 hours, then wash off
5. Podofilox 0.5% topical gel (Condylox): apply b.i.d. for 3 days x 4 weeks. No more
than 10 cm2 area.
6. -Interferon: 1,000,000 units s.c. 3x per week for 4-6 weeks
7. Efudex cream (5 FU, 5%): massage small amount into skin 2 nights per week for 10
weeks. Cleanse skin next AM. Alert patient to expected symptoms (burning).
Contraindicated in pregnancy
B. Ablative techniques indicated for condyloma and vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia
1. Laser (CO2) or ultrasonic surgical aspiration: best cosmetic result on mucosal
surfaces
2. Wide local excision: best results on hair-bearing surfaces (Wright VC)
C. Laser ablation
1. Clinical utility depends on use of appropriate wavelength. The CO2 laser is most
applicable to ablation of condyloma, dysplasia, and carcinoma-in-situ. The 10,600
nM wavelength is absorbed by water, resulting in tissue vaporization. Absorption
occurs at the surface. Thermal damage to underlying tissue is minimized
2. Power density must be adequate to prevent char
a. PD (Watts/cm2)=(Watts x 100)/r2, r = spot radius (not diameter).
b. Use of a motorized handpiece (Silk Touch) will result in a smoother and more
uniform depth of ablation
c. A colposcope may be used to guide the laser. Low power Helium Neon laser (red
beam) is used for aiming. Eye protection mandatory
3. Depth of laser ablation must be below the basement membrane for dysplasia
treatment
a. Ablate to a depth of 1-2 or 2.5 mm in non-hairbearing skin and hairbearing skin,
respectively (Morrow, Baggish)
b. Surgical Planes defined by Reid use visual landmarks to determine depth
Plane Tissue vaporized Healing Landmark Technique
1 Proliferating epithelium No scar "Opalescent Single brush, wipe with
Condy debris" moist gauze
2 Superficial papillary No scar "Chamois" Plane1, then rapid
dermis brush
3 Superficial reticular Mild "Water-logged Plane 1, then slow
VIN dermis scar cotton" brush
4 Deep reticular dermis Scar "Sand grains" Plane 3, then slow
brush
4. Operative Technique
a. Requires anesthesia
b. Ice vulvar skin and drape surrounding area with wet towels
c. Stain epithelium with 5% acetic acid and mark lesions
d. Set power density to 600-750 W/cm2; 15-20 W with spot size of 2 mm
e. Frequently wipe char from area during ablation
5. Post Operative Care
a. Sitz bath b.i.d. until re-epithelialized
b. Blow dry on low setting, then apply neomycin-bacitracin ointment
c. Separate labia b.i.d. to prevent coaptation. Foley if periurethral tissues ablated
d. For discomfort, moist tea bag compresses b.i.d. after sitz baths
e. Follow weekly until re-epithelialization complete
6. Treatment Results
a. Condyloma and VIN: 70-90% success at 2 years
D. Ultrasonic Surgical Aspiration (Rader)
1. Uses mechanical vibration to cavitate tissue allowing aspiration of the disease
2. Unlike laser, specimen can be submitted for histology
3. Operative Technique
a. Stain epithelium with 5% acetic acid and mark lesions
b. Set power to 5-6 on CUSA and ablate to a depth of 2-2.5 mm
4. Post Operative Care as for laser ablation, although pain less severe
5. Treatment Results: Condyloma and VIN 78% success at 50 weeks
E. General Principles of Electrosurgery
1. Radio frequency current (350 KHz-3.3 MHz) results in kinetic energy transfer to
intracellular ions which vaporizes intracellular water. Avoid Faradic Effect (50 Hz-200
KHz), which stimulates muscle and nerve causing pain by using proper equipment
2. Cutting: sine-wave RF current; coagulation: pulsed ("spark gap") RF current
F. Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure
1. Technique
a. Lesion outlined using acetic acid and colposcope
b. Anesthetize with 1% Lidocaine with epinephrine
c. Choose loop to excise lesion
d. Excise tissue in single pass, using 34 - 40 W, blend mode
e. Cauterize base with ball electrode at 50 W, coagulation mode
f. Apply Monsel's solution
2. Advantages
a. Diagnostic and therapeutic intervention, potentially with one clinic visit
b. Histologic specimen improves diagnostic accuracy
c. Equipment less costly than laser
VII. Staging of Invasive Disease.
A. Vulvar cancer staging is surgical. AJCC and FIGO staging systems are identical. This
system applies for all tumor types other than melanoma
B. Staging assessment may require cystoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and chest X-ray for
locally advanced lesions.
TNM system (FIGO, Revised 1995)
T1: Tumor confined to vulva, 2 cm in largest diameter.
T1a Tumor invades 1mm
T1b Tumor invades > 1mm
T2: Tumor confined to vulva, >2 cm in largest diameter.
T3: Tumor of any size with spread to urethra, vagina, or anus.
T4: Tumor of any size infiltrating bladder or rectal mucosa, and/or
fixed to bone.
N0: No lymph node metastases.
N1: Unilateral regional node metastases.
N2: Bilateral regional node metastases.
M0: No clinical metastases.
M1: Spread to pelvic nodes or distant metastases.
Stage Grouping
Stage I: T1a-b N0 MO
Stage II: T2 N0 MO
Stage III: T3-2-1 N0-1 MO
Stage IVa: T3-2-1 N2 MO; T4 N(any) M0
Stage IVb: T(any) N(any) M1
3. Microinvasion: T1aN0M0. Defined by International Society for the Study of Vulvar
Diseases (ISSVD) in 1984, and adopted by FIGO in 1995. Incidence of inguinal
node metastases is < 1%. Conservative surgical therapy without inguinal-femoral
lymphadenectomy indicated.
C. Melanoma staging is separate from the above and is based primarily on lesion
thickness.
1. Microstaging systems for melanoma (Breslow, Chung, Clark)
Stage Breslow Chung Clark
I <0.76 mm Intraepithelial Intraepithelial
II 0.76-1.5 mm 1 mm Into papillary dermis
III 1.51-2.25 mm 1-2 mm Filling dermal papillae
IV 2.26-3.0 mm > 2 mm Into reticular dermis
V > 3 mm Into subcutaneous fat Into subcutaneous fat
2. American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC) TNM system for melanoma, 2001
Primary Tumor
Tis Melanoma in situ
T1a Tumor < 1.0 mm in thickness, without ulceration and level II/III
T1b Tumor < 1.0 mm in thickness, with ulceration or level IV/V
T2a Tumor 1.01-2.0 mm in thickness without ulceration
T2b Tumor 1.01-2.0 mm in thickness with ulceration
T3a Tumor 2.01-4.0 mm in thickness without ulceration
T3b Tumor 2.01-4.0 mm in thickness with ulceration
T4a Tumor > 4.0 mm in thickness without ulceration
T4b Tumor > 4.0 mm in thickness with ulceration
Regional Lymph Nodes

N0 No regional node metastasis
N1a 1 lymph node metastasis, microscopic
N1b 1 lymph node metastasis, macroscopic
N2a 2-3 lymph node metastases, microscopic
N2b 2-3 lymph node metastases, macroscopic
N3 > 4 lymph node metastases, or matted nodes, or in-transit / satellite
metastases
Distant Metastasis
M0 No distant metastasis
M1a Distant skin, subcutaneous or nodal metastasis and normal serum lactate
dehydrogenase
M1b Lung metastasis and normal serum lactate dehydrogenase
M1c All other visceral metastases or any distant metastasis with elevated serum
LDH
Stage Grouping
Clinical Surgical
Stage 0 Tis N0 M0 Tis N0 M0
Stage IA T1a N0 M0 T1a N0 M0
Stage IB T(1b or 2a) N0 M0 T(1b or 2a) N0 M0
Stage IIA T(2b or 3a) N0 M0 T(2b or 3a) N0 M0

Stage IIB T(3b or 4a) N0 M0 T(3b or 4a) N0 M0
Stage IIC T4b N0 M0 T4b N0 M0
Stage III T(any) N1-3 M0

Stage IIIA T(1-4a) N(1a or 2a) M0
Stage IIIB T(1-4b) N(1a or 2a) M0
T(1-4a) N(1b or 2b) M0
T(1a or 1b) N2c M0
Stage IIIC T(1-4b) N(1b or 2b) M0
T(Any) N3 M0
Stage IV T(Any) N(Any) M1 T(Any) N(Any) M1
VII. Treatment
A. Stage Ia microinvasive squamous carcinoma: Wide local excision without inguinal node
dissection
B. Stage I and II squamous carcinoma: Hemivulvectomy with unilateral inguinal
lymphadenectomy. Bilateral lymphadenectomy if lesion within 1-2 cm of midline
(Moore).
1. Margin adequacy. At UCLA 135 patients were retrospectively assessed for risk of
recurrence based on margin of resection. If margin was > 1 cm, 0% recurred locally
(0/91) and if margin was < 8 mm, 47% (21/44) developed local recurrence. Of the 23
who did not recur locally, 39% (9/23) developed distant metastases. (Heaps)
2. Depth of resection is the superficial fascia of the urogenital diaphragm
3. If < 2 positive groin nodes: dissect contralateral groin, no adjuvant therapy
4. If 2 positive nodes, then radiation therapy to pelvis and groin increases survival
from 30% to 60% by GOG randomized trial (Homesley).
C. Stage III-IV
Treatment is individualized according to size and location of the lesion. Options include:
1. Radical vulvectomy with unilateral or bilateral groin node dissection. For lesions
involving anal mucosa or urethra, treatment options are:
2. Exenteration for locally advanced disease in an individual who has been radiated
previously or who is not a candidate for chemoradiation.
3. Neoadjuvant radiation therapy and chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil (and optional
mitomycin), followed by standard surgical therapy if any residual disease is detected
(Burke). 70% chance of local control with chemoradiation alone (Boronow)
D. Lymphadenectomy is both therapeutic and diagnostic. Conventional approach is
superficial and deep lymphadenectomy. Superficial node dissection without removal of
deep nodes may have an 8% local recurrence rate representing a significant false
negative rate.
E. Sentinel node mapping is the standard of care for melanoma cases and is being tested
prospectively by the GOG for squamous vulvar carcinoma. Both
radiolymphoscintigraphy and blue dye are used to localize the sentinel node. The
radiocolloid used is technetium 99 (450 Ci 99Tc) sulfur colloid (filtered to 0.2 m) is
injected intradermally in 4 sites at the periphery of the tumor 2-4 hours pre-op. Gamma
scan is performed and sentinel node(s) is marked. Films are brought with the patient to
the OR. At beginning of surgical procedure, 8 ml of 1% isosulfan blue dye is injected
intradermally at 4 sites around the periphery of the tumor. Incision is made over the
sentinel node determined by lymphoscintigraphy and blue dye is located. Hand held
gamma probe assists in localization of node(s). Specimen is submitted for frozen
section. If negative, no further nodes are removed unless hand held probe identifies a
second node(s) with > 10% of the sentinel node activity or > 150% of background
activity. If the frozen section is positive, full lymphadenectomy may be warranted
depending on the clinical protocol. The specimens are held for 2-6 t1/2 before
processing. (Fiorica, Moore, Levenback).
Accuracy (Ross, Albertini)
Blue dye alone 69-89%
Lymphoscintigraphy 83%
Both 96-99%
Histologic evaluation of sentinel nodes requires 10-15 serial sections. Immunohisto-
chemistry staining for S-100 and HMB-45 may improve sensitivity and specificity.
(Johnson 1998)
F. Special cases
1. Verrucous and basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads to nodes. Wide local excision or
hemivulvectomy is sufficient therapy.
2. Pagets Disease is rarely invasive and rarely metastasizes. Wide excision is
indicated.
3. Melanoma
a. Older approach included radical vulvectomy with lymphadenectomy.
b. Newer approach is to perform wide local excision (WLE) with sentinel node
dissection on selected cases based on lesion thickness. (Johnson 1995-1998,
Look, Piura, Rose)
c. Surgical margin guidelines
NIH Consensus Conference on Melanoma (NIH)
Lesion Thickness Surgical Margin
1 mm 1 cm
1.1-2.0 mm 1-2 cm (latter preferred)
2.1-4.0 mm 2 cm
> 4 mm 3 cm
d. University of Michigan Treatment Guidelines for AJCC Stage I-II Melanoma.
(Johnson 1995)
Breslow Depth Margin & Treatment
0.75 mm 1 cm margin
0.76-1.49 mm 1-2 cm (1 cm for depth 1mm)
1.50-4.0 mm 1-2 cm margin (2 cm for depth > 2 mm)
Sentinel node dissection
+/- Adjuvant therapy with Interferon or clinical trial
> 4.0 mm 3 cm margin
+/- Adjuvant therapy with Interferon or clinical trial
VIII. Surgical Complications, and Reconstruction

A. Wound breakdown
1. Acute breakdown following radical vulvectomy 50% and following radical
hemivulvectomy 14% (Burrell)
2. Use of flaps for closure of large defects increases primary intention rate of healing to
89% (Reid 1997)
3. Chronic defects include 5-25% incidence of rectocoele, cystocoele, and uterine
prolapse (Morrow)
B. Infections
1. Vulvar surgery is Clean Contaminated by American College of Surgeons
classification
2. Risks for postoperative infection (Snyder)
Increased risk of post-op infection Decreased risk of post-op infection
Age > 66 or < 14 years Age 15-65 years
Lengthy procedure Short procedure
Shaving skin pre-op Clipping skin pre-op
Excessive electrosurgery Irrigation
Foreign bodies Inert or absorbable suture material
3. Most common organisms identified: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus
epidermidis, Streptococcus A & B, Enterococcus, Streptococcus viridans, gram
negative enterobacteriaceae and mixed anaerobes. (Snyder)
4. Antibiotic prophylaxis to cover likely organisms warranted
C. Lymphocysts (Morrow)
1. Occur following 7-28% of inguinal lymphadenectomy
2. Prevent with closed suction drainage and minimization of resection
3. Treat with frequent aspiration
4. If aspiration unsuccessful, instill absolute ethanol or betadine to sclerose
D. Lymphedema (Morrow)
1. Occurs following 7-19% of cases.
2. Treat with elevation and compression.
3. Diuretics sometimes helpful.
4. Lymphedema clinic referral for pneumatic compression and massage.
5. Chronic lymphedema increases risk for life threatening cellulitis and DVT. These
problems may be chronic.
E. Incontinence of urine or feces
F. Sexual dysfunction
G. Psychological problems
H. Reconstruction techniques
1. Split thickness skin graft (Morrow)
a. Indicated for coverage of superficial resections too wide for primary closure and
with preservation of subcutaneous fat pad. Typical case is resection for
dysplasia, or Pagets disease.
b. Dermatome used to harvest epithelium (0.016-0.018 inch thick) from anterior
thigh or superior border of buttocks. Graft may need to be meshed to increase
coverage. Non-meshed grafts require drainage incisions.
c. Graft is sutured in place, Foley and rectal tubes are placed and a bolus (pressure
dressing) is applied for 5 days
2. Cutaneous flaps for closure of small to intermediate sized defects
a. Rhomboid (Gallup Figs. 15-6, 15-8, 15-9).
i. Indicated for closure of intermediate size defects, particularly on perineal
body and posterior perineum.
ii. Measure flap length to equal size of defect. Undermine surrounding skin to
allow mobility of the flap. Close with modified mattress suture, keeping knots
away from the flap side of the incision.
iii. Apply pressure dressing for 24 hours and keep patient at bedrest for 5 days.
Delay defecation for 2-3 days for posterior flaps.
b. Lateral transposition (Knapstein Fig. 13)
i. Indicated for closure of intermediate size defects, particularly on perineal
body and posterior perineum.
ii. Measure flap length to equal size of defect. Flap length to width ratio should
be 2 or less. Undermine surrounding skin to allow mobility of the flap.
3. Myocutaneous flaps for closure of large defects or defects in a previously radiated
field
a. Gracilis (Knapstein, Morrow Figs. 8-29, 8-31, Reynolds Figs. 5B, 5C).
i. Muscle origin is the anterior portion of the inferior pubic arch and insertion is
to the medial tibial condyle. Blood supply is the medial femoral circumflex
artery, entering the muscle 8-10 cm inferior to the pubic tubercle between the
adductor longus and adductor magnus muscles. The saphenous vein is
preserved anterior to the flap.
ii. The flap design can be either an island or rotational flap. During dissection
the skin should be sutured to the muscle and tissue handling should be
gentle.
iii. The flap is carefully rotated posteriorly and is sutured in place with closed
suction drains in place.
b. Tensor fascia lata (Knapstein, Hacker Fig. 10-13)
i. Muscle origin is the anterior superior iliac spine and insertion is the fibrous
portion of the fascia lata. Blood supply is the lateral femoral circumflex artery.
ii. The flap design is a rotational flap. During dissection the blood supply should
be carefully preserved and tissue handling should be gentle. The flap can be
up to 6 x 30 cm in size.
c. Gluteus maximus (Knapstein, Hacker Fig. 10-14)
i. The muscle origin is the dorsal pubic ramus, posterior sacrum and
sacrotuberal ligament. Insertion is the posterior upper femur and fascia lata.
Blood supply is the inferior gluteal artery.
ii. The flap design can be either an island or rotational flap. The muscle is
partially transected to the posterior skin incision to allow rotation. The flap can
be up to 8 x 20 cm in size.
d. Rectus abdominis (Knapstein, Morrow, Figs. 8-21, 8-23)
i. Indicated for closure of large vulvar defects only if the bladder or rectum has
also been removed as in the case of an exenteration.
ii. Muscle origin is the symphysis pubis and insertion is the thorax into the fascia
of the intercostal muscles and cartilage of the rib cage. Blood supply for pelvic
flaps is the inferior epigastric artery.
iii. The flap design is an island flap.
IX. Prognostic Factors and Survival
A. Incidence of node metastases in squamous carcinoma of vulva
By lesion diameter (cm) By depth (mm)
1 0%
1 5% 1.1-2 6.6%
1-2 16% 8.2%
2-4 33% 22%
>4 53% 25%
>5 37%
Pelvic nodes positive 5% overall, but 44% if 3 positive groin nodes
B. Survival for Squamous Cancers
Stage 5 yr Survival
I 91.1%
I (negative nodes) 95.0%
II 80.9%
III 48.4%
IV 15.3%
If nodes positive but 2 on one side, survival 75%.If nodes positive but >2, or any
number bilateral, survival 25%
C. Survival for Malignant Melanoma
Breslow's Depth 5 yr Survival
<0.76 mm 100%
0.76-1.5 mm 89%
1.51-3.0 mm 72%
>3.0 mm 22%
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Rev. 12/2006
Nutrition, Fluids and Electrolytes
I. Types of Malnutrition
Protein Stores Adipose Stores
Kwashiorkor Loss Stable
Marasmus Stable Loss
Cachexia Loss Loss
II. Risk Factors for Malnutrition
A. Body weight 20% below ideal
(Ideal =100 lbs for 60" height + 5 lbs for each additional inch)
B. Recent weight loss 10% of usual weight
C. Alcohol abuse
D. Chronic diseases or cancer
E. NPO for 7 days with only IV hydration
F. Increased nutritional needs: burns, trauma, surgery, fever, sepsis, wounds, pregnancy
G. Nutritional losses: malabsorption, short bowel syndrome, dialysis, effusions, chronic
bleeding or diarrhea
H. Catabolic drugs: steroids, immunosuppressants, chemotherapy agents
I. Protracted emesis
III. Nutritional Assessment
A. Anthropomorphic Measurement. e.g. triceps skin fold thickness.
B. Protein Store Assessment
Normal Mild Moderate Severe
Weight loss, 1 month, % - 3-4 5 >5
3 months, % - 6-7 7.5 > 7.5
6 months, % - 8 - 9.5 10 > 10
Transferrin, mg/dL 200 - 350 180 - 200 160 - 180 < 160
Albumin, mg/dL 3.5 3 - 3.5 2.5 - 3 < 2.5
Pre-albumin, mg/dL > 13 10 - 13 6.5 - 10 < 6.5
Tot Lymphocyte Count > 1800 1500 - 1800 900 - 1500 < 900
Skin test antigens, mm > 15 10 - 15 5 - 10 <5
Half-life of: albumin (20 days), transferrin (8-10 days), Pre-albumin (2 days).
Lymphocyte count is inaccurate for patients undergoing RT or chemotherapy.
C. Nitrogen Balance Estimate. Not accurate with fistulas, diarrhea, burns, dialysis
N Bal = [(P I / 6.25) - (UUN + 3)]
Where UUN=24 hour urine urea nitrogen in grams, PI=24 hour protein intake in grams
IV. Estimation of Nutritional Requirements
A. Caloric Intake
1. Harris-Benedict Basal Energy Expenditure (BEE) equation:
BEE(kcal) = 655 + 9.6(wt, kg) + 1.7(ht, cm) - 4.7(age, yr)
Coefficient of Adjustment
Bed rest 1.2x(BEE)
Ambulatory 1.3x(BEE)
Sepsis 1.3x(BEE)
Anabolic/Burns 1.5x(BEE)
Increase BEE 12% for each degree of fever >37 C.
2. Respiratory Energy Expenditure (REE). Using measured O2 consumption or

difference in arterial and venous O2 saturation. Accuracy 15%.
REE=(VO2)x(5 kcal/L)x(60 min/hour)x(24 hours/day), where: VO2=(aO2-vO2)/CO,
and VO2=O2 consumption in L/min; (aO2-vO2)=difference in a-vO2
content=(Hb)x(O2 sat)x(1.36); CO=cardiac output in L/min
3. Respiratory Quotient: ratio of CO2 produced for oxygen consumed RQ=VCO2/VO2
Fat 0.7
Protein 0.8
Carbohydrate 1.0
B. Protein Requirement (usually 10-20% total caloric intake) 4Kcal/g Take into account the
patients renal function, hepatic function and nutritional status (see section III)
Maintenance 0.8 - 1 g/kg-day Use Adjusted Ideal Body Weight =
Repletion 1.3 - 1.5 g/kg-day [(Actual BW IBW) x 25%] + IBW
C. Carbohydrate Requirements: usually 50-60% of total caloric intake. 3.4 Kcal/g. Keep
infusion less than 4 mg/kg-min in stressed individuals (surgery, trauma, burns, steroids)
D. Lipid Requirements: Usually 20-30% of total calories. Should not exceed 60% of total.
9 Kcal/g. Lower respiratory quotient than CHO helpful with borderline respiratory
failure). Emulsion is isotonic. Essential fatty acids are linoleic and linolenic acids:
absolute requirements for essential fatty acids is 3-5% of total caloric intake.
E. Fluid Requirements. Add 10% for fever >38 C.
Wt 10 kg 100 mL/kg-day
10 kg <Wt 20 kg (+)50 mL/kg-day
Wt >20 kg (+)20 mL/kg-day
F. Electrolytes, Recommended Daily Supplements. Combined Calcium and phosphorous
must be < 30mEq / L
Na+ 60-150 mEq Cl- 60-150 mEq Mg2+ 8-24 mEq
K + 60-120 mEq PO4 2- 20-40 mM Ca 2+ 10-15 mEq
G. Vitamins, AMA daily therapeutic recommendations, and metabolic function
A (fat soluble) 3300 IU Vision (rhodopsin), growth, reproduction
D (fat soluble) 200 IU Calcium and phosphorous homeostasis
E (fat soluble) 10 IU Antioxidant
K (fat soluble) 150 mcg Synthesis of blood clotting factors II, VII, IX, X
B1 Thiamine 6 mg Coenzyme: oxidative decarboxylation, transketolase
B2 Riboflavin 3.6 mg Coenzyme: electron transport
B3 Niacinamide 40 mg Component of NAD, NADP: red-ox reactions
B5 Dexpanthenol 15 mg Part of coenzyme A: acyl transfers, essential for
energy production from protein, fat, carbohydrates
B6 Pyridoxine 4 mg Coemzyme in amino acid metabolism. Essential for
neurotransmitter & heme synthesis
B12 Cyanocobalamin 5 mcg Coenzyme for DNA synthesis, conversion of
homocysteine to methionine, general metabolism
Biotin 60 mcg Cofactor for carboxylation for protein, carbohydrate,
fatty acid and nucleic acid metabolism
C Ascorbic Acid 100 mg Antioxidant, hydroxylation cofactor, regulation of
intracellular oxidation-reduction, role in synthesis of
neurotransmitters, collagen, and vasoactive amines
Folic Acid 400 mcg Transport of single carbon units, nucleic acid
synthesis, metabolism of amino acids
H. Trace Elements
1. Replace if deficient or on parenteral alimentation
2. Metabolic function
Zinc Metabolism of protein, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids
Copper Cofactor for oxidative enzymes, collagen synthesis, iron interactions
Manganese Muccopolysaccharide metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation
Chromium Potentiation of insulin effects via glucose tolerance factor
Selenium Cofactor for glutathione peroxidase
Also: Iron, Molybdenum, Iodine, Fluoride
Patients with high output fistulas are usually deficient in zinc and copper.
I. Nutrient deficiency syndromes
B1 Beriberi (Wernicke's encephalophathy), paresthesia, cardiac failure,
cerebellar signs, anorexia, weakness
B2 Sore lips and tongue, stomatitis, desquamation, anemia
B6 Seborrhea facies, cheilosis, glossitis, anemia, peripheral neuritis
B12 Weakness, fatigue, sore tongue, paresthesia, anorexia, diarrhea,
alopecia, depression, pernicious anemia
Biotin Alopecia, dermatitis
Folic acid Fatigue, sore tongue, anemia, stomatitis, nausea
Niacin Dermatitis, painful tongue, stomatitis, diarrhea, headache, pellagra
(neuropsychiatric symptoms)
Dexpanthenol Fatigue, paresthesia, weakness, burning feet
C Weakness, irritability, gingivitis, joint pain, loose teeth, easy
bleeding, scurvy, heart failure, poor wound healing
A Night blindness
D Tetany, muscle weakness, rickets, osteopenia
E Areflexia, gait disturbance, paresis of gaze, hemolytic anemia
K Bruising or bleeding
Iron Anemia, stomatitis
Manganese Ataxia, retarded skeletal growth, decreased reproductive function
Chromium Neuropathy, free fatty acids, insulin resistant glucose intolerance
Copper Neutropenia, anemia, diarrhea, scurvy symptoms
Zinc Facial and extremity rash, skin ulcers, alopecia, confusion, apathy,
hypogonadism, night blindness
Selenium Muscle weakness, cardiac failure
Fatty acids Scaling dermatitis, coarse hair, alopecia, diarrhea, numbness,
paresthesia, weakness, blurred vision, poor wound healing
J. Sites of nutrient absorption
1. Stomach: intrinsic factor secretion
2. Duodenum: vitamins A & B, iron, calcium, glycerol and fatty acids, monoglycerides,
amino acids, mono and disaccharides
3. Jejunum:
a. Entire: glucose, galactose, vitamin C, amino acids, glycerol and fatty acids,
monoglycerides, folic acid, biotin, copper, zinc, potassium, pantothenic acid
b. Proximal: vitamins A &B, folic acid, iron, lactose
c. Distal: isomaltase, maltose, trehalose, sucrose
4. Jejunum and ileum: vitamins D, E, K, B1, B2, B3, B6, iodine, calcium, magnesium,
phosphorus
5. Ileum:
a. Entire: chloride, sodium
b. Proximal: isomaltase, maltose, trehalose, sucrose
c. Distal: B12 and intrinsic factor
6. Colon: water, synthesis of biotin
V. Hyperalimentation
A. Parenteral
1. Indications: pre-op and post-op support where malnutrition exists, or patient
anticipated to be NPO>5-7 days, or patient with protracted emesis. Enteral feeding
preferred if GI tract is functional
2. Access: must be infused through a large caliber, high flow vein
3. Formulations (in most hospitals): standard, peripheral, and custom ordered.
University of Michigan Standard Formulation:
Amino Acids (5%) 50 g Total Volume 1050 mL
Dextrose (20%) 200 g
Ca2+ 4.5 mEq Osmolarity Hi mOsm/L
Mg 2+ 5 mEq
K+ 40 mEq Total Calories 880 kcal
Na+ 45 mEq
Acetate 41 mEq
Cl- 45 mEq
PO4 2- 15 mM
Heparin 1000 Units
Multivitamins Daily
Trace Elements Daily
Vitamin K Daily
4. Lipids: Liposyn 20%, contains soybean and safflower oil, egg phospholipids, and
glycerin in 500 mL bottles. Must not pass through IV line filter. Provides 2 Kcal/mL at
260 mOsm/L. Minimum essential fatty acid requirements met with two 300 mL
bottles of Liposyn weekly.
5. Initiation of Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN). Begin infusion at 40 mL/hour and taper
up to calculated full infusion rate. Tapering of TPN must be done in a similar fashion
to prevent hypoglycemia. Rule out hypoglycemia 1 hour after stopping
6. Recommended lab monitoring for TPN
Test Initial During Taper-Up Stable TPN
Glucose, finger stick x q6h 2x weekly
CBC, Plts, Diff x weekly
Electrolytes x daily 2x weekly
BUN, Creatinine x 2x weekly
2+
Ca ,PO4 2- x daily 2x weekly
Liver enzymes x 2x weekly
Bilirubin x weekly
Triglycerides x prn
Mg2+ x daily weekly
PT, PTT x prn
Albumin, Prealbumin x weekly
7. TPN can be cycled in home administration setting to improve quality of
life.
8. Complications of TPN
a. IV access: pneumothorax, hemothorax, infection, nerve injury, air embolism
b. Metabolic
i. Hyperglycemia/hypoglycemia, affected by infusion rates, stress, infection
ii. Hypophosphatemia: "Refeeding Syndrome" results in respiratory failure,
cardiomyopathy. Requires slow advancement of TPN, careful monitoring of
PO42-, Mg2+, and K+
iii. Hypertriglyceridemia, associated with lipid and carbohydrate infusion
iv. Vitamin/Trace Element deficiencies
v. Hypercapnea: CO2 production associated with carbohydrate infusion in
excess of patient needs
c. Hepatobiliary complications
i. Cholestasis: most common hepatotoxicity. Associated with long term TPN,
lack of gut stimulation, recurrent sepsis, short bowel syndrome,
ii. Overfeeding
d. Electrolyte disturbances
B. Enteral
1. Indications: nutrition for patients with functional GI tract
2. Access: Dobhoff feeding tubes are more suitable than Salem sump NG tubes.
Metoclopramide and/or fluoroscopy aids in tube placement
3. Formulations
a. Nutritionally complete, lactose free, 1 kcal/mL. Standard protein (<20% kcal as
protein): (This list is not comprehensive and formulations change frequently.)
Oral: Boost, Carnation Instant Breakfast, Ensure
Tube Feeding: Isocal, Osmolite HN, Vivonex.
Fiber containing: Jevity, Enrich
Low fat, oligomeric: Criticare HN
High Protein (>20% kcal as protein): Isotein HN
b. Specialized formulas: Travasorb Renal, Amin-Aid, Pulmocare
4. Initiation
a. Start with half strength formula at 40-60 mL/h. Advance rate by 60-100 mL/h
every 12-24 hours. When planned infusion rate reached, advance concentration
to 3/4 strength formula for 24 hours, then to full strength
b. If gastric residual is >100 mL, hold feeding for 2 hours, then remeasure
c. Dobhoff tubes should be irrigated after each bolus feeding, or q6h if on
continuous infusion
d. Head should be elevated 30 during feeding to prevent aspiration
5. Monitoring
Weights daily
Accurate I&O's q8h
Confirmation of correct tube placement every feeding
Glucose, finger stick q8h, 2x weekly when stable
Electrolytes, hepatic enzymes, BUN, creatinine prn
6. Complications: diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, constipation, dehydration, aspiration,
electrolyte disturbance, lactose intolerance
References
Khalidi N, Btaiche IF, Kovacevich DS. Parenteral and enteral nutrition. Ann Arbor:
University of Michigan, 2003
12/18/2006
Radiation Therapy
I. Ionizing radiation: >10 eV, the binding energy of electrons. UV light does not ionize.
II. Energy, E=h; where h=Planck's constant, =frequency. Energy attenuates proportional to
the inverse square of the distance from the source.
III. Absorption=energy loss.
A. Types of energy absorption
1. Photoelectric Effect: energy absorbed by inner shell electrons. Absorption
proportional to cube of atomic number, a useful property for diagnostic X-rays.
Energy range: 10-100 keV
2. Compton Effect: portion of energy absorbed by outer shell electron. Residual energy
transmitted. Energy range: 100 keV-3 MeV
3. Pair Production: photon (E > 1.02 MeV) interacts with nucleus to produce electron +
positron pair
B. Linear Energy Transfer (LET): energy absorption over distance, a function of particle
charge squared, particle velocity squared, and electron density of the target.
-dE/dX=2/2, where x=distance, =charge, =electron density, =velocity
C. Absorbed Dose. Current unit: Gray = (Joules/kg); Old unit: rad = (100 ergs/g); 1 Gy =
100 rads.
D. Isodose Curves
Penumbra: lateral spread, a function of source

size as well as beam energy.
Depth-Dose Curves: function of beam energy

and treatment fields.
Skin Sparing: high energy beams transfer

maximum energy 0.5-1.5 cm or more below
skin surface.
IV. Biological Effect of Radiation

A. Cells are most radio-resistant in S and early G2 phases of cell cycle. Radiation causes
delay of cell cycle by blocking progression from G1 S and G2 M.
B. h causes direct base damage and strand breaks. Oxygen free radicals indirectly cause
DNA damage and formation requires presence of O2
C. Cell Survival
1. Three theoretical models
a. Single hit kinetics: N=N0exp(-D/D0), N=surviving cell number, D=radiation dose.
High LET h kills cells with single hit kinetics
b. Multiple hit kinetics: N=N0{1-[1-exp(-D/D0)]n}, n=number of targets per cell
c. Linear quadratic kinetics: N=N0exp(-D-D2), and describe probability of
interacting lesions caused by single and double tracks, respectively. Low LET h
(i.e. therapeutic megavoltage radiation therapy) effects best approximated by
linear quadratic model
2. DNA repair mechanisms: endonuclease, exonuclease, DNA polymerase, DNA
ligase, and photolyase enzymes. The more time a cell has before entering S phase,
the more likely it is that successful repair will occur. 4-6h after radiation is sufficient
for sub lethal damage repairs
3. Survival Curve (Low LET h)
D0=dose defined by slope of log-linear

region. Represents dose to reduce survival:
N0.37N
Dq=indication of capacity of cells to repair

damaged DNA. Varies by cell type.
Dq=0 Gy for marrow
Dq=3 Gy for skin
4. Oxygen Enhancement Ratio: oxygenated cells are about 3x more sensitive to

radiation than hypoxic cells. Hypoxia slows cell cycle, which increases time for
repair, and hypoxia inhibits fixation of damage to DNA caused by free radicals
5. Principles of Fractionation (the "4 R's"):Repair, Repopulation, Redistribution,
Reoxygenation
V. Radiation Sources
A. Types of radiation
1. Gamma rays (): arise naturally in atomic nucleus, no mass, no charge
2. X-rays: manufactured by electron beam striking tungsten target, no mass or charge
3. Beta particles (): free electrons, negative charge, small mass
4. Alpha particles (): Helium nucleus, positive charge, large mass
B. Useful Isotopes
Isotope Energy (MeV) Half Life RCM
60Co 1.17, 1.32 5.26y 13.1
198Au 0.41-1.1 2.7d 2.4
0.96
192Ir 0.32-0.61 74d 4.7
226Ra 0.83 ave 1620y 8.25
137Cs 0.662 30y 3.3
32P 1.7, 0.698 ave 14.3d
RCM=roentgen/milliCurie/hour (dose rate).
Beta particles from 32P penetrate 5-8 mm; those from 198Au penetrate 3 mm
VI. Gynecologic Applications
A. Cervix: Indicated for primary treatment of Stage I, II, III, and IVa disease. Also indicated
for localized recurrences, and emergent control of bleeding. Treatment technique:
1. External Beam: 4-field technique to pelvis using megavoltage photons. Dose: 45-50
Gy midline block. Fraction size: 180-200 cGy / day
2. Implants
a. Low dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy technique: Fletcher Suite applicator with
137Cs sources. Two implants, spaced 1-2 weeks apart near conclusion of
teletherapy, and removed after 24-48h. Dose rate: 50 cGy / hour to Point A.
b. High dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy technique: Teflon sleeve sutured into
cervix. Five weekly implants provide about 1000 cGy in outpatient setting
c. Desired total dose to Point A=75-85 Gy, and to Point B=55-60 Gy. Bladder and
rectal doses 65, 70 Gy, respectively
3. Chemosensitization administered concurrently with radiation using cisplatin, 5-
fluorouracil, or both. Supported by 5 randomized clinical trials (see cervical cancer
chapter)
B. Endometrium
1. Adjuvant for Stage I disease
a. Pre-op: Out of favor
b. Post-op: Benefit of adjuvant therapy after surgical staging with negative nodes
not yet demonstrated (See endometrial cancer chapter). Technique: external
beam, 4-fields to pelvis using megavoltage photons. Dose: 45-50 Gy, followed by
optional vaginal brachytherapy if vaginal apex recurrence risk is significant. In
some settings (lower uterine segment disease or stage II A), vaginal
brachytherapy alone may be adequate
2. Primary therapy for medically inoperable patients with Stage I II disease
3. Advanced or recurrent disease: Pre-op therapy indicated for clinical Stage II lesions,
followed by TAH/BSO. Localized recurrences amenable to radiotherapy for local
control
C. Ovary
1. Whole Abdomen Radiation Therapy (WART). Historically reported for Stage IC- II-
IIIA epithelial tumors successfully debulked to minimal residual disease (5 mm) as
either primary or salvage therapy, as well as for Stage I-II-III dysgerminoma.
Technique: open field AP-PA, to dose of 30 Gy with blocks to liver (22 Gy) and
kidney (18 Gy). Fraction size of 100-150 cGy/d (Dembo)
2. Intraperitoneal 32P. Historically reported for Stage Ib-Ic epithelial tumors with no
residual disease and no significant adhesions. Dose 15 mCi
D. Vulva
1. Post-operative therapy: Indicated for >1 positive inguinofemoral node, any positive
pelvic nodes, and for residual disease of the vulva. Treatment ports customized,
electrons commonly used for vulva/groins to maximize surface dose
2. Pre-operative therapy: Indicated for bulky T3-4 lesions to reduce tumor size,
allowing less radical surgery. Concurrent chemotherapy using 5-fluorouracil,
cisplatin, and/or mitomycin C improves likelihood of remission
3. Primary treatment: High failure rate if RT utilized without resection of primary site.
Radiation of verrucous carcinoma contraindicated
E. Radiosensitizers: 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin used most often for radiosensitization
outside of clinical trials
VII. Clinical Complications (Reynolds):
A. Acute: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, myelosuppression, ovarian failure, skin burns
B. Chronic: radiation enteritis, vaginal stenosis, bowel obstruction, GI/GU fistulas, ureteral
strictures, hepatic and renal injury, radiation carcinogenesis (after 10-20 years).
VIII. Common Questions
A. What is the relationship of anemia to cervical cancer treatment? A: Tumor hypoxia
decreases efficacy of radiation by reducing oxygen free radical mediated cell damage.
B. What is the difference when using electrons instead of photons for treatment? A:
Electrons have mass and charge causing them to slow when they encounter tissue.
This results in clinically useful control of treatment depth
C. What is Point A? A: A point 2 cm above and 2 cm lateral to the tandem flange (external
os) and represents the crossover point of the uterine artery over the ureter. Point B is 3
cm lateral to Point A and represents the location of the obturator nodes.
References
Dembo AJ. Epithelial ovarian cancer: the role of radiotherapy. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys.
1992; 22: 835-45
Reynolds RK. Gynecologic malignancies and complications of their management. In:
Emergency care of the woman. Pearlman MD, Tintinalli JE, Eds. Ney York: McGraw-
Hill, 1998
Perez CA, Purdy JA, Li Z, Hall EJ. Biolog and physical aspects of radiation oncology. In:
Hoskins WJ, Perez CA, Young RC, Barakat R, Markman M, Randall M, Eds. Principles
and practice of gynecologic oncology. 4th edition. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams &
Wilkins, 2005.
Chemotherapy
I. Cancer Cell Kinetics

A. Cell cycle: Cell Population Types:
1. Static: (e.g. muscle, nerve) well
differentiated, rarely undergo mitosis
in adults
2. Expanding: (e.g. liver) proliferate in
response to stress or injury
These 2 population types are resistant
to chemo as are G0 cells
3. Renewing: (e.g. marrow, GI mucosa) constant proliferation. Renewing cells are
sensitive to chemotherapy.
4. Tumor growth rate is a function of cell cycle time, growth fraction, and death rate.
5. Cancer cells do not divide more rapidly than normal cells.
B. Gompertzian growth: as tumor mass increases, growth fraction decreases and doubling
time increases. Doubling times usually range between 20-150 days
C. Mechanisms of resistance
1. Goldie-Coldman hypothesis: a mathematical model predicting the likelihood of
somatic mutations capable of leading to drug resistance. Spontaneous mutations
occur every 10,000 to 1,000,000 cell divisions. Hypothesis correctly predicts that
multi-drug regimens minimize likelihood of developing resistant clones
2. Mechanisms of resistance may include: defective drug transport into the cell, altered
drug activation, reduced hormone receptor number or affinity, enhanced DNA repair,
gene amplification, altered target proteins, and increased drug metabolism.
3. Multi-drug resistance gene (MDR-1): codes for P-glycoprotein P-170, an energy
dependent efflux pump that reduces intracellular drug levels. Once induced, cross
resistance to multiple unrelated drugs occurs (e.g. vinca alkaloids, dactinomycin,
doxorubicin, and paclitaxel)
4. Sulfhydryl mechanisms (glutathione, metallothionein, and glutathione S-transferase):
involved in conjugation of toxic molecules, and inactivation of free radicals and
peroxides. (e.g. cisplatin and radiation therapy). Future medications may block this
mechanism
II. Pharmacokinetics
A. Log kill hypothesis (Skipper): chemotherapy drugs act via first order kinetics, whereby a
constant fraction of cells are killed with each treatment
B. Therapeutic index (TI): ratio of therapeutic dose to toxic dose of a drug. Reflects
differential sensitivity of normal and neoplastic cells to chemotherapy drugs.
Chemotherapy drugs typically have low TI
C. Dose Intensity (DI): DI=Drug, mg/m2/week. Especially important for cure of germ cell
tumors.
D. Cell cycle specificity, schedule dependency, drug distribution, drug metabolism and
excretion, and drug interactions are all important in designing a treatment protocol
III. Drug Development
A. Phases of drug development
1. Phase I: determination of maximum tolerable dose, optimal schedule and dose
limiting toxicity of a new drug
2. Phase II: testing for responses of various tumors to a new drug
3. Phase III: randomized study comparing efficacy of different treatment regimens
B. Evaluation of responses: standardized nomenclature
1. Complete Response (CR): complete disappearance of all measurable and evaluable
disease. No new lesions
2. Partial Response (PR): 50% decrease in the sum of the products of lesion
diameters. No progression of evaluable disease or new lesions
3. Stable Disease
4. Progression: 25% increase in the sum of products of measurable lesions, clear
worsening of any evaluable disease, or appearance of any new lesion
IV. Cytotoxic chemotherapy Drugs (Note: doses may vary widely from protocol to protocol.
Doses listed below are for general information only)
Altretamine (Hexalen). Class: miscellaneous alkylator
Use: epithelial ovarian cancer
Mechanism: possible DNA cross-linker or antimetabolite
Cell Cycle Specificity: nonspecific
Metabolism: T1/2 4-10 hours. Requires metabolism in liver to active form. Metabolites
excreted in urine (60% in 24 hours, < 1% in native form).
Toxicity: 1: myelosuppression (nadir 21-28 d), N/V, peripheral sensory neuropathy,
renal toxicity; 2: mood disorders, seizures, ataxia.
Dose: 260 mg/m2-day PO for 14 d, cycle repeated q 28 d. Reduce dose for prior
myelosuppression, severe neuropathy. Cimetidine prolongs half-life (P-450 enzyme)
Bleomycin. Class: antibiotic
Use: germ cell tumors, squamous cell carcinoma
Mechanism: scission of single strand DNA, inhibits DNA repair (DNA ligase). Requires
presence of metal ion cofactor, primarily copper and to lesser degree nickel,
manganese, cobalt.
Cell Cycle Specificity: G2 phase specific
Metabolism: T1/2 3-5 hours. Rapidly inactivated by aminopeptidase in all tissues except
lung, skin. Excreted unaltered in urine (25-50% in 24 hours).
Toxicity: 1: fever, stomatitis, interstitial pneumonitis (10%, especially in elderly) /
pulmonary fibrosis (1%; limit total dose to 400U), dermatologic (hyperpigmentation,
desquamation), alopecia; 2: N/V (mild), allergy (hypotension), myelosuppression.
Toxicity increased in presence of high oxygen concentration.
Dose: varies; usually 30 U/m2 x IV weekly as part of BEP regimen. CXR and PFT's
before each treatment. Discontinue for decreased DLCO ( decrease of 15% from
baseline) or abnormal CXR. Dose reduce for creat. clearance 30-50 mL/min by 25%.
Capecitabine (Xeloda). Class: antimetabolite
Use: epithelial ovarian cancer, cervical cancer
Mechanism: oral prodrug that is converted in-vivo to 5-FU, conversion in tumor is more
efficient than normal cells. Same mechanism as 5-FU.
Cell Cycle Specificity: Cell Cycle Specificity: S phase specific
Metabolism: Excreted in urine with T1/2 of 45 minutes. Dose reduce for creatinine
clearance < 50 mL/min. Do not use for clearance of < 30 mL/min.
Toxicity: Similar to 5-FU. Skin: palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia.
Dose: 2,500 mg/m2 total per day (range 1500-2500) divided PO q12 hours (1250
mg/m2/dose) 30 minutes after meals for 14 days out of each 21 day cycle. Reduce
dose based on creatinine clearance: 30-50 ml/min reduce by 25%, hold for creat.
clearance < 30 ml/min. Reduce dose if drug used in combination or for toxicities
including: diarrhea, emesis, PPE, abdominal pain, lymphopenia.
Carboplatin (Paraplatin). Class: non-classical alkylator
Use: most gyn tumors
Mechanism: covalent platinum adducts to DNA resulting in intra-strand DNA cross-links
and 40 angulation of DNA strands (60%: adjacent G-G bases at N-7, 30%: adjacent
A-G bases at N-7). Also forms platinum adducts to RNA and proteins; Inhibits DNA,
RNA, protein synthesis
Metabolism: Requires intracellular conversion to di-hydroxy form. T1/2 triphasic: 15-30
minutes, 80-100 minutes, and 22-40 hours. Excreted in urine (70% in 24 hours).
Toxicity: In general: more myelotoxicity and less nephrotoxicity/neurotoxicity than
cisplatin. 1: thrombocytopenia (nadir 14-21 d), leukopenia (nadir 18-25 d), anemia,
N/V; 2: allergy, peripheral neuropathy, renal toxicity, hepatotoxicity. Rare: optic
neuritis
Dose: 360-400 mg/m2 IV q 28 d. Reduce dose for prior myelosuppression, decreased
creatinine clearance.
Calvert Formula: Total dose = C x (GFR+25), where GFR = Cr Cl using Cockcroft-Gault
equation. C=7(previously untreated), 5(heavily pretreated), 5 (combination
chemotherapy). Alternative dose algorithm: Jeliffe formula (used for all GOG trials).
Cisplatin (Platinol). Class: non-classical alkylator
Use: most gyn tumors
Mechanism: covalent platinum adducts to DNA resulting in intra-strand DNA cross-links
and 40 angulation of DNA strands (60%: adjacent G-G bases at N-7, 30%: adjacent
A-G bases at N-7). Also forms platinum adducts to RNA and proteins; Inhibits DNA,
RNA, protein synthesis
Metabolism: Requires intracellular conversion to di-hydroxy form. T1/2 triphasic, 20-30
min, 50-70 minutes, and 24 hours. Highly protein bound, excreted in urine (25% in
24 hours). Detectable in tissue 4 months after administration.
Toxicity: 1: N/V, anemia, renal toxicity, ototoxicity, peripheral neuropathy (>300 mg/m2),
hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia; 2: leukopenia, allergy, alopecia (uncommon), optic
neuritis (rare), Reynauds, agitation or seizures.
Dose: 50-100 mg/m2 IV q 21-28 d. with vigorous hydration. Requires intensive
antiemetic therapy. Avoid NSAID's and nephrotoxic drugs (e.g. aminoglycosides).
Reduce dose for peripheral neuropathy, decreased creatinine clearance, hearing
loss. Avoid NSAIDs, aminoglycosides, and IV contrast proximate to administration.
Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). Class: alkylator
Use: epithelial ovarian cancer, GTN
Mechanism: inter-strand DNA cross-links, usually at guanine N-7
Metabolism: T1/2 3-10 hours. Requires activation by hepatic cytochrome p450 enzymes
to 4-hydroxy-cyclophosphamide. Subsequent metabolism in liver, excretion by
kidney (50-70% in 48 hours, 12% as active drug)
Toxicity: 1: leukopenia (nadir 8-14 d), N/V, alopecia; 2: hemorrhagic cystitis (high
doses), SIADH, pulmonary fibrosis, cardiac necrosis or myopericarditis (rare, high
doses), dermatitis, chemical hepatitis. Increased toxicity with phenobarbitol, chloral
hydrate, phenytoin (increased activation), and cimetidine (decreased clearance).
Secondary malignancy: leukemia
2
Dose: varies; usually 500-1000 mg/m IV q 21-28 d. Vigorous hydration decreases
chance of hemorrhagic cystitis. Reduce dose for prior myelosuppression and in
multi-drug regimens.
Dactinomycin (Actinomycin-D). Class: antibiotic
Use: germ cell tumors, GTN
Mechanism: DNA intercalation inhibiting DNA dependent RNA synthesis
Cell Cycle Specificity: nonspecific, but most active in G1
Metabolism: T1/2: 36 hours. Drug not metabolized. Excreted in bile (50% in 24 hours)
and urine (10% in 24 hours).
Toxicity: 1: VESICANT, stomatitis, N/V, myelosuppression (nadir 1-7 d), alopecia; 2:
radiation recall dermatitis, hepatotoxicity.
Dose: varies. 1.25 mg/m2 IV, repeat q 14 days. Reduce dose for prior
myelosuppression, hepatotoxicity.
Docetaxel (Taxotere). Class: Taxane (Taxus baccata)
Mechanism: promotes and stabilizes microtubule polymer formation, thus preventing
cell division.
Cell Cycle Specificity: M phase specific
Metabolism: 95% protein bound. T1/2 linear, between 5-52 hours. Metabolized in liver.
Primary route of elimination is hepatic (P-450 enzymes), excreted in bile, and
unchanged in urine (5%).
Toxicity: 1: myelosuppression, hypersensitivity (flushing, hypotension, urticaria), fluid
retention, alopecia, irritant; 2: mucositis, cough, dyspnea
Dose: Requires premedication: dexamethasone 8 mg bid x 3 days beginning 1 day prior
to chemo.
100 mg/m2 (range 60-100) IV over 1 hour, repeated every 3 weeks.
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin). Class: antibiotic
Use: endometrial adenocarcinoma, sarcoma, epithelial ovarian cancer
Mechanism: DNA intercalation inhibiting DNA dependent RNA and DNA synthesis.
Topoisomerase II-dependent DNA fragmentation. Produces O2 free radicals
(hydrogen peroxide) that cause DNA strand breaks, inhibit DNA repair, and disrupt
membrane function. Requires iron to catalyze reaction. Peroxide is detoxified by
intracellular enzyme catalase, present in very low levels in myocardium. Chelation of
iron with Dexrazoxane reduces cardiomyopathy risk.
Metabolism: 70% protein bound. T1/2 biphasic, 1.1 hours, 18-28 hours. Metabolized by
liver, primary excretion in bile (50% as unchanged drug), 5-10% in urine.
Toxicity: 1: myelosuppression (nadir 10-15 d), VESICANT, N/V, arrhythmia,
cardiomyopathy (risk 3% if dose < 450 mg/m2, 7% at 550 mg/m2, 15% at 600 mg/m2
and 40% at 700 mg/m2; cardiac toxicity more likely with pre-existing heart disease or
prior mediastinal radiation), alopecia; 2: radiation recall dermatitis, red urine.
Dose: varies. 60-75 mg/m2 IV q 21-28 days. MUGA scan before first dose. Reduce dose
for prior myelosuppression, hepatotoxicity. Discontinue for cardiac toxicity including
10% reduction from baseline ejection fraction or any ejection fraction < 50%. Dose
reduce 50-70% if bilirubin 1.5. Limit total dose to 450 mg/m2
Doxorubicin, Liposomal (Doxil). Class: antibiotic
Use: endometrial adenocarcinoma, sarcoma, epithelial ovarian cancer
Mechanism: DNA intercalation inhibiting DNA dependent RNA and DNA synthesis.
Topoisomerase II-dependent DNA fragmentation. Produces O2 free radicals
(hydrogen peroxide) that cause DNA strand breaks, inhibit DNA repair, and disrupt
membrane function. Peroxide is detoxified by intracellular enzyme catalase, present
in very low levels in myocardium.
Metabolism: Small volume of distribution and longer T1/2 than doxorubicin. Metabolized
by liver, primary excretion in bile.
Toxicity: 1: myelosuppression (nadir 10-15 days, milder than for doxorubicin), irritant,
N/V (mild), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE), cardiomyopathy (less common
than doxorubicin), alopecia; 2: infusion reaction (7%) including pain, flushing,
hypotension, dyspnea (slow down the infusion); radiation recall dermatitis.
Dose: varies. 40 mg/m2 IV q 28 days. Measure ejection fraction (MUGA scan) before
first dose. Reduce dose for prior myelosuppression, hepatotoxicity. Discontinue for
cardiac toxicity including 10% reduction from baseline ejection fraction or any
ejection fraction < 50%. Dose reduce 50-70% if bilirubin 1.5. Limit total dose to
450 mg/m2
Etoposide (VP-16). Class: epidophyllotoxin (Mandrake plant)
Use: small cell carcinoma, GTN, epithelial ovarian cancer, germ cell tumor
Mechanism: activates endonucleases (DNA strand breaks), inhibits topoisomerase II.
Also binds tubulin.
Cell Cycle Specificity: S-G2 specific
Metabolism: Extensively protein bound. T1/2 biphasic, 1.5 hours, 11 hours. Predominant
elimination in the urine as unmetabolozed drug. Metabolized by liver, excreted in
urine (60% in 24 hours) and bile (16% in 24 hours).
Toxicity: 1: myelosuppression (nadir 7-16 d), N/V, alopecia; 2: allergy, hypotension or
hypertension (with rapid IV infusion), peripheral neuropathy, irritant. Secondary
malignancy: leukemia
Dose: Varies, often incorporated in multidrug regimens (see BEP, EMA-CO, VCPBAE),
given IV.
Ovarian cancer salvage regimen: 50 mg/m2 PO per day on days q 1-21. Cycle
repeats every 28 days. Reduce dose for myelosuppression or prior radiation.
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU, Efudex cream). Class: antimetabolite
Use: squamous cell carcinoma of cervix or vulva, ovarian carcinoma, GTN
Mechanism: pyrimidine antagonist inhibits DNA synthesis by inhibition of thymidylate
synthetase. Also inhibits RNA synthesis by blocking uracil incorporation.
Cell Cycle Specificity: S phase specific
Metabolism: Inactive until converted to active metabolites 5-FdUMP(DNA) and 5-
FUTP(RNA). T1/2 10-30 min. Catabolized by reduction in liver (80% excreted as
inactive metabolite in urine, 10-15% un-metabolized in urine in 6 hours). Crosses
BBB (2%).
Toxicity: 1: myelosuppression (nadir 7-14 d), N/V, mucositis/diarrhea, alopecia, rashes
and hyperpigmentation; 2: cerebellar ataxia, photosensitivity, coronary vasospasm.
Dose: varies. 1000 mg/m2 (range 750-1000) IV per day for 4-5 days as 24 hour infusion,
q 28 d. Reduce dose for prior myelosuppression. Activity enhanced by
administration with folinic acid or pre-administration of MTX. Discontinue for
diarrhea, rashes.
Gemcitabine (Gemzar). Class: antimetabolite
Use: epithelial ovarian cancer, sarcoma
Mechanism: active transport into cells, phosphorylated to triphosphate form (active) by
deoxycytidine kinase. Inhibits ribonucleotide reductase that inhibits DNA precursor
production and is incorporated into DNA causing strand termination. Also inhibits
DNA polymerase.
Cell Cycle Specificity: Not limited to S phase (mechanism unknown)
Metabolism: T1/2 1 hour (prodrug) 24 hours (active metabolite). Primarily excreted in
urine.
Toxicity: 1: myelosuppression, N/V, stomatitis, infusion allergic reaction including
hypotension (5%), flu-like symptoms, asthenia; 2: maculopapular rash, radiation
recall, hemolytic-uremic syndrome (rare), chemical hepatitis, acute respiratory
distress syndrome (rare), somnolence, headache, peripheral edema.
Dose: 1000 mg/m2 (range 750-1000) IV on day 1, 8, 15 out of each 28 day cycle. Infuse
at 10 mg/m2/min.
Ifosfamide (Ifex). Class: alkylator
Use: cervical cancer, epithelial ovarian cancer, sarcoma
Mechanism: inter-strand DNA cross-links, usually at guanine N-7
Metabolism: Requires activation by hepatic enzymes to 4-hydroxy-ifosfamide.
Subsequent metabolism in liver, excretion by kidney.
Toxicity: 1: leukopenia (nadir 7-10 d), hemorrhagic cystitis, N/V, alopecia; 2: lethargy,
confusion, coma, SIADH, renal tubular acidosis, hypophosphatemia, elevated
transaminases.
Dose: varies; usually 1.4-1.8 g/m2-d IV for 3-5 d, q 21-28 d. Must be given with uro-
protector Mesna. Reduce dose for decreased albumin, creatinine clearance, prior
myelosuppression
Methotrexate. Class: antimetabolite
Use: GTN
Mechanism: dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor, causes thymidine depletion.
Cell Cycle Specificity: S phase specific
Metabolism: T1/2 2-4 hours. 50-90% excreted unchanged in urine in 24 hours. Dose
reduce if creatinine < 60 mL/min.
Toxicity: 1: myelosuppression, mucositis/diarrhea, hepatic dysfunction (chronic doses),
renal toxicity (high doses); 2: interstitial pneumonitis, alopecia.
Dose: IM, IV or IT, regimens vary widely. High doses (>80 mg/m2) administered with
Leucovorin rescue and alkalinization of urine. Reduce dose for prior
myelosuppression, hepatotoxicity. Beware of effusions (reservoir). Avoid NSAID's.
Usual dose for low risk GTN is 1 mg/kg IM or IV on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 alternating
with leukovorin 0.1 mg/kg IV, IM or PO on days 2, 4, 6, and 8. Cycle repeats
every 2 weeks until markers normalized. See GTN Chapter for more detail.
Paclitaxel (Taxol). Class: Taxane (Taxus brevifolia)
Use: epithelial ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer
Mechanism: promotes and stabilizes microtubule polymer formation, thus preventing
cell division.
Metabolism: 95% protein bound. T1/2 nonlinear, between 5-52 hours. Metabolized in
liver. Primary route of elimination is hepatic (P-450 enzymes), excreted in bile (40%
in 24 hours), and unchanged in urine (10% in 24 hours).
Toxicity: 1: myelosuppression (nadir 8-11 days, increased with 24h infusion vs 3h
infusion), hypersensitivity (related to vehicle, Cremophor), bradycardia, alopecia,
paresthesia (increased with 3h infusion vs 24h infusion); 2: N/V, mucositis, myalgia,
ventricular arrhythmia
Dose: Varies, usually administered in multidrug regimens. Requires premedication, non-
PVC IV tubing, and in-line filter. Common doses include:
175 mg/m2 IV by 3 hour infusion, repeated every 3 weeks.
135 mg/m2 IV by 24 hour infusion, repeated every 3 weeks.
65-80 mg/m2 IV by 1 hour infusion, repeated weekly
Topotecan (Hycamptin). Class: camptothecin (Camptotheca acuminata)
Mechanism: binds topoisomerase I, causing covalent DNA-topoisomerase bond and
single strand DNA breaks.
Metabolism: Eliminated by active biliary transport and renal excretion (50% in urine over
24 hours. T1/2 1.7-4.9 hours.
Toxicity: 1: leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, alopecia; 2: N/V, rash, mucositis, diarrhea
Dose: Varies, given either singly or in multidrug regimens. Common doses include:
1-1.25 mg/m2 over 30 minutes, daily x 5 days, repeated every 21 days
4 mg/m2 IV on days 1, 8, and 15 repeated every 28 days (Check)
Vincristine (Oncovin). Class: vinca alkaloid
Use: GTN, germ cell tumors
Mechanism: inhibits microtubular polymerization of tubulin causing reversible mitotic
arrest.
Metabolism: Extensive protein binding. T1/2 triphasic, 5 min, 50-150 min, and 24-90
hours. Clearance is predominantly hepatic. Partially metabolized in liver, excreted in
bile (70%), and urine (5-16%).
Toxicity: 1: leukopenia, neurotoxicity (paresthesia, ataxia, foot drop, muscle wasting),
VESICANT, constipation, alopecia; 2: SIADH, ARDS, cortical blindness (rare),
elevated transaminases (mild), bronchospasm (rare), joint pain
Dose: Varies, usually given in multidrug regimens (see EMA-CO). 1 mg/m2 IV q 14
days, dose not to exceed 2 mg. Reduce dose for prior myelosuppression,
neurotoxicity. Do not give if liver function is abnormal.
Vinorelbine (Navelbine). Class: vinca alkaloid (semi-synthetic, from Madagascar
periwinkle: vinca rosea)
Use: ovarian epithelial cancer
Mechanism: inhibits polymerization of tubulin causing reversible mitotic arrest.
Metabolism: Extensive protein binding. T1/2 triphasic, 5 min, 50-150 min, and 24-90
hours. Clearance is predominantly hepatic. Partially metabolized in liver, excreted in
bile (70%), and urine (5-16%).
Toxicity: 1: leukopenia, neurotoxicity (paresthesia, ataxia, foot drop, muscle wasting),
VESICANT, constipation, alopecia; 2: SIADH, ARDS, seizures (rare), elevated
transaminases (mild), bronchospasm (rare), joint pain
Dose: 30 mg/m2 IV weekly. If heavily pretreated, regimen will require periodic off week
Other chemotherapy agents occasionally used for gynecologic tumors include:
chlorambucil (Leukeran), irinotecan (CPT-11), melphalan (Alkeran), mitomycin,
mitoxantrone, oxaliplatin, vinblastine (Velban)
V. Targeted Therapy Drugs
Bevacizumab (Avastin)
Use: ovarian epithelial cancer (Not FDA approved for this indication)
Mechanism: monoclonal antibody binds and inhibits VEGF, decreasing angiogenesis.
May increase chemo delivery to tumor by reducing interstitial pressure
Metabolism: T1/2 20 days. Route of elimination: unknown.
Toxicity: Common: Hypertension, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation,
stomatitis, DVT, neutropenia, bleeding, dermatitis, proteinuria. Rare GI perforation,
impaired wound healing, CHF, nephrotic syndrome, MI, hypertensive crisis, stroke
Dose: 5-10 mg/kg IV q 14 days. Do not administer until > 28 days after surgery and
wound fully healed. Hold for proteinuria.
Bortezomib (Velcade)
Mechanism: small molecule inhibitor 26S proteosome resulting in inhibition of NF-KB
thereby promoting apoptosis.
Metabolism: 80% protein bound. Route of elimination: hepatic via CYP-450 2C19 & 3A4
Toxicity: peripheral neuropathy (frequent), myelosuppression (thrombocytopenia 39%,
anemia 26%, neutropenia 19%), N/V, diarrhea, rash, elevated transaminases,
dyspnea, hypotension, fever, myalgia, sudden cardiac death
Dose: 1 to 1.3 mg/m2 IV twice a week for 2 weeks
Cetuximab (IMC-C225)
Mechanism: Chimeric monoclonal antibody to extracellular EGF receptor, blocking
tyrosine kinase activity.
Toxicity: nausea, rash, allergic reaction (fever, chills, erythema), elevated
transaminases
Dose: 200-250 mg/m2 IV weekly.
Erlotinib (Tarceva)
Mechanism: small molecule inhibitor of EGF receptor tyrosine kinase resulting in cell
cycle arrest and inhibition of angiogenesis. May be synergistic with chemotherapy.
Metabolism: T1/2 36 hours. Route of elimination hepatic CYP-450 enzymes with 83%
unchanged excretion in feces.
Toxicity: diarrhea (severe), rash (severe), interstitial lung disease, elevated
transaminases, corneal ulcer
Dose: 150 mg PO q day.
Gefitinib (Iressa, Investigational: currently available only for lung cancer protocols)
Use: ovarian epithelial cancer
Mechanism: small molecule inhibitor of EGF receptor tyrosine kinase resulting in cell
cycle arrest and inhibition of angiogenesis. May be synergistic with chemotherapy.
Metabolism: T1/2 28 hours. Hepatic route of elimination.
Toxicity: diarrhea, rash, interstitial lung disease, dyspnea, corneal ulcer, elevate
transaminases, amblyopia, asthenia, anorexia
Dose: 250 mg PO q day.
Oregovamab (Ovarex, Investigational)
Use: ovarian epithelial cancer in remission after primary therapy
Mechanism: Murine monoclonal antibody Mab-B43.13 binds to CA-125 leading to
induction of specific antibodies and T cells.
Toxicity: minimal
Dose: 2 mg IV every 4 weeks until relapse
VI. Medications Used in Conjunction with Chemotherapy
A. Management of Nausea and vomiting
1. Chemotherapy induced emesis mechanisms: Stimulation of the chemoreceptor
trigger zone in the area postrema causes CNS secretion of dopamine, serotonin and
histamine that activate adjacent vomiting center in brain. Other mechanisms include
stimulation of GI serotonin receptors and psychological effects.
2. There are 3 different forms of chemotherapy associated emesis: acute (first 24 hours
after chemo), delayed (24-96 hours after chemo), and anticipatory.
B. Anti-emetics
1. 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. These drugs are very effective but expensive. They are
used to prevent nausea and vomiting for the first 3-4 days after chemo and are not
appropriate for long-term continuous use or to treat pre-existing emesis. If Emend is
used in the anti-emetic regimen, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists are used only prior to
chemotherapy. See below for table regarding use
Ondansetron (Zofran)
Mechanism: Serotonin (5-HT3) receptor blockade
Metabolism: hepatic via CYP450 enzymes. Excreted in urine.
Toxicity: Headache, elevated transaminases, constipation, diarrhea, potential
prolongation of Q-T interval
Dose: 8-16 mg IV or 8-24 mg PO 30 min before chemo. Given only on day 1 if
combined with aprepitant. May also be given 8 mg PO or orally dissolving
tabs tid first 3 days after chemo if no aprepitant given
Granisetron (Kytril)
Metabolism: hepatic via CYP450 enzymes. Excreted in urine.
Dose: 1 mg IV < 30 min before chemo, or 1-2 mg PO 1 hour before chemo.
Given only on day 1 if combined with aprepitant. May follow with 1 mg po bid
first 3 days after chemo if no aprepitant given
Dolasetron (Anzemet)
Metabolism: hepatic via CYP450 enzymes. Excreted in urine (70% and feces
(30%), T1/2 < 10 min.
Dose: 100 mg IV 30 min before chemo or PO 1 hour before chemo. Given only
on day 1 if combined with aprepitant. May follow with 100 mg PO q day x 3
days if no aprepitant given
Palonosetron (Aloxi)
Mechanism: Serotonin (5-HT3) receptor blockade. 100 x higher binding affinity
than other 5-HT3 antagonists
Metabolism: hepatic via CYP450 enzymes. Excreted in urine (70% and feces
(30%), T1/2 40 hours vs.4-9 hours for other 5-HT3 antagonists.
Toxicity: Pruritus, Q-T prolongation, headache, elevated transaminases,
constipation, diarrhea. Caution if cardiac conduction problem, hypocalcemia,
hypomagnesemia, erythromycins, prior anthracyclines. Use with
phenothiazines may cause synergistic Q-T prolongation.
Dose: 0.25 mg IV 30 min before chemo. Single dose provides 3 or more days of
antiemetic effect.
2. Substance P / NK1 receptor antagonist. See table below regarding use.
Aprepitant (Emend)
Mechanism: selective antagonism of human substance P-Neurokinin 1 receptors
Metabolism: hepatic CYP3A4 enzymes with excretion in feces and urine
Toxicity: fatigue, hiccups, constipation, diarrhea, anorexia, headache, abdominal
pain, mucositis, neutropenia. May alter metabolism and effectiveness of many
drugs including chemotherapy agents. Check with pharmacist.
Dose: 125 mg PO 1 hour before chemo, then 80 mg PO qAM on day 2-3.
Administer with dexamethasone 12-20 mg PO or IV pre-chemo and 8-12 mg
PO daily on days 2-3
3. Motility agent
Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Mechanism: Dopamine blockade; Serotonin (5-HT3) blockade at high doses.
Stimulates gastric motility and emptying.
Toxicity: Sedation (60%), diarrhea (15%), Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) (20%)
if younger than 30. EPS usually treated with Benadryl, 25-50 mg IV.
Dose: 5-10 mg PO or IV q 6 hours prn, or 20-40 mg PO for more severe nausea,
or 25 50 mg IV for more severe nausea
4. Phenothiazine
Prochlorperazine (Compazine)
Mechanism: Dopamine D2 receptor blockade
Toxicity: Sedation, dry mouth, EPS, orthostatic hypotension
Dose: 25 mg suppository PR q 12 hours or 10 mg PO or IV or IM q 6 hours prn
5. Benzodiazepine
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Mechanism: Sedative, anxiolytic via GABA neurotransmitter pathways
Side Effects: Drowsiness, confusion, ataxia, amnesia (desirable)
Dose: 0.5-2 mg IV, PO or sublingual, q 6 hours prn. Use lowest doe for elderly
patients or if renal impairment.
6. Steroid
Dexamethasone (Decadron)
Mechanism: Unknown; possibly prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor
Toxicity: Euphoria, fluid retention, insomnia
Dose: Regimens vary widely (See table below). 20 mg IV 30 min before each
chemo cycle. May also be given 2-8 mg PO bid for 2-4 days after chemo
cycle. Reduce dose if giving with aprepitant due to decreased clearance of
the steroid
C. Emetogenicity of chemotherapy drugs (Hesketh, NCCN) Drugs in parentheses rarely
used for Gyn Oncology
Agent and Dose Frequency of Regimen
Emesis
Altretamine > 90 % High
Cisplatin (> 50 mg/m2)
Cyclophosphamide (> 1500 mg/m2)
Doxorubicin + cyclophosphamide
(Carmustine, dacarbazine, mechlorethamine, oral
procarbazine, streptozocin)
Carboplatin 30-90 % Moderate
Cisplatin (< 50 mg/m2)
Cyclophosphamide (< 1500 mg/m2)
Dactinomycin
Doxorubicin (> 60 mg/m2)
Etoposide (oral)
Ifosfamide
Methotrexate (250 - 1000 mg/m2)
(Amifostine, azacitidine, busulfan, cytarabine,
daunorubicin, epirubicin, oral imatinib, irinotecan,
lomustine, melphalan > 50 mg/m2, oxaliplatin > 75 mg/m2,
oral temozolomide, oral vinorelbine)
Capecitabine 10-30 % Low
Docetaxel
Doxorubicin (< 20 mg/m2)
Doxorubicin (liposomal)
Etoposide (IV)
5-Fluorouracil
Gemcitabine
Methotrexate (50 - 250 mg/m2)
Paclitaxel
Topotecan
(Amifostine < 300 mg/m2, cetuximab, cytarabine 100-200
mg/m2, oral fludarabine, mitomycin, mitoxantrone,
pemetrexed)
Bleomycin < 10 % Minimal
Methotrexate (< 50 mg/m2)
Vincristine
Vinorelbine
(Bevacizumab, bortezomib, busulfan, oral chlorambucil,
dexrazoxane, erlotinib, fludarabine, geftinib, oral
melphalan, rituximib, vinblastine)
D. Anti-emetic regimens based on emetogenicity of the chemotherapy regimen
Severity, Anti-emetic
(Route) Regimen
Severe Aprepitant, as described above, and
(PO) Dexamethasone 12 mg PO then 4 mg PO bid x 3 days, and
5-HT3 inhibitor PO (granisetron, ondansetron, dolasetron or
palonosetron pre-chemo, day 1 only. Doses noted above, VI.B.1), and
Lorazepam (Dose noted above, VI.B.5) x 4 days (optional)
(unable Dexamethasone 20 mg IV then 8 mg PO or IV x 3 days, and
to take 5-HT3 inhibitor IV (Using multi-day regimens noted above, VI.B.1), and
PO) Lorazapam (Dose noted above, VI.B.5) x 4 days (optional)
Moderate Aprepitant, if receiving carboplatin, doxorubicin, ifosfamide,
cyclophosphamide, or methotrexate, and
Dexamethasone 12 mg PO then 4 mg PO bid x 3 days, and
5-HT3 inhibitor PO (granisetron, ondansetron, dolasetron or
palonosetron pre-chemo, day 1 only. Doses noted above, VI.B.1), or
Metoclopramide (Dose noted above, VI.B.3) x 3 days, and
Lorazepam (Dose noted above, VI.B.5) x 4 days (optional)
Severe to Prochlorperazine 25 mg suppository PR q 12 hours or 10 mg PO q 6
moderate hours, and / or
(delayed Metoclopramide (Dose noted above, VI.B.3) with diphenhydramine as
nausea) needed for extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), and / or
Lorazepam (Dose noted above, VI.B.5), or
Haloperidol 1-2 mg PO or IV q 6 hours, or
Dronabinal 5-10 mg PO or IV q 8-12 hours. Maximum 15 mg/m2/day, or
Olanzapine 5 mg po bid-tid
Low Dexamethasone (Dose noted above, VI.B.3), or
Prochlorperazine (Dose noted above, VI.B.4), or
Metoclopramaide (Dose noted above, VI.B.3), or
Lorazepam (Dose noted above, VI.B.5)
Minimal Treat nausea only if it occurs. No prophylaxis or compazine 10 mg po
prior to treatment
D. Cytokines. These drugs are very effective for treatment of chemotherapy-associated
neutropenia and anemia, and somewhat less effective for treatment of
thrombocytopenia. All are expensive and should only be ordered for appropriate
indications.
1. Cytokines for treating neutropenia
Filgrastim (Neupogen)
Mechanism: colony stimulator factor (GCSF)
Toxicity: medullary bone pain (24%, may treat with NSAIDs), splenomegaly,
elevated transaminases, abdominal pain, headache, thrombocytopenia,
ARDS (rare), allergic reaction to E. coli proteins including anaphylaxis, splenic
rupture (rare)
Indications: ASCO Guidelines 1996
Myelosuppression with > 40% expected incidence of febrile neutropenia, prior
radiation, extensive prior chemotherapy, high dose intensity regimen,
history of febrile neutropenia with prior chemo cycle, history of prior chemo
dose reduction due to prolonged neutropenia
Dose: 5 mcg/kg per day SC (usually 300 mcg/day). Not to be given <24 hours
before or after chemotherapy. Continue until absolute neutrophil count (ANC)
> 1000 x 3 days and after expected nadir
Pegfilgrastim (Neulasta)
Mechanism: liposomal colony stimulator factor (GCSF), much longer half-life than
filgrastim
Toxicity: medullary bone pain (24%), splenomegaly, elevated transaminases,
abdominal pain, headache, thrombocytopenia, ARDS (rare), allergic reaction
to E. coli proteins including anaphylaxis, splenic rupture (rare)
Indications: Same as for filgrastim
Dose: 6 mg SC x 1 dose. Not to be given <24 hours after chemotherapy or < 14
days before next chemo cycle. Safe use on day of chemo with chemo
regimens requiring treatment q14 days has been reported in a small series.
2. Cytokines for treating anemia
Epoetin alpha (Procrit, Epogen)
Mechanism: erythropoietin, a cytokine that stimulates erythroid progenitor cells
Toxicity: HTN, headache, arthralgia, nausea, fever, tachycardia, edema,
dyspnea, dizziness, fatigue, cough, congestion, red cell aplasia. Rare
toxicities include: seizures, MI, stroke, CHF, thromboembolism, allergic
reaction
Indications: chemotherapy-associated anemia with starting hemoglobin (Hb) of
<10-12 gm/dL
Dose: 40,000 units SC q week until target Hb > 12 g/dL reached. Reevaluate Hb
after 4-8 weeks: dose may be escalated to 60,000 units SC q week prn
Darbepoetin alpha (Aranesp)
Mechanism: erythropoietin-like cytokine that stimulates erythroid progenitor cells
Toxicity: HTN, headache, arthralgia, nausea, fever, tachycardia, edema,
dyspnea, dizziness, fatigue, cough, congestion, red cell aplasia. Rare
toxicities include: seizures, MI, stroke, CHF, thromboembolism, allergic
reaction
Indications: chemotherapy-associated anemia with starting hemoglobin (Hb) of
<10-12 gm/dL
Dose: 200 mcg SC q 2 weeks until target Hb > 12 g/dL reached. Reevaluate Hb
after 4-8 weeks: dose may be escalated to 400 mcg SC q 2 weeks prn.
Alternate dosing is 300 mcg SC q 3 weeks.
3. Cytokine for treating thrombocytopenia
Oprelvekin (Neumega)
Mechanism: IL-11, a cytokine that stimulates megakaryocytes
Toxicity: dilutional anemia, edema, tachycardia and palpitations or arrhythmia,
pulmonary edema, pleural effusion, ocular bleeding, stroke
Indications: Thrombocytopenia with anticipation of nadir lasting at least one week
Dose: 50 mcg/kg SC q day beginning 24 hours after chemo for a maximum of 21
days. Not to be given < 48 hours before or < 24 hours after chemotherapy.
Continue until platelets are > 50,000 and past anticipated nadir
E. Protectors
Amifostine (Ethyol)
Mechanism: Binds to cisplatin metabolites. Used to treat platinum-associated renal
toxicity (ovarian and lung cancer) and xerostomia associated with head and neck
radiation. May reduce platinum-associated neuropathy (off label use)
Toxicity: severe nausea and vomiting, hypotension (stop anti hypertensive meds 24
hours before and pre-hydrate), hypocalcemia, flushing, fever. Rarely: apnea,
dyspnea, seizures, syncope, allergic reaction, cardiac arrest, A-fib, Stevens-
Johnson syndrome
Dose: 740 mg/m2 IV over 15 minutes, administered 30 minutes before chemo (dose
range 200 mg/m2 for RT to 910 mg/m2 for chemo).
Leucovorin (Citrovorum factor)
Mechanism: folinic acid, a tetrahydrofolate derivative, is a cofactor in the synthesis of
pyrimidines and purines. Its presence bypasses enzymatic block caused by
methotrexate. Leucovorin may be preferentially taken up by normal cells and not
by cancer cells.
Toxicity: non-toxic. Rare allergic reactions
Dose: varies based on methotrexate regimen and methotrexate levels.
Mesna
Mechanism: a sulfhydryl compound that inactivates toxic metabolites of ifosfamide
and cyclophosphamide (acrolein) within the urinary tract.
Toxicity: N/V and diarrhea (at high doses), allergic reaction (rare)
Dose: varies. 20% of Ifosfamide dose infused IV 15 min before, 4 h and 8 h after
each dose. Alternate oral dosing: give usual pre-chemo dose IV, then oral dose
calculated at 40% of ifosfamide dose given 2 and 6 hours after. Continuous
infusions sometimes used
VII. Treatment of Febrile Neutropenia
A. Definition: Fever (100.4F) + Neutropenia (ANC < 1000/l)
B. Workup: Comprehensive history and physical exam; CBC with differential and platelets;
comprehensive panel; cultures of blood and urine; culture port, if present. If indicated by
symptoms or findings, obtain Chest X-ray, wound cultures and stool culture for
Clostridium difficile
C. Assess risk with MASCC Risk Index (www.NCCN.org Fever and Neutropenia Guideline)
Burden of illness Points
No or mild symptoms 5
Moderate symptoms 3
No hypotension 4
No COPD 4
Solid tumor or no previous fungal infection 4
No dehydration 3
Outpatient status 3
Age 60 years 2
D. Risk score of 21 is LOW RISK
E. For Low Risk Patients: MASCC Score 21, GOG performance status of 0-1, and no
other high risks, treat as follows:
1. Outpatient therapy after 6-24 hour observation
2. Oral antibiotics with ciprofloxacin 500 mg PO q 12 hours and amoxicillin/clavulanate
500 mg PO q 8 hours. If PCN allergic, substitute clindamycin 300 mg po q 6 hours
for amoxicillin
F. For High Risk Patients: MASCC Score < 21, pneumonia, creatinine > 2 mg/dL, hepatic
functions > 3x normal, or clinically unstable, treat as follows:
1. Admit to hospital
2. IV monotherapy with either meropenem (Merrem) 1g IV q8 hours or cefepime
(Maxipime) 2g IV q8 hours (if community acquired). Adjust doses for renal
impairment
3. If port or line infection suspected, start vancomycin 1 g IV q 12 hours, adjusted for
renal function. Make sure drug is administered through the port.
4. If C. difficile infection suspected, start metronidazole 500 mg PO q 8 hours.
G. Alter therapy if:
1. ANC 100/microliter with short latency < 10 days from chemotherapy, sepsis or
clinically documented infection, severe comorbidity, and/or performance status of 3-
4, add G-CSF (Neupogen or Neulasta) Continue until ANC 3000
2. If clinical condition unstable or if fever does not respond, add gentamicin or
vancomycin depending on suspected source. Consider antifungal therapy
3. If culture reveals site-specific infection such as Clostridium difficile, add
metronidazole
H. Duration of therapy
1. No identified infection: antibiotics for at least 4 days, continuing until > 24 hours
afebrile and ANC 500/microliter
2. Positive blood culture: antibiotics for 14 days depending on organism
3. Pneumonia: 14-21 days of antibiotics
VIII. Treatment of Extravasated Vesicant (See UM Policy #63-01-077)
1. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!"
Always use a fresh IV site, flush the line (should note low resistance to flow), and
check for back flash of blood (place IV bag on floor).
Never use hand IV, infiltrated, or painful IV.
Consider permanent central line placement for low risk access.
2. If infiltration occurs, aspirate as much drug back through IV as possible, then:
Drug Treatment (List is not all inclusive. Includes drugs used in Gyn Onc)
Severe Vesicants: capable of tissue necrosis
Dactinomycin Cold compresses. Elevate extremity. Consider sodium thiosulfate
Doxorubicin Ice packs, 30 min qid for 72 hours. Elevate extremity. Topical DMSO
(99%), 2 ml 6 times per day x 7 days. Apply topical steroids bid x 3
days. Inject dexrazoxane IV 1000 mg/m2 per day x 2 days (Saghir)
Vincristine Warm compresses. Avoid steroids or cooling.
Vinblastine Warm compresses. Avoid steroids or cooling.
Vinorelbine Warm compresses. Avoid steroids or cooling.
Venous Irritant: capable of local pain and irritation
Cisplatin Cool compresses. 10% sodium thiosulfate 2 mL SC per 100 mg
cisplatin. If total extravasated platinum > 20 mL of > 0.5 mg/mL,
may act as severe vesicant
Docetaxel Cool compresses.
Doxil Same as for doxorubicin
Etoposide Warm compresses, 30 min qid for 24 hours. Hyaluronidase,
(Wydase) 150 U/mL; 1-6 mL SC
5-Fluoruracil Treat symptoms as they arise
Gemzar Treat symptoms as they arise
Ifosfamide Treat symptoms as they arise
Paclitaxel Cold compresses. Hyaluronidase, (Wydase) 150 U/mL; 1-6 mL SC
3. Consult Plastic Surgery for wound management
4. If ulceration occurs, prompt surgical debridement and possible skin grafting needed
IX. Late Complications of Chemotherapy
1. Ovarian Failure: risk a function of drug type, cumulative dose, and patient age.
Alkylators (e.g. cyclophosphamide) most strongly implicated.
2. Leukemia: relative risk increased 12 fold (range of RR 4.4-32). Greatest risk 4-5
years after chemotherapy. Long term chemotherapy implicated, particularly with
alkylators (chlorambucil, melphalan), and less so with doxorubicin-cisplatin
combination therapy.
X. Calculations and Equations
A. Body Surface Area (Dubois): 0.007184 x (cm0.725) x (kg0.425)
B. Creatinine Clearance (Cockcroft and Gault, females): (140-age) x kg x 0.85

Creatinine x 72
C. Creatinine Clearance (Jelliffe) (98 - 0.8[age 20]) x 0.9
Creatinine*
*: The creatinine value must be 0.6 mg/dL. If measured creatinine is < 0.6 mg/dL, then
set the value at 0.6 mg/dL
D. Calvert Formula for Carboplatin Dosing: Use the Creatinine Clearance estimated from
either the Cockcroft-Gault or Jelliffe methods:
Carboplatin dose = [Creatinine clearance + 25] x AUC
AUC = area under the curve, a chosen value between 4.5 and 7, that determines the
dose intensity based on the chosen regimen
XI. Multidrug Regimens used for Gynecologic Tumors Preprinted orders on file at
https://ummcpharmweb.med.umich.edu/chemotherapy/
BEP: Bleomycin / Etoposide / Cisplatin: (GOG 5-day regimen) for ovarian germ cell and
stromal tumors).
Bleomycin 20 U/m2 IV (maximum 30 U) weekly
Etoposide 100 mg/m2 IV daily x 5 days, repeat every 3 weeks
Cisplatin 20 mg/m2 IV daily x 5 days, repeat every 3 weeks
Total of 3-4 cycles depending on adequacy of resection and tumor markers (if any)
BEP: Bleomycin / Etoposide / Cisplatin: (3-day regimen) for ovarian germ cell and
stromal tumors). Ref: J Clin Oncol 1990; 8: 715-20
Bleomycin 10 Units / dayover 18 hours each day x 3 days
Etoposide 100 mg/m2 IV daily x 3 days, repeat every 3 weeks
Cisplatin 75 mg/m2 IV, repeat every 3 weeks
Cb-T: Carboplatin / Paclitaxel: standard regimen for ovarian epithelial carcinoma
Taxol 175 mg/m2 IV as 3 hour infusion, followed by
Carboplatin Calvert AUC 4.5 - 7 (usually 5 6) IV
Repeated every 21 days for 6 cycles
DoG: Gemcitabine / Docetaxel: for leiomyosarcoma (Hensley)
Gemcitabine 900 mg/m2 IV on days 1 and 8
Docetaxel 100 mg/m2 IV on day 8
Filgrastim 300 mcg SC on days 9 15
Cycle repeats every 21 days
Patients with prior pelvic radiation are dose reduced 25% for both chemo drugs
EMA-CO: Etoposide / Methotrexate / Atinomycin D / Cyclophosphamide / Vincristine:
for high risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasms
Etoposide 100 mg / m2 IV on days 1, 2.
Methotrexate 100 mg/ m2 IV push followed by 200 mg/ m2 IV over 12 hours on day 1. If
brain mets present, Methotrexate dose is changed to 1000 mg/m2 as 24 hour
infusion. Urine must be alkalinized. If brain mets present, intrathecal methotrexate
may be needed, although radiation therapy is an alternative. See GTN Chapter for
details
Actinomycin-D 0.5 mg IV push on days 1, 2
Leucovorin 15 mg IV, IM or PO q 12 hours x 4 doses beginning 24 hours after
methotrexate infusion complete. If high dose methotrexate used, then 9 doses
Cyclophosphamide 600 mg/ m2 IV on day 8
Vincristine 1 mg / m2 IV push on day 8
Cycle repeats every 2 weeks. Filgrastim support required.
EMA-EP: Etoposide / Methotrexate / Atinomycin D / Etoposide / Cisplatin: for
refractory, high risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasms
Etoposide 100 mg / m2 IV on days 1, 2.
Methotrexate 1000 mg/ m2 IV over 24 hours on day 1
Actinomycin-D 0.5 mg IV push on days 1, 2
Leucovorin 15 mg IV, IM or PO q 12 hours x 9 doses beginning 24 hours after
methotrexate infusion complete
Etoposide 100 mg / m2 IV on day 8
Cisplatin 80 mg / m2 IV on day 8
Cycle repeats every 2 weeks. Filgrastim support required.
Intraperitoneal chemotherapy for ovarian cancer
See ovarian cancer chapter, section IX.A.4.e.
MAI: Mesna, Adriamycin and Ifosfamide: for uterine sarcomas. (Adapted from Antman)
Ifosfamide 1500 mg / m2 / day as 1 hour infusion on days 1 - 3
Mesna 20% of IFX dose IV 15 minutes prior to each IFX dose in addition to 4 and 8
hours after each IFX dose
Doxorubicin 20 mg / m2 / day as 24 hour infusion for days 1 - 3
RT sensitization
Platinum Regimen (Cervix)
Cisplatin 40 mg/m2 IV as 2 hour infusion with 25 g mannitol and 1 g magnesium
sulfate. Cap dose at 70 mg / m2 / week
Administer weekly throughout radiation treatment
5 Fluorouracil Regimen (Vulva)
5 Fluorouracil 1000 mg / m2 / day as 24 hour infusion on days 1-4.
Repeat every 4 weeks during radiation treatment
TAC: Paclitaxel / Doxorubicin / Carboplatin: GOG regimen for endometrial carcinoma
(Duska)
Doxorubicin 45 mg/m2 IV slow push on day 1
Paclitaxel 160 mg/m2 IV as 3 hour infusion on day 1
Carboplatin AUC 5 IV as 1 hour infusion on day 1
Neulasta 6 mg SC on day 2
Cycle repeats every 3 weeks for 6 cycles
TAP: Paclitaxel / Doxorubicin / Cisplatin: GOG regimen for endometrial carcinoma
(Fleming)
Doxorubicin 45 mg/m2 IV on day 1
Cisplatin 50 mg/m2 IV as 2 hour infusion with 25 g mannitol and 1 g magnesium sulfate
on day 1
Paclitaxel 160 mg/m2 IV as 3 hour infusion on day 2, > 24 hours after doxorubicin
Neulasta 6 mg SC on day 3
Cycle repeats every 3 weeks for 6 cycles
VAC: Vincristine / Actinomycin-D / Cyclophosphamide: GOG regimen for ovarian germ
cell tumors)
Vincristine 1.5 mg/m2 IV (maximum 2 mg), repeat every 2 weeks
Actinomycin-D 350 mcg/m2 IV daily x 5 days, repeat every 4 weeks
Cyclophosphamide 150 mg/m2 IV daily x 5 days, repeat every 4 weeks
Other Regimens
AC: Adriamycin + cisplatin: for endometrial cancer
CI: Cisplatin + ifosfamide: for cervical carcinoma
CP: Cisplatin + paclitaxel for cervical cancer
CT: Cisplatin + topotecan for cervical cancer
VCPBAE: Vincristine, cyclophosphamide, cisplatin, bleomycin, doxorubicin, etoposide
for small cell neuroendocrine ovarian cancer
VAC-EI: Vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, etoposide, ifosfamide for pPNET
tumors
References:
Alberts DS, Hess LM, Von Hoff DD, Dorr RT. Pharmacology and therapeutics in
gynecologic cancer. In: Hoskins WJ, Perez CA, Young RC, Barakat R, Markman M,
Randall M, Eds. Principles and practice of gynecologic oncology, 4th edition.
Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005.
Antiemesis Clinical Practice Guideline www.nccn.org
Antman K, Crowley J, Balcerzak SP. An intergroup phase III randomized study of
doxorubicin and dacarbazine with or without ifosfamide and mesna in advanced soft
tissue and bone sarcomas, J Clin Oncol 1993; 11: 1276-85
Bookman MA. Principles of chemotherapy in gynecologic cancer. In: Hoskins WJ, Perez
CA, Young RC, Barakat R, Markman M, Randall M, Eds. Principles and practice of
gynecologic oncology, 4th edition. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005.
Duska LR, Berkowitz R, Matulonis U, et al. A pilot trial of TAC chemotherapy with filgrastim
support followed by radiotherapy in patients with high-risk endometrial cancer. Gynecol
Oncol 2005; 96: 198-203
Fever and Neutropenia Practice Guideline www.NCCN.org
Fischer DS, Knobf MT, Durivage HJ. The cancer chemotherapy handbook, 4th edition. St.
Louis: Mosby, 1993.
Fleming GF, Brunetto VL, Cella D, et al. Phase III trial of doxorubicin plus cisplatin with or
without paclitaxel plus filgrastim in advanced endometrial carcinoma: A Gynecologic
Oncology Group study. J Clin Oncol 2004; 22: 2159-2166
Hensley ML, Maki R, Venketraman, et al. Gemcitabine and docetaxel in patients with
unresectable leiomyosarcoma: Results of a phase II trial. J Clin Oncol 2002; 20: 2824-
2831
Hesketh PJ, Kris MG, Grunberg SM, et al. Proposal for classifying the acute emetogenecity
of cancer chemotherapy. J Clin Oncol 1997; 15: 103-109
Rubin S. Chemotherapy of Gynecologic Cancers, 2nd Edition. Philadelphia: Lippincott
Williams and Wilkins, 2004
Saghir NE, Otrock Z, Mufarrij A, Mourad YA, Salem Z, Shamseddine A, Abbas J.
Dexrozoxane for anthracycline extravasation and GM-CSF for skin ulceration and
wound healing. Lancet Oncol 2004; 5: 320-321
www.epocrates.com
Revised 12/25/2006
Perioperative Management
I. Preoperative risk stratification

Usual risk of death within 30 days of surgery estimated to be 0.7% to 1.7%
A. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Classification
Class Description Mortality (%)
I No chronic medical problems 0.1
II Optimal control of mild chronic disease 0.7
III Severe disease that limits activity without incapacitation 3.5
IV Severe, incapacitating disease with constant threat to life 18.3
V Moribund, death likely within 24 hours with or without surgery 93.3
E Emergency operation
B. Functional capacity
1. Duke Activity Status
Peri-operative cardiac and long-term risks increased in patients unable to meet a 4-
MET demand during normal daily activities
MET = metabolic equivalent. 1 MET = Oxygen consumption (VO2) of a 70-kg, 40-
year old man in a resting state is 3.5 mL / kg-minute
Estimated Energy Requirements for Various Activities
1 MET Can take care self, eat, dress, use toilet, walk around the house, walk a
block or two at 2-3mph
4 METs Climb flight of stairs, walk up a hill, walk on level ground at 4 mph, run a
short distance, scrub floors, move furniture, golf
10 METs Strenuous activity, swimming, skiing
2. New York Heart Association Functional Classification of Heart Disease
Class Tolerated Specific Activities
I Carry 24 lb object up 8 steps, walk 5 mph, carry 80 lb object, shovel snow
II Walk 4 mph, rake or weed garden, sexual intercourse, walk up 8 steps
III Make bed, push lawn mower, shower, walk 2.5 mph, dress
IV None of above
II. Cardiovascular System
A. Cardiac Risk Stratification for Noncardiac Surgical Procedures (Eagle)
Clinical Predictors of Increased Perioperative Cardiovascular Risks (Myocardial
infarction, Heart Failure, Death)
1. Major (Reported cardiac risk often greater than 5%)
Unstable coronary syndromes; acute or recent MI with evidence of important
ischemic risk; unstable or severe angina (Canadian class III or IV); decompensated
heart failure; significant arrhythmias including high-grade A-V block, symptomatic
ventricular arrhythmias in presence of underlying heart disease, supraventricular
arrhythmias with uncontrolled ventricular rate; severe valvular disease
2. Intermediate (Reported cardiac risk generally less than 5%)
Mild angina (Canadian class I or II), previous MI by history or pathological Q waves,
compensated or prior heart failure, diabetes (insulin dependent), renal insufficiency
3. Minor (Reported cardiac risk generally less than 1%)
Advanced age, abnormal ECG (LVH, LBBB, ST-T abnormalities), rhythm other than
sinus (e.g. atrial fibrillation), low functional capacity (cannot climb one flight of stairs
with a bag of groceries), history of stroke, uncontrolled hypertension
B. Cardiac Risk Index (Goldman)
1. Risk Factors Points
Age > 70 y 5
MI < 6 mo ago 10
S3 Gallop or JVD 11
Aortic Stenosis 3
EKG Sinus or PAC's 7
EKG > 5 PVC's/Min 7
PO2 <60,PCO2 >50,K+ <3.0,HCO3 <20,BUN >50,Creat >3.0,Abnormal
SGOT, or bedridden 3
Intraperitoneal / thoracic/aortic surgery 3
Emergency surgery 4
2. Risk of Non-cardiac Surgery
Points Class Morbidity Mortality
0-5 I 0.7% 0.2%
6-12 II 3% 1%
13-25 III 11% 3%
26 IV 12% 39%
C. Revised Cardiac Risk Index (Lee)
1. Risk Factors (add total score)
High risk surgical procedure (Intraperitoneal, intrathoracic, vascular),
ischemic heart disease (excluding previous revascularization), CHF,
Hx of stroke or TIA, pre-op insulin therapy, preop creatinine >2.0 mg/dl
2. Surgical Event Rate
Class Events Event Rate
I (0 risk factors) 2/488 0.4 %
II (1 risk factor) 5/567 0.9%
III (2 risk factors) 17/258 6.6%
IV (>=3 risk factors) 12/109 11.0%
Major events included MI, cardiac arrest, pulmonary edema, complete heart block
D. Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography for Risk Stratification
High negative predictive value (98-100%), but low positive predictive value (14-25%)
E. Anesthetic risks for specific heart problems
1. Angina: if stable, risk low. If unstable, mortality risk 2.4%. Use Swan-Ganz catheter
and anti-anginal medications. Consider CABG (cumulative mortality risk 2.3%)
2. Recent MI: recurrent MI with / without Swan-Ganz 5.7% / 37% for MI 3 months old,
2.3% / 16% for 4-6 months old. Delay elective surgery 6 months post-MI
3. Valvular disease
a. AS: fixed output. 13% mortality risk for significant AS. Avoid regional anesthesia
and hypovolemia
b. AR: bradycardia and high peripheral resistance increase regurgitation
c. MS: overload causes pulmonary edema, hypovolemia causes severe drop in
output. Small shifts in volume cause large changes in cardiac output
d. MR: afterload reduction reduces regurgitation
4. CHF: high risk post-op pulmonary edema. Risk 3% for NYHA Class I, 25% for Class
IV. Pulmonary edema established in < 1 hour post-op in 70% of affected patients
5. Arrhythmia / Conduction Disturbance: treat according to type. Beware of
electrosurgery with pacemaker patients. Swan-Ganz insertion in patients with LBBB
may cause complete block
6. HTN: diastolic should be 110 pre-op. Watch for rebound HTN off medications
F. Post-op MI risk high if intra-op hypotension occurs (40% drop for 15 min). Risk peaks
3-5d. Silent MI accounts for 60% of all post-op MI's.
G. Cardiovascular Evaluation/Management Flow Chart
Normal Congestive Ischemic Valve Disease Hyper-
Failure Disease tension
Optimize medications Anticoagulate Control pre-

Avoid intra-op hypotension Swan-Ganz op BP
If severe, consider stenting AS / MS: no Anticipate
or coronary bypass vasodilators labile BP
Routine care
Optimize cardiovascular status

Glycosides and afterload reducing
meds
Swan-Ganz
Intra-op hypo- Intra-op hypo-tension
tension
Monitor post-op EKG's qday

Serial cardiac enzymes
H. Hypotension/Shock
Hypovolemia Sepsis Cardiogenic
Volume replacement with Volume replacement

crystalloid, colloid, or blood Broad spectrum Antibiotics
Vasopressor infusion Vasopressor infusion
CVP; or Swan-Ganz CVP; or Swan-Ganz
Titrate to clinical response: Consider Xigris and steroid

1. Urine output > 30 mL/h protocols. Check for
2. Increased blood pressure adrenal insufficiency
3. Normal mental status (ACTH stimulation test).
Rales / ()
No rales pO2
Fluid challenge
Treat underlying cause
Swan-Ganz
If () PCWP, If () PCWP, If () PCWP,

and () SVR: and () SVR: and () SVR:
reduce afterload increase IV fluids vasopressor
I. Monitoring Values and Equations
1. Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR) = [(MAP-PAWP) / CO]x80, where MAP=mean
arterial pressure=1/3(SBP-DBP)+DBP, CO = cardiac output, PAWP = pulmonary
artery wedge pressure. Normal SVR = 1170 dynes / sec / cm-5 (range 700-1600).
2. Swan-Ganz Catheter pressures, normal: RA 0-8 mmHg, RV 15-30 /2-8 mmHg, PA
15-30 / 4-12 mmHg, PAWP 8-12 mmHg (measured at end-expiration)
3. Cardiac Index (CI) = CO / BSA, where CO = cardiac output, BSA = body surface
area. Normal CI = 2.5 - 3.5 L/min/m2
4. Swan-Ganz pressure tracing
J. Pressors
1. Dopamine. Increases renal, cerebral, and mesenteric flow at low doses (<5
mcg/kg/min). CO increases without changing BP. At doses >10 mcg/kg/min,
receptor stimulation causes vasoconstriction, increased BP and pulmonary edema.
Adverse effects: arrhythmia, ischemia, tissue necrosis (antidote: phentolamine 10
mg in 15 mL saline), nausea, MAO inhibitor (vasospasm) and phenytoin
(hypotension) interactions. Premix: 400 or 800 mg in 250 mL D5W. Dose: 2-20
mcg/kg/min
2. Dobutamine. Stimulates cardiac and -1 receptors and peripheral -2 receptors,
resulting in increased CO and decreased SVR. CO increases and PAWP decreases
without changing BP. Adverse effects: arrhythmia, ischemia, nausea. Premix: 1000
mg in 250 mL D5W. Dose: 2.5-20 mcg/kg/min
* Dopamine and Dobutamine are complimentary when used concurrently
3. Norepinephrine. Stimulates cardiac -1 receptors and peripheral receptors,
resulting in inotropic and vasopressor effects. Adverse effects: arrhythmia, ischemia,
tissue necrosis (antidote: phentolamine 10 mg in 15 mL saline). Prepare: 4 mg in
250 mL D5W. Dose: 2-12 g/min
4. Amrinone. Phosphodiesterase inhibitor that has both positive inotropic and
vasodilator actions. Combined effects produce an increase in cardiac stroke output
without an increase in cardiac stroke work. Indicated as single agent therapy for low
output states caused by systolic heart failure. Initial loading dose 0.75 mg/kg,
followed by continuous infusion ranging from 5 to 10 mcg/kg/min.
K. Vasodilators
1. Nitroprusside. Arterial and venous vasodilation. Adverse effects: ischemia,
thiocyanate toxicity. Premix: 50 mg in 250 mL D5W with 500 mg sodium thiosulfate.
Dose: 0.5-8 g/kg/min
2. Nitroglycerine. Increases venous capacitance and dilates coronary arteries. Adverse
effects: headache, hypotension. Premix: 100 mg in 250 mL D5W. Dose: 50-200
g/min. Sublingual dose: 0.3-0.4 mg SL q5 min up to 3 doses
L. Anti hypertensive Medications
1. Esmolol. Ultra-short-acting, cardioselective, -adrenergic blocking agent. Onset of
action within 1 minute, with duration of 1020 min. Metabolized via rapid hydrolysis
of ester linkages by red blood cell esterases independent of renal or hepatic
function. Available for IV use both as a bolus and as an infusion. Particularly useful
in severe postop hypertension. It is a suitable agent in situations in which the cardiac
output, heart rate, and blood pressure are increased. Typically given as a 0.51 mg /
kg loading dose over 1 min, followed by an infusion starting at 50 mcg/kg-min and
increasing up to 300 mcg/kg-min.
2. Fenoldopam. Dopamine DA1 agonist, short acting and has advantage of increasing
renal blood flow and sodium excretion. Structure is similar to that of dopamine, but is
highly specific for DA1 receptors and is 10 times more potent than dopamine as a
renal vasodilator. Rapidly metabolized by conjugation in the liver, without
cytochrome P450 enzymes. Onset of action is within 5 min, and maximal achieved
by 15 min. Duration of action is 30 - 60 min, with the pressure gradually returning to
pretreatment values without rebound once infusion stopped. No adverse effects
reported. Starting dose is 0.1 mcg / kg-min. Causes a consistent dose-related
decrease in blood pressure in the dose range 0.030.3 mcg / kg-min. Improves
creatinine clearance, urine flow rates, and sodium excretion in severely hypertensive
patients with both normal and impaired renal function. Is drug of choice in severely
hypertensive patients with impaired renal function
3. Labetalol. A selective 1- and nonselective -adrenergic receptor blocker with an /
blocking ratio of 1 / 7. Metabolized by liver to form inactive glucuronide conjugate.
Hypotensive effect begins within 2 5 min after IV dosing, reaching a peak at 5 15
min and lasting for about 2 4 hours. Because of -blocking effects, heart rate is
maintained or slightly reduced. Unlike pure -adrenergic blocking agents that
decrease cardiac output, maintains cardiac output. Reduces systemic vascular
resistance without reducing total peripheral blood flow. Cerebral, renal, and coronary
blood flow is maintained. Used in pregnancy - induced hypertensive crises because
little placental transfer occurs, mainly due to the drug's negligible lipid solubility.
Labetalol may be given as a loading dose of 20 mg, followed by repeated
incremental doses of 20 80 mg given at 10 - min intervals until the desired blood
pressure is achieved. Alternatively, after the loading dose, an infusion starting at 12
mg / min is titrated until the desired effect is achieved. Bolus injections of 12 mg/kg
produce precipitous fall in blood pressure and should be avoided.
4. Nicardipine. A second generation dihydropyridine derivative calcium channel blocker
with high vascular selectivity and strong cerebral and coronary vasodilator. 100
times more water soluble than is nifedipine, and therefore can be administered IV.
Onset of action of is 5 - 15 min with duration of 4 6 hours. Crosses the blood
brain barrier and reaches CNS, where it binds to L-type calcium channels primarily
in the hippocampus. IV nicardipine reduces cardiac and cerebral ischemia.
Appropriate dosage is independent of weight, with an initial infusion rate of 5 mg /
hour, increasing by 2.5 mg / hour every 5 min to a maximum of 30 mg / hour.
5. Hydralazine. A direct acting vasodilator. Following IM or IV administration, initial
latency period of 5 15 min is followed by a progressive and often precipitous fall in
blood pressure that can last up to 12 hours. Although circulating half - life is about 3
hours, the half - life of effect on blood pressure is100 hours. Because of prolonged
and unpredictable antihypertensive effects and the inability to titrate the drug's
hypotensive effect effectively, hydralazine is best avoided in the management of
hypertensive crises.
6. Clonidine. 2-adrenergic receptor agonist. Dose: 0.1 mg sublingual for postop HTN.
7. CAUTION: Hold ACE inhibitors in the immediate post-op period due to risk of
pronounced hypotension that is not correctable with IV fluid bolus.
III. Pulmonary System

A. Pulmonary disease categories with significance for surgery and anesthesia
1. Obstructive: asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, COPD
2. Restrictive
a. Musculoskeletal: scoliosis, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis
b. Pleural: malignant effusion, mesothelioma
c. Interstitial-alveolar: pulmonary edema, interstitial fibrosis, lymphocytic CA
3. Vascular: pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary embolus
4. Smoking: increases mucus, carboxy - Hb inhibits myocardial O2 extraction
B. Pre-operative Assessment
1. Patient-Related Risk-Factors: (Smetana)
Risk Type of Surgery Incidence of Pulmonary Unadjusted
Factor Complications (percent) Relative Risk
Associated
Present Absent with factor
Smoking CABG 39 11 3.4
Abdominal 15-46 6-21 1.4-3.4
ASA>II Unselected 26 16 1.7
Thoracic/abdominal 26-44 13-18 1.5-3.2
Age>70 Unselected 9-17 4-9 1.9-2.4
Thoracic/Abdominal 17-22 12-21 0.9-1.9
Obesity Unselected 11 9 1.3
Thoracic/abdominal 19-36 17-27 0.8-1.7
COPD Unselected 6-26 2-8 2.7-3.6
Thoracic/Abdominal 18 4 4.7
2. Other risk factors: (Smetana)
Risk Factor Type of Surgery Incidence of Pulmonary Unadjusted
Complications (percent) Relative Risk
Associated
Present Absent with factor
Surgery Unselected 10-53 3-15 1.6-5.2
lasting > 3 Thoracic/abdominal 40 11 3.6
hours
General Unselected 8-19 0-17 1.2-infinity
Anesthesia Thoracic/abdominal 28-32 11-12 2.2-3.0
Intra-op Unselected 17 5 3.2
pancuronium
3. Significant postoperative pulmonary complications: Pneumonia, respiratory failure,
prolonged need for mechanical ventilation, bronchospasm, atelectasis, exacerbation
of COPD or other chronic lung
4. Procedure related risk factors: Upper abdominal and thoracic surgery carry the
greatest risk of postoperative pulmonary complications, ranging from 10 to 40 %
5. Preoperative clinical evaluation: Most important part of the pulmonary risk
assessment. Clinical findings are generally more predictive of pulmonary
complications than spirometry results.
a. Elicit history of exercise intolerance, chronic cough, or unexplained dyspnea
b. Physical exam:
i. Auscultation for wheezes and crackles
ii. Observation of I : E ratio. Normal: 1 : 2 - 3. Observation of FVC.
Normal < 3 - 4 sec.
iii. Percussion of level of diaphragm.
End Expiration End Inspiration
Normal Scapula (S) S()10-15 cm
Obstructive Disease Below Scapula Little Change
Restrictive Disease Above Scapula Little Change
c. Indications for detailed testing: Consider testing for thoracic or upper abdominal
surgery patients and for those with symptoms of cough, dyspnea, or exercise
intolerance that remain unexplained after careful history and physical. In addition
spirometry may be helpful in a patient with COPD or asthma in assessing if the
amount of airflow obstruction has been optimally reduced
6. Pulmonary Function Tests
a. Spirometry. FEV1 <1L, FEV1/FVC <75%, or MMV <50% predicted indicate high
risk
b. PaO2 <50, wide A-a gradient, or PaCO2 >45 may indicate high risk
The results of preoperative pulmonary function testing should not be used to
deny surgery to a patient
7. Interpreting pulmonary function tests
8. Pulmonary Complication Risk Reduction Strategies (Smetana and Qaseem)

a. Preoperative
i. Encourage cessation of smoking for at least 8 weeks
ii. Treat airflow obstruction in patients with COPD or asthma
iii. Administer antibiotics and delay surgery if respiratory infection is present
iv. Begin patient education regarding lung expansion maneuvers
b. Intraoperative
i. Limit the duration of surgery to < 3 hours
ii. Use spinal or epidural anesthesia
iii. Avoid the use of pancuronium
iv. Use laparoscopic procedures when possible
c. Postoperative
i. Employ deep breathing exercises or incentive spirometry
ii. Use continuous positive airway pressure
iii. Use epidural anesthesia for postoperative pain control
iv. Consider intercostals nerve blocks
C. Pulmonary Evaluation/Management Flow Chart
No Risk Factors Asthma
COPD
Optimize Pre-op
PFT's Bronchodilators
Routine Pre-op Arterial Blood Gas Steroids
Pre-op Preventive Care

Stop smoking (> 6wk)
Incentive spirometry
Antibiotics if bronchitis
Bronchodilators if wheezing
Post-op Preventive Care

Mobilize early
Elevate head of bed
Incentive spirometry
D. Post-Operative Morbidity (atelectasis, pneumonia)
1. With normal Pre-op PFT's: 3%; with abnormal PFT's: 70%
2. Vital capacity decreases 45% 1-2 days post-op
E. Respiratory Failure Flow Chart
Clinically stable Agitation / somnolence Clinically unstable
Mild hypoxia Moderate hypoxia Severe hypoxia
(50 pO2 70) (40 pO2 50) (pO2 40)
Chronic hypercarbia Hypercarbia, ? duration Acute hypercarbia
O2 , prn Supplemental O2
Follow ABG Follow ABG's and A-a
Follow A-a gradient gradient
Consider intubation
Progressive hypoxia
Progressive hypercarbia
Intubate: largest diameter possible, low cuff pressure,

confirm position by auscultation & x-ray
Ventilator settings, initial: IMV or AC mode; TV=10 mL/kg;
Rate 12-14/min; MV 100 mL/kg/min; Fi O2 100%
Adjust with ABG's
Wean Fi O2 to 60% promptly
Hypoxemia: add PEEP 3-10 cm H2O, or () Fi O2
Hypercapnea: increase minute ventilation (MV)
Swan-Ganz catheter, keep PCWP low and Hct high
Antibiotics
Nutrition, high fat/low carbohydrate
F. Weaning
1. Wean to IMV 10, FiO2 40%.
a. Reduce or eliminate sedating medications
b. For difficult to wean patient consider pressure support
c. For difficult to wean patient on TPN, reduce carbohydrates and increase lipids to
reduce CO2 production
2. Order weaning parameters: TV 5 mL/kg, VC 10 mL/kg, NIF -20 cm H2O,
FiO2 40%, RR < 25/min, Compliance [TV / (PIP - PEEP] 40 mL / cm H2O
3. Procedure: 20-30 min on T-tube. If RR < 25 / min and P < 120, then extubate. If
borderline, then get ABG. If PaO2 60, PaCO2 40, then extubate
G. Calculation of A-a gradient
P(A - a)O2 = [(PB - PH2O)FiO2 - (PaCO2 x1.2)] - PaO2,
where PB = barometric pressure, and PH2O=47 (vapor pressure of water)
Normal 15 mm Hg on room air. Age adjusted normal = 2.5 mm Hg + 0.25(age)
H. Bronchodilators
1. Metaproteranol (Alupent) inhaler. A -2 agonist. Dose: 2 puffs q 4-6 hours.
2. Albuterol (Ventolin) inhaler. A -2 agonist. Dose: 2 puffs q 4-6 hours.
IV. Renal System
A. Types and Causes of Perioperative Renal Failure
1. Pre-renal
a. Etiology: hypovolemia, CHF, sepsis
b. Diagnosis: assess volume and cardiac status (see flow chart I.F. above)
2. Renal
a. Etiology
a. ATN from ischemia, intra-op hypotension, antibiotics, radiocontrast, sepsis
b. SIADH (usually transient and not associated with rise in creatinine):
anesthetics, narcotics, chemotherapy drugs, tumors
b. Diagnosis: urinalysis, urine and serum electrolytes and osmolality
3. Post-renal: catheter obstruction, urethral or ureteral obstruction, stones
4. Differentiating pre-renal from renal etiology
Pre-renal Renal
BUN/Creat ratio > 20:1 20:1
Urine osmolality 350 - 500 mOsm/kg < 350 mOsm/kg
Urine NA+ < 20 mEq/L > 40 mEq/L
FENa < 1% > 1%
B. Flow Chart for Management of Rising Creatinine
Urinalysis
RBC casts Normal, or with Tubular casts WBC's
Glomerulo- Assess volume status (I.F.) Wright stain

nephritis Urine & serum lytes, FENa
Oliguric < 30 Non-Oliguric > 30 PMN's: Eosinophils

mL/hour mL/hour Infection
Interstitial
nephritis
Ultrasound: Pre-Renal
rule out obstruction
Diuretics to convert Correct cause IV replacement of

to non-oliguric RF. fluid and lytes
Consider Lasix drip.
Fluid restriction if Dialysis indicated for:

still oliguric Increasing K, abnormal
mental status, pericardial
rub, volume overload
C. Calculations
1. FENa: [(UNa x PCr) / (PNa x UCr)] x 100. Normal 1%
2. Anion Gap (AG) = Na+ - (Cl- + HCO3-). Normal 12 4 mEq / L
3. Osmolality (serum) = 2 [Na+ + K+ (in mEq/L)] + urea(mg / dL) / 2.8 +
glucose(mg/dL) / 18
4. Deficit of HCO3- = (body weight, kg)(0.4)(desired - measured HCO3-)
D. Acid-Base problems
1. Metabolic acidosis
a. Increased anion gap: renal failure, lactic acidosis (e.g. shock or sepsis), keto-
acidosis, drug intoxication
b. Normal anion gap: loss of HCO3- and accompanying K+ from diarrhea, ureteral
diversion, renal tubular acidosis; obstructive nephropathy
2. Metabolic alkalosis: emesis, nasogastric suction, diuretic use, Cushing's syndrome
3. Respiratory acidosis: ventilatory failure
4. Respiratory alkalosis: anxiety, sepsis, salicylates, hypoxemia, hyperthyroidism
V. Hematologic System
A. Thromboembolic Complications
1. Virchow's Triad (stasis, intimal injury, hypercoagulability)
2. Risk factors: (Schunenann)
Surgery, previous VTE, myeloproliferative disorder, trauma, pregnancy, obesity,
immobility / paresis, exogenous hormones, smoking, malignancy, increasing age,
varicose veins, cancer therapy, heart / respiratory failure, central venous catheters,
inflammatory bowel disease , nephrotic syndrome, thrombophilias
3. Absolute Risk of DVT in Hospitalized Patients (Schunemann)
Patient Group DVT Prevalence (%)
Medical patients 10-20
General surgery, gynecologic surgery, urologic 15-40
surgery, neurosurgery
Stroke 20-50
Hip or knee arthroplasty 40-60
Major trauma 40-80
Spinal cord trauma 60-80
Critical care patients 10-80
4. Levels of Thromboembolism Risk in Surgical Patients Without Prophylaxis (Geerts)
Level of Risk DVT PE Prevention
Low Risk: Minor surgery in pts 2 % calf 0.2 % clinical Aggressive

< 40 y with no other risk 0.4 % proximal <0.01 % fatal mobilization
factors
Moderate Risk: Minor surgery 10 20 % calf 1 2% clinical LDUH (q12h),
in pts with risk factors, OR 2 4 % proximal 0.1 - 0.4% fatal LMWH, GCS,
Surgery in pts aged 40 - 60 yr or IPC
with no other risk factors
High Risk: Surgery in pts > 60y, 20 40% calf 2 4% clinical LDUH (q8 hr),
or 40-60y with additional risk 4 8% proximal 0.4 - 1.0 fatal LMWH, or IPC
factors (prior VTE, cancer,
hypercoagulability)
Highest Risk: Surgery in 40 80% calf 410% clinical LMWH, oral
patients with multiple risk 10 20% prox. 0.2 - 5.0% fatal VKAs (INR, 2-
factors (age >40y, cancer, prior 3), or
VTE, hip or knee arthroplasty, IPC/GCS+LD
major trauma) UH or LMWH
Prevention Key: LDUH = Low dose unfractionated heparin; LMWH = Low molecular
weight heparin; GCS = graduated compression stockings; IPC = intermittent
pneumatic compression; VKA = Vitamin K antagonist.
5. Prophylaxis
a. Mini-dose heparin: 5000 Units SC bid or tid. Thrombocytopenia rare. May be
ineffective for patients with gyn malignancy
b. Pneumatic compression stockings
c. Low molecular weight heparin
i. Enoxaparin (Lovenox): 40 mg SC daily or if weight > 150 kg, then 30 mg SC
BID. Reduce dose for renal impairment. Do not administer with ketorolac
(Toradol) due to risk of hemorrhage
d. Greenfield filter: for patients at high risk who cannot be anticoagulated
6. Summary of Recommendations for gynecologic surgery (Schunemann 2004)
a. Patients undergoing brief procedures 30minutes for benign disease require
only early, aggressive mobilization
b. Patients undergoing laparoscopic gyn procedures, in whom additional VTE risk
factors are present should receive thromboprophylaxis with one or more of the
following: LDUH, LMWH, IPC, or GCS (See key in section V.A.4 above)
c. Thromboprophylaxis should be used in all patients undergoing major gynecologic
procedures.
i. Major gynecologic surgery for benign disease, without additional risk factors
should receive LDUH 5000 U bid. Alternatives include daily LMWH, or IPC
started just before surgery and used continuously while the patient is not
ambulating
ii. Patients undergoing extensive surgery for malignancy, and for patients with
additional risk factors for VTE should receive LDUH 5000 U tid, or a higher
dose LMWH. Alternative considerations include IPC alone continued until
hospital discharge, or a combination of LDUH or LMWH plus mechanical
prophylaxis with GCS or IPC
iii. For patients undergoing major gynecologic surgery it is suggested that
prophylaxis continue until discharge from hospital. In patients who are at
particularly high risk, including those who have undergone cancer
surgery and who are > 60 years of age, or have a previous history of
VTE, it is suggested that prophylaxis continue for 2 to 4 weeks after
hospital discharge.
7. Pulmonary embolus
a. Diagnosis suggested by history, symptoms, and high clinical suspicion
b. Spiral CT scan or V / Q scan may be used for diagnosis
c. Gold standard is angiography, but morbidity is higher
d. Treatment: full therapeutic anticoagulation with LDUH or LMWH
B. Transfusions: selective use indicated due to risk of infection, and transfusion reactions
VI. Endocrine System
A. Diabetes (Jacober 1999)
1. Surgical stress and some general anesthetic agents increase counter regulatory
hormones (epinephrine, norepinephrine, glucagons, growth hormone, and cortisol)
and increase insulin resistance, thereby increasing hepatic glucose production and
decreased peripheral insulin utilization. This leads to hyperglycemia and ketogenesis
in pts with type 1 diabetes.
2. Operative morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients is decreased with tight
glucose control. Post-operative goals and approaches to critically ill patients should
target glucose 150 to 200 mg / dL. (Van den Berghe), although morbidity is better if
glucose levels are maintained < 150 mg/dL.
3. On morning of surgery, give 1/2 usual dose of antihyperglycemics. Patients taking
metformin should discontinue the drug on the day of surgery because complications
or alterations in renal function arising intraoperatively may potentiate the risk of
developing lactic acidosis. Maintain post-op glucose control with individualized
sliding scale regimen using subcutaneous insulin on a sliding scale. In pts who are
critically ill or who fail to respond to subcutaneous protocols, change to insulin drip
4. Watch for signs of lactic acidosis (sepsis), ketoacidosis (hyperglycemia), electrolytes
disturbances, and end-organ diseases (heart, kidneys, eyes) in diabetics
B. Thyroid Disease
1. Hypothyroidism: Does not appreciably increase operative risk, but initiation of
medication should not be delayed. Watch for pericardial effusion; decreased
inspiratory reserve volume, stroke volume, EKG voltage and SVR
2. Hyperthyroidism: Thyroid storm occurs in 10% of hyperthyroid patients undergoing
surgery. Elective surgery should be delayed 3 months while disease controlled with
PTU. For emergency surgery, treatment with -blocker indicated
C. Steroid Dependence
1. Patients on chronic steroid treatment ( 7.5 mg prednisone daily) have suppressed
hypothalamic pituitary - adrenal axis and require steroid pulse perioperatively. HPA
axis can remain suppressed for a year after completing steroid therapy
2. Usual steroid pulse: Hydrocortisone, 100 mg IVPB q6 - 8h. Pulse duration and rate
of taper customized to fit patient needs
3. Signs of HPA axis insufficiency: malaise, low fever, nausea, arthralgia, electrolyte
disturbances
4. Use of steroids in HPA suppressed patients can be of benefit, especially in patients
who are critically ill and experiencing evidence of sepsis. (Annane)
VII. Gastrointestinal System
A. Pre-op bowel prep
Fleets AcuPrep or 4 liters Golytely, or 2 bottles magnesium citrate given about 18 hours
preop
B. Post-op gastric erosions common in critically ill patients. 5% will have hemodynamically
significant bleeding (80% mortality)
C. Gastric Erosion Prophylaxis:
1. IV H2 blockers (e.g. Zantac 50 mg IVPB q8h)
2. Nasogastric tube administered antacids, titrate gastric fluid to pH3.5
VIII. Prophylactic Antibiotics: warranted for all gynecologic oncology surgery. 1-2 doses of
cefoxitin (dose: 2 gm prior to incision then Q6 hours x 3 doses) or cefazolin adequate. First
dose should be given 1-2 hours before incision.
References
Annane D, Fan E, Herridge. Review: Pro-Con Debate: Steroid use in ACTH non-responsive
septic shock patients with high baseline cortisol levels. Critical Care. 2006; 10: 1186.
Bartlett RH. A Critical Carol. Being an Essay on Anemia, Suffocation, Starvation, and Other
Forms of Intensive Care, After the Manner of Dickens. Chest, 1984; 85:687-693
Boersma E, Kertai MD, Schouten O, Bax JJ, Noordzij P et al. Perioperative cardiovascular
mortality in noncardiac surgery: Validation of the Lee cardiac index. The American Journal
of Medicine, 2005; 118: 1134-1141.
Doyle RL. Assessing and modifying the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications. Chest,
1999; 115: 77S-81S.
Eagle KA et al. ACC/AHA Guideline update for perioperative cardiovascular evaluation for
noncardiac surgery-Executive summary: A report of the American College of
Cardiology/American Heart Association Taks Force on Practice Guidelines. Circulation;
2002: 1257-1267.
Ferguson MK. Preoperative assessment of pulmonary risk. Chest. 1999; 115: 58S-63S
Geerts WH, Heit JA, Clagett GP, et al. Prevention of venous thromboembolism. Chest. 2001;
119: 132S-175S.
Jacober SJ, Sowers JR. An update on perioperative management of diabetes. Arch Intern
Med. 1999; 159: 2405-2411.
Lee TH, Marcantonio ER, Mangione CM, Thomas EJ, Polanczyk CA, Cook F, Sugarbaker MD,
Dondaldson MC, Poss R, Ho KL, Ludwig LE, Pedan A, Goldman L. Derivation and
prospective validation of a simple index for prediction of cardiac risk of major noncardiac
surgery. Circulation. 1999; 100: 1043-1049.
Lyerly HK. The Handbook of Surgical Intensive Care: Practices of the surgery residents at the
Duke University Medical Center. Chicago: Yearbook Medical Publishers, 1989.
Mangano DT, Goldman L. Preoperative assessment of patients with known or suspected
coronary disease. NEJM. 1995; 333 (26): 1750-1756.
Medical Clinics of North America. Preoperative Consultation. 1987; 71(3)
Qaseem A, Snow V, Fitterman N, Hornbake R, Lawerence VA, Smetana GW, Weiss K, Owens
DK. Risk assessment for and strategies to reduce perioperative pulmonary complications
for patients undergoing noncardiac-thoracic surgery: A guideline from the American College
of Physicians. Ann of Intern Med. 2006; 144: 575-580.
Schenemann HJ, Munger H, ODonnell M, Cook D, Guyatt G. Methodology for guideline
development for the seventh American College of Chest Physicians Conference on
antithrombotic and thrombolytic therapy: The Seventh ACCP Conference on Antithrombotic
and Thrombolytic Therapy. Chest. 2004; 126: 174S-178S.
Smetana GW. Preoperative pulmonary evaluation. NEJM. 1999; 340: 937-944.
Van den Berghe G, Wouters P, Weekers F, Verwast C, Bruyninckx F, Schetz M, Vlasselarers
D, Ferdinande P, Lauweres P, Bouillon R. Intensive insulin therapy in critically ill patients.
NEJM. 2001; 345: 1359-1367.
12/25/2006 RK Reynolds and William M. Burke, MD

Tools and Equipment for the Art of Surgery

I. Clamps and Forceps
A. Atraumatic tissue clamps
1. Allis. Good for traction on vaginal mucosa or peritoneum.
2. Allis-Adair. Wider jaw than regular Allis.
3. Babcock. Good for grasping bowel, round ligament and IP ligament.
4. Intestinal clamps. Non-crushing clamps to occlude bowel for anastamosis without
spill. May be used shod (rubber or foam pad) or unshod.
Allen Bainbridge
Dennis Doyen
Glassman Mayo
Scudder
B. Crushing (traumatic) Clamps
1. Clark clamp. Long clamp with vascular jaw. For tunneling ureters.
2. Hysterectomy clamps
Heaney. Crosshatched jaw. Tissue can slip. Intermediate length.
Heaney Ballentine. Longitudinal ridge in jaw causes less slippage.
Zeppelin. Longitudinal ridge in jaw. Various lengths and degrees of curvature.
Hysterectomy Clamps
Heaney Heaney-Ballentine Zepplin
3. Hemostat. Crushing clamps for vascular pedicles.

Coller. Delicate tip with long jaws. Good dissector.
Crile / Rochester. Standard hemostat.
Mosquito. Delicate and short.
Pean / Kelly. Heavy duty.
Tonsil. Not for clamping soft tissue such as omentum due to cross hatch jaw pattern
at tip only.
4. Kocher. Traumatic but able to hold tension on fascia due to tooth at tip of jaw.
5. Right angle / Mixter. Good for dissecting. May let tissue slip when cut due to jaw
design.
6. Tenaculum. Teeth penetrate tissue to apply traction.
Barrett: single tooth
Schroeder vulsellum: double tooth
Leahy vulsellum: triple tooth
Stone forceps
Allis
Ring forceps
Babcock
Kocher
C. Forceps. For grasping tissue.

1. Adson. Delicate and short, with or without teeth and needle holding serrations. For
skin
2. Bonney. Heavy and has needle holding serrations. For fascia.
3. DeBakey. Atraumatic with longitudinal groove in non-crushing jaw. For vessels
4. Potts. Very fine tip, with or without teeth. For ureters
5. Ring / Sponge
6. Russian. Firm grip on tissue although traumatic as well.
7. Singley. Atraumatic with fenestrated oval tip. For lymphadenectomy.
8. Tissue. With or without teeth. For skin or non-delicate tissue
II. Needle Holders

Heaney. Curved jaw. Best for vaginal surgery.
Straight. Many different types from light to heavy duty, and short to long length.
Heaney
Straight
III. Retractors
A. Self retaining
1. Balfour. Self-retaining design with or without c-arm. Does not retract deep structures.
2. Bookwalter. Complex but very flexible self-retaining design. Able to retract deep
structures. Post clamps to OR table
3. Denis Browne. Lightweight self-retaining ring for small incisions. Does not retract
deep structures.
4. Gelpi. Single tooth with locking handle. Good for perineal exposure.
5. Lone Star. Self-retaining ring for perineal exposure.
6. OConnor OSullivan. Self-retaining design for small incisions. Does not retract deep
structures.
7. Weitlaner. For inguinal node dissection. Sharp or blunt tooth designs.
Self-Retaining Retractors
B. Hand held retractors

1. Abdominal
Army-Navy: Small. For superficial tissues.
Brewster: Curved, shallow blade, straight handle. For intermediate tissue depth.
Deaver. Curved, deep blade
Harrington / Sweetheart. Deep.
Israel. Rake design good for skin flap elevation.
Kelly. Larger version of the Richardson.
Malleable / Ribbon. Can be bent to shape.
Richardson
St. Marks. Very deep for the Midwest patient
Vein / Cushing. For retracting vessels
2. Vaginal
Breisky. Long, offset straight design for vaginal surgery.
Heaney
Weighted
Auvard. Long weighted speculum
Sims
Hand Held Retractors
IV. Scissors
Bandage. For cutting dressings. Not for tissue.
Iris. Fine scissors with pointed blades.
Jorgenson. Heavy right angle design for vaginal cuff.
Mayo. Heavy short scissors. Straight or curved. Straight used for suture cutting, curved for
fascia or dense tissue
Metzenbaum. Delicate, long or short, curved. For dissecting soft tissue.
Nelson. Long heavy scissors, curved or straight. For firm or rubbery tissues, e.g.
uterosacral ligament.
Potts-Smith. Delicate angled scissors with pointed tips. For urinary conduits or other fine
cutting.
V. Scalpels
Blades are numbered. #10 used for most skin incisions. #15 used for small incisions or
peritoneal entry. #11 used for laparoscopic incisions and cone biopsies.
VI. Curettes. For scraping tissue. In gyn this is usually for endometrium.
Heaney. Small, serrated tip. Good for polyp removal. Good tactile feedback.
Novak. Hollow with serrated tip for office or OR biopsy. Some tactile feedback.
Sharp. Many sizes and lengths.
VII. Dilators. For dilating the endocervix

Hegar. Blunt tip, somewhat traumatic to firm cervix.
Hank. Tapered tip with flange to indicate depth.
Pratt. Tapered tip, no flange.
VIII. Suction Tips

Pool tip. Used to aspirate large volumes of fluid such as ascites.
Yankauer
IX. Sutures
Absorbable Tissue Reaction Absorption Rate Strength
Plain Gut Moderate 7-10 days 1
Chromic Gut Moderate 21-28 days 2
Monocryl Slight Fast
Vicryl (polyglactin 910) Mild 40% at 2 weeks 3

Dexon (Polyglycolic acid) Mild 40% at 2 weeks 3
PDS (Polydioxanone) Slight Delayed 4
Permanent Tissue Reaction Strength

Silk Moderate 2
Prolene / Novofil (Polypropylene) Minimal 4
Ethibond (Braided synthetics) Minimal 4
Nylon Low 4
Strength of Suture Over Time
X. Needles
Cutting. For skin only.
Keith. Straight needle with cutting tip.
Taper. Many sizes and degrees of
curvature. RB (very small for delicate
tissue), SH (fine needle for soft Cutting
tissue), CT (general closure), UR Taper
(urology needle with more circular arc)
Swaged. Needle must be cut from suture.
Do not try to pull off. Needle can fly.
Controlled Release (Pop-Off). Important
to pull off at correct angle.
XI. Knots
Granny. Bad because it slips
Square. Good because it does not slip
Surgeons. Good for fascia because first throw holds tight even when tissue on tension but
not easily tensioned on vascular pedicles or soft tissue.
Best knot for monofilament mass closure on fascia is surgeons + surgeons + square knot.
Granny Knot Square Knot Surgeons Knot
XII. Energy Tools

A. Electrosurgery. Use of radiofrequency current to divide or coagulate tissue for
hemostasis.
1. Water Tower Analogy
Volts equals water column
(pressure)
Current equals volume of water
through pipe over time
Resistance equals diameter of
pipe
Ohms Law: V=IR
2. Types of electrosurgery in clinical
use
Monopolar
Bipolar
Cutting. High voltage sine wave.
Divides tissue with less
thermal damage than
coagulation.
Coagulation. Spark gap
current heats tissue to
coagulate vessels. Devitalizes
tissue.
Blend. Mixture of cutting and
coagulation.
Argon beam
3. Electrosurgical Effect on Cells

Radiofrequency current transfers
energy to intracellular ions. Sine
waveform results in oscillation of
ions, imparting heat to intracellular
water causing cell to burst
4. Current Path Through Tissue

Current passes from the electrode
through tissue and returns through
the ground electrode
5. Effect of Waveform on Tissue

a. Cutting
Sine wave
Low voltage (1000 volts at 50
Watts power)
Current arcs to tissue across
steam envelope
Less heating of tissue than
coagulation waveform
b. Coagulation (Fulguration)
Uses spark gap current
High voltage (5000 volts at 50
watts)
Current arcs to tissue
Causes heating and necrosis of
tissue
c. Desiccation
Uses spark gap current
High voltage (5000 volts at 50
watts)
Direct contact to tissue
Causes heating and necrosis of
tissue
6. Monopolar vs. Bipolar

a. Monopolar: Current passes from electrode to grounding pad through body of
patient. More risk!
b. Bipolar: Current passes from active electrode to return electrode only. Less
surrounding tissue damaged
c. Bipolar Vessel Sealers
Microprocessor controls current to tissue to cause controlled tissue melting
Capable of sealing vessels up to 7 mm
Brands: Gyrus, Ligasure, Enseal
Monopolar
Bipolar
7. Complications of Electrosurgery
a. Injury to adjacent structures by arcing or heating tissue
Poor technique
Instrument failure
b. Consequence of injury may be delayed (e.g. bowel perforation or ureteral
stricture)
c. Capacitance: Occurs when energy is transferred to adjacent metal structure
through an insulator. Can cause injury remote from instrument tip
Capacitance is produced by the Capacitance injury can occur out of the
conductor within the insulated shaft visual field (rectangle) if an organ is near
of laparoscopic instruments to the instrument shaft
Site of burn
B. Mechanical. Uses ultrasonic energy transmitted to tissue as mechanical vibration to

heat tissue. Results in cell lysis. Protein melt seals vessels.
1. Shears and scalpels. Instrument
shaft oscillates at 25-55 KHz. Used
for dividing small vessels, ovarian
cystectomy, colpotomy incision.
Several brands: Harmonic,
Autosonics
2. Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical

Aspirator (CUSA). Oscillates at
55Khz. Used for tumor debulking.
Shakes tumor apart
C. Laser. Light Amplification through
Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
Generates a coherent beam of light: in-
phase, single frequency. Wavelength and
energy determines interaction with tissue.
1. Wavelength and laser type. The

primary laser used for gynecology is
the CO2 laser. It is an infrared laser
(10,600 nanometer wavelength).
Absorption occurs superficially by
intracellular water resulting in controlled
surface ablation. In contrast, YAG
lasers penetrate deeply and coagulates
vessels, which is useful for bleeding
tumor.
2. Power density determines whether

tissue will be coagulated or vaporized.
Power Density = power/spot size =
watts/r2 . To ablate without char,
power density should be 750-1000
watts per cm2.
3. Laser modes. Determines energy
delivery as a function of time.
Continuous
Intermittent
Superpulse
Chopped pulse
Silk Touch: motorized beam pattern Beam defocuses over distance. Proper
improves cosmetic results spacing between instrument and tissue is
4. Eye protection is required for safety. critical for appropriate power density
XIII. Staplers
A. Bowel
1. Gastrointestinal anastamosis (GIA). Staples and divides. Use 3.8mm staples on
small bowel. Use 4.8mm staples on colon or inflamed bowel. Available in different
lengths and for both laparotomy and laparoscopy procedures. Used for dividing and
anastamosis of bowel. Can be used for broad ligament and IP ligament (expensive)
2. Thoracoabdominal (TA). Staples without dividing. Available in different lengths and
with roticulating tip for placement deep in pelvis. Used for bowel division and
anastamosis.
3. End-to-end anastamosis (EEA). Staples and divides with concentric ring design.
Available in different diameters. Use largest diameter that bowel will accept.
Profile of bowel staples. B shape allows

approximation without compromise of blood
supply.
From top to bottom: TA stapler, GIA stapler,
and EEA stapler
GIA stapler in use to divide bowel (above) and

to anastamose bowel (right).
TA stapler in use for anastamosis of colon.
EEA stapler in use for low rectal anastamosis after supralevator pelvic exenteration.
B. Skin
C. Others
1. Ligate-divide-staple (LDS). Gas powered stapler for dividing soft tissues such as
omentum.
2. Fascial staples. For hernia repairs.
GOG Toxicity Criteria

Grade 1 2 3 4
Blood / Bone Marrow
WBC / Gran. 3.0 - 3.9 / 1.5 - 1.9 2.0 - 2.9 / 1.0 - 1.4 1.0 - 1.9 / 0.5 - 0.9 < 1 / < 0.5
Platelets 75 - 99.9 50 - 74.9 25 - 49.9 < 25
Hb / Hct > 10.0g / > 30% 8.0 - 10.0g / 24 - 30% 6.5 - 7.9g / 19.5 - 23.9% < 6.5g / < 19.5%
Lymphocytes 1.5-1.9 1.0-1.4 0.5-0.9 <0.5
Hemorrhage Mild, No transfusion Gross, 1 - 2 units Gross, 3 - 4 units Massive, > 4 units
transfused transfused transfused
Coagulation
Fibrinogen 0.75-0.99 x N 0.5-0.74 x N 0.25-0.49 x N <0.25 x N
PT 1.01-1.25 x N 1.26-1.5 x N 1.51-2 x N >2 x N
PTT 1.01-1.66 x N 1.67-2.33 x N 2.34-3 x N >3 x N
Gastrointestinal
Nausea Intake reasonable Intake decreased No significant intake -
Emesis 1 per 24 h 2 - 5 per 24 h 6 - 10 per 24 h > 10 per 24 h, or TPN
Diarrhea Increase of 2 - 3 per day Increase of 4 - 6 per day, Increase of 7 - 9 per day, Increase of 10 per day,
over normal or moderate cramping or severe cramping or bloody stool, or need for
TPN
Constipation Mild Moderate Severe Ileus > 96 hours
Stomatitis Painless edema or ulcer, Painful edema or ulcer, Painful edema or ulcer, Requires TPN
or mild soreness but can eat and can't eat
Mechanical < 3 days ileus Ileus, requires NG; narrow Surgically correctable Fistula, perforation, or
segment on X-ray or defect, no stoma chronic bleeding requiring
edema on proctoscopy diversion
Operative Repair mucosal defect Resect enterotomy Temporary diversion Permanent diversion
Bilirubin - < 1.5 x N 1.6 - 3.0 x N > 3.0 x N
Transaminase < 2.5 x N 2.6 - 5.0 x N 5.1 - 20.0 x N > 20.0 x N
Alk. Phos. < 2.5 x N 2.6 - 5.0 x N 5.1 - 20.0 x N > 20.0 x N
Liver - Clinical Pre - coma Hepatic coma
Urinary Tract
Creatinine < 1.5 x N 1.5 - 3.0 x N 3.1 - 6.0 x N > 6.0 x N
Proteinuria 1+ or < 3 g/L 2 - 3+ or 3 - 10 g/L 4+ or > 10 g/L Nephrotic syndrome
Hematuria Microscopic only Gross, no clots Gross, with clots Transfusion required
Bladder / Ureter, Dysuria, frequency, repair Bacterial UTI; Injury w/ Fistula or obstruction w/ 2 Obstruction of 2 kidneys,
Acute 1 bladder injury reanastamosis or repair, loss of 1 kidney V-V fistula w/ diversion
reimplantation,
Operative Bladder atony post-op Transient atony >6 w Atony, requiring -
intermittent self
catheterization
Bladder, Chronic Dysuria, frequency; Bladder volume <150 mL; Severe pain; deep Decreased volume
minimal telangiectasia with moderate telangiectasia or mucosal ulceration on requiring diversion or
edema on cystoscopy superficial ulceration on cystoscopy. Hematuria catheter; fistula; bilateral
cystoscopy. Gross requiring transfusion. loss of renal function
hematuria Permanent unilateral loss requiring dialysis
of kidney
Heart / Blood Pressure
Dysrhythmia Asymptomatic, transient, Recurrent or persistent, no Requires treatment Hypotension, V-tach, V-fib;
no treatment needed treatment needed requires monitor
Cardiac function Asymptomatic, E.F. 80% Asymptomatic, E.F. <80% Mild C.H.F., responds to Severe or refractory
of baseline of baseline treatment C.H.F.
Ischemia Non-specific T-wave Ischemic ST-T wave Angina, no evidence M.I. Acute M.I.
flattening change suggesting
ischemia; asymptomatic
Pericardium Asymptomatic effusion, no Pericarditis (pain, rub Symptomatic effusion, Tamponade, drainage
intervention required E.C.G. changes) requires drainage urgently required
HTN Asymptomatic, transient Recurrent or persistent Treatment required Hypertensive crisis
> 20mmHg or BP >20 mm Hg or BP
>150/100 if previously >150/100, no treatment
normal. No treatment required
required
Hypotension No treatment required, Requires fluid Requires Rx and Requires Rx and
includes orthostatic replacement, no hospitalization, resolves < hospitalization, resolves >
hypotension hospitalization 48 h 48 h
Venous problems Superficial phlebitis, or Ischemia not requiring P.E.; or bypass of injured P.E. requiring
1 suture repair of injury surgery; or 1 suture repair vessel embolectomy or caval
with grade 0-1 blood loss of injury with Grade 2 ligation
hemorrhage
Arterial problems Spasm, or 1 suture repair Ischemia not requiring Occlusion, thrombosis, or M.I. or resection of limb or
of injury with grade 0-1 surgery; or 1 suture repair injury requiring bypass or organ
blood loss of injury with Grade 2 resection
hemorrhage
Pulmonary
Pulmonary Asymptomatic, Abnormal Dyspnea on significant Dyspnea at normal activity Dyspnea at rest
P.F.T exertion
Neurologic
Sensory Mild paresthesia, loss of Mild-moderate objective Severe objective sensory -
D.T.R. sensory loss, moderate loss; paresthesia that
paresthesia interferes with function
Motor Subjective weakness; no Mild objective weakness; Objective weakness, with Paralysis
objective findings no significant impairment impairment
Cortical Mild somnolence or Moderate somnolence or Severe somnolence or Coma, seizure, toxic
agitation agitation agitation, confusion, psychosis
hallucination
Cerebellar Slight incoordination, Intention tremor, Locomotor ataxia Cerebellar necrosis
dysdiadokinesis dysmetria, nystagmus,
slurred speech
Mood Mild anxiety or depression Moderate anxiety or Severe anxiety or Suicidal ideation
depression depression
Headache Mild Moderate or severe but Unrelenting and severe -
transient
Hearing Asymptomatic loss, noted Tinnitus Functional hearing loss, Deafness, not correctable
on audiometry only correctable
Vision - - Symptomatic subtotal loss Blindness
of vision
Skin / Allergy
Skin Scattered, asymptomatic Scattered maculo-papular General, symptomatic Exfoliative or ulcerative
maculo-papular eruption eruption, with pruritus or maculo-papular or dermatitis
or erythema other symptoms vesicular eruption
Wound Cellulitis; incisional Superficial infection; Abscess; fascial defect Necrotizing fasciitis; fascial
separation incisional hernia without evisceration defect with evisceration
Local Injury Pain Pain, and swelling, with Ulceration Plastic surgery indicated
inflammation; or phlebitis
Alopecia Mild hair loss Pronounced or total hair - -
loss
Allergy Transient rash, Urticaria, mild broncho- Serum sickness or Anaphylaxis
drug fever <100.4F spasm, bronchospasm requiring
drug fever 100.4F treatment
Lymphedema Mild Moderate, requiring Severe, limiting function; Severe, limiting function,
compression; or or lymphocyst requiring with ulceration
lymphocyst surgery
Infection
Infection Mild Moderate Severe Life threatening
Fever 37.1-38C 38.1-40C >40C or 104F >40C or 104F for >24
98.7-100.4F 100.5-104F for <24 hours hours, or hypotension
Metabolic
Weight gain or loss 5 - 9.9% 10 - 19.9% > 20% -
Hyperglycemia 116 - 160 161 - 250 251 - 500 > 500, or ketoacidosis
Hypoglycemia 55 - 64 40 - 54 30 - 39 < 30
Amylase < 1.5 x N 1.5 - 2 x N 2.1 - 5 x N >5xN
Hypercalcemia 10.6 - 11.5 11.6 - 12.5 12.6 - 13.5 > 13.5
Hypocalcemia 7.8 - 8.4 7 - 7.7 6.1 - 6.9 < 6.1
Hypomagnesemia 1.2 - 1.4 0.9 - 1.1 0.6 - 0.8 < 0.6
Coagulation
Fibrinogen 0.75 - 0.99 x N 0.5 0.74 x N 0.25 0.49 x N < 0.25 x N
PT 1.01 1.25 x N 1.26 1.5 x N 1.51 2 x N >2xN
PTT 1.01 1.66 x N 1.67 2.33 x N 2.34 x 3 x N >3xN
Performance Status
GOG Karnofsky Activity Level

Score Score
0 90-100 Fully active, unrestricted activities of daily living
1 70-80 Ambulatory, but restricted in strenuous activity
2 50-60 Ambulatory, and capable of self care. Unable to work. Out of bed
for greater than 50% of waking hours
3 30-40 Limited self care, or confined to bed or chair 50% of waking
hours. Needs special assistance
4 10-20 Completely disabled, and no self care
5 0 Dead
Important Web Addresses Address

UM Documentation, Coding, HIPAA Compliance www.med.umich.edu/i/compliance/
UM Paging and Clinical Resources, including CareWeb www.med.umich.edu/clinical
if in house
CareWeb, from outside of hospital www.med.umich.edu/clinical
Reference tab: dictation instructions, medical and
pharmacy references, literature search, UM policies,
clinical calculators
UM Gyn Oncology Home Page www.med.umich.edu/obgyn/
UM GYO Clinical Trials Home Page www.med.umich.edu/obgyn/gynonc/
clinicalresearch.htm
American Cancer Society (ACS) www.cancer.org
American College of Ob/Gyn (ACOG) www.acog.org
American College of Surgeons (ACOS) www.facs.org
American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical www.asccp.org
Pathology (ASCCP)
(guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of dysplasia)
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) www.nccn.org
(guidelines for diagnosis and treatment)
National Library of Medicine (literature searches) www.nlm.nih.gov
PDQ (listing of clinical trials) www.nci.nih.gov
Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO) www.sgo.org
Womens Cancer Network (WCN) www.wcn.org
(addresses of gyn oncologists nationwide)
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Overview of Gynecologic Oncology

The Blue Book

Associated Treatment Modalities

"Well done is better than well said."

"Trust me. I'm a doctor"

Try not. Do or do not. There is no try.

"If your ship doesn't come in, swim out to it."

< 30 years old > 30 years old, Premenopause Post-

Breast Ultrasound Mammogram and Fine Needle Aspirate Mammogram

Cyst or Simple Cyst, Diagnostic FNA not

Observe, Biopsy Observe, Bx Observe, Biopsy

Nx Regional lymph nodes not assessable

Mx Distant metastases cannot be assessed

Deficient carotene, vitamin C (Verreault) 2-3

Cone Biopsy or I Positive Negative

Biopsy = HSIL, or Biopsy = invasion,

Small lesion, Large lesion FIGO stage Any FIGO

Fertility Desired See Invasive

CXR; IVP or CT CXR, CT scan of CXR, CT scan of

Radical hysterectomy External pelvic External pelvic radiation

VI. Prognostic Factors

2. Incidence of positive pelvic nodes in Stage II 36%.

VIII. Treatment based on initial clinical presentation

IX. Adjuvant therapy for surgically staged disease

Low Risk Intermediate Risk High Risk

No further treatment No further treatment vs. Pelvic RT

-hCG: normal -hCG: plateau or rise

Assess risk and

Low risk High risk

Single agent chemo with See treatment plans for

Treat 1-3 cycles after

Premenarchal Reproductive Age Ultrasound > 5cm,

Karyotype: rule Mass Tumor Markers: Favor epithelial

Suspected metastases No suspected metastases

Frozen section Cystectomy or

Solid or Simple cyst or

All Germ Cell, All Other

Adjuvant therapy according to histology and stage

5. Ovarian epithelial cancer survival, by stage

Survival by Stage, Ovarian Epithelial Cancer

I. Smooth Muscle Tumors

I. Incidence: 1-2% of all gyn cancers.

FIGO Staging for Vaginal Cancer is determined by clinical examination

Regional Lymph Nodes

Stage IIA T(2b or 3a) N0 M0 T(2b or 3a) N0 M0

Stage III T(any) N1-3 M0

VIII. Surgical Complications, and Reconstruction

2. Respiratory Energy Expenditure (REE). Using measured O2 consumption or

Penumbra: lateral spread, a function of source

Depth-Dose Curves: function of beam energy

Skin Sparing: high energy beams transfer

IV. Biological Effect of Radiation

D0=dose defined by slope of log-linear

Dq=indication of capacity of cells to repair

4. Oxygen Enhancement Ratio: oxygenated cells are about 3x more sensitive to

I. Cancer Cell Kinetics

B. Creatinine Clearance (Cockcroft and Gault, females): (140-age) x kg x 0.85

I. Preoperative risk stratification

Optimize medications Anticoagulate Control pre-