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Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease Apr 2021The aims of the study were to assess the clinical and histopathological characteristics of a comprehensive cohort of women with vulvovaginal melanoma (VVM) treated at...
OBJECTIVES
The aims of the study were to assess the clinical and histopathological characteristics of a comprehensive cohort of women with vulvovaginal melanoma (VVM) treated at our institution and to study the treatment response of checkpoint inhibitors in this patient cohort.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This is a retrospective study of women with invasive VVM treated at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, over a period of 15 years. Clinical and histopathological characteristics, treatment, as well as treatment-related outcome were analyzed in 32 women. Treatment response was evaluated retrospectively using the "response criteria for use in trials testing immunotherapeutics" (iRECIST). The objective response rate was defined as the proportion of patients with complete or partial response based on the best overall response.
RESULTS
At a median follow-up of 37.8 months (5.8-110.4), 26 women (81.3%) had disease progression and 16 (50%) died. Thirteen patients with locally unresectable or metastatic melanoma were treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Ten additional cases were identified from previously published reports. The best objective response rate for immune checkpoint inhibitors was 30.4% (95% CI = 11.6%-49.2%) and the clinical benefit rate was 52.2% (95% CI = 31.8%-72.6%). The clinical benefit rate was significantly better for programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitors (or a combination) compared with ipilimumab alone (Fisher exact, p = .023). Grade 3/4 adverse events were observed in 3 (13.0%) of the 23 patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Women with VVM constitute a high-risk group with poor overall prognosis. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are effective in the treatment of metastatic melanoma in this patient cohort.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Cohort Studies; Disease Progression; Female; Humans; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Melanoma; Middle Aged; Ontario; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Vaginal Neoplasms; Vulvar Neoplasms
PubMed: 33252450
DOI: 10.1097/LGT.0000000000000583 -
International Journal of Molecular... Dec 2020Vulvar cancer (VC) is a rare neoplasm, usually arising in postmenopausal women, although human papilloma virus (HPV)-associated VC usually develop in younger women.... (Review)
Review
Vulvar cancer (VC) is a rare neoplasm, usually arising in postmenopausal women, although human papilloma virus (HPV)-associated VC usually develop in younger women. Incidences of VCs are rising in many countries. Surgery is the cornerstone of early-stage VC management, whereas therapies for advanced VC are multimodal and not standardized, combining chemotherapy and radiotherapy to avoid exenterative surgery. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are scarce due to the rarity of the disease and prognosis has not improved. Hence, new therapies are needed to improve the outcomes of these patients. In recent years, improved knowledge regarding the crosstalk between neoplastic and tumor cells has allowed researchers to develop a novel therapeutic approach exploiting these molecular interactions. Both the innate and adaptive immune systems play a key role in anti-tumor immunesurveillance. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated efficacy in multiple tumor types, improving survival rates and disease outcomes. In some gynecologic cancers (e.g., cervical cancer), many studies are showing promising results and a growing interest is emerging about the potential use of ICIs in VC. The aim of this manuscript is to summarize the latest developments in the field of VC immunoncology, to present the role of state-of-the-art ICIs in VC management and to discuss new potential immunotherapeutic approaches.
Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Alphapapillomavirus; Antineoplastic Agents; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Female; Humans; Imiquimod; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Immunotherapy; Melanoma; Neuroendocrine Tumors; Paget Disease, Extramammary; Prognosis; Vulvar Neoplasms
PubMed: 33375467
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010190 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... Dec 2023Immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR) has traditionally required a fluorescent-capable microscope to identify lymphatic channels used to create a lymphaticovenous...
BACKGROUND
Immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR) has traditionally required a fluorescent-capable microscope to identify lymphatic channels used to create a lymphaticovenous bypass (LVB). Herein, a new alternative method is described, identifying lymphatic channels using a commercially available handheld fluorescence imaging device.
METHODS
This was a single-center study of consecutive patients who underwent ILR over a 1-year period at a tertiary medical center. Intradermal injection of fluorescent indocyanine green dye was performed intraoperatively after axillary or inguinal lymphadenectomy. A handheld fluorescent imaging device (SPY-PHI, Stryker) rather than a fluorescent-capable microscope was used to identify transected lymphatic channels. Data regarding preoperative, intraoperative, and outcome variables were collected and analyzed.
RESULTS
The handheld fluorescent imaging device was successfully able to identify transected lymphatic channels in all cases (n = 15). A nonfluorescent-capable microscope was used to construct the LVB in 14 cases. Loupes were used in one case. In 13 cases, ILR was unilateral. In two cases, bilateral ILR was performed in the lower extremities. All upper extremity cases were secondary to breast cancer (n = 7). Lower extremity cases (n = 8) included extramammary Paget disease of the penis, ovarian cancer, vulvar squamous cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma of unknown origin, soft tissue sarcomas, cutaneous melanoma, and porocarcinoma.
CONCLUSIONS
ILR, using indocyanine green injection with a handheld fluorescent imaging device, is both safe and effective. This method for intraoperative identification of lymphatic channels was successful, and LVB creation was completed in all cases. This approach makes ILR feasible when a fluorescent-capable microscope is unavailable, broadening access to more patients.
PubMed: 38111725
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005480 -
Cureus Dec 2022Mucosal melanomas (MM) are a rare type of melanomas commonly found in the vulvovaginal, anorectal, and respiratory tract. In this case report, a 71-year-old female...
Mucosal melanomas (MM) are a rare type of melanomas commonly found in the vulvovaginal, anorectal, and respiratory tract. In this case report, a 71-year-old female presented to her OB/GYN clinic with dark raised mass on her right labial region adjacent to the perineum. Past medical and surgical history of note included third-degree uterine prolapse, senile vaginitis, fibrocystic changes of the breasts bilaterally, hypothyroidism, hypertension, as well as a past hysterectomy and anterior colporrhaphy. Upon further workup, the 2.7 x 1.8 x 2 cm polyploid mass was biopsied and was found to be consistent with malignant melanoma. The patient then underwent a wide local excision confirming that the lesion was a nodular vulvar melanoma with superficial ulcerations and lymphovascular invasion of the vulvar region. Post-wide local incisions were found to be healed well after the procedure and the patient was referred to a gynecological oncologist for continuous monitoring. The purpose of this case report is to bring awareness of melanomas arising in atypical regions. While MMs are rare in comparison to cutaneous melanomas (CM), the prognosis can be poor if not caught early.
PubMed: 36686100
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.32698 -
Journal of Menopausal Medicine Apr 2023Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a major non-melanoma skin cancer, and its incidence is increasing worldwide. Although the main etiology is sun exposure, BCC may develop in...
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a major non-melanoma skin cancer, and its incidence is increasing worldwide. Although the main etiology is sun exposure, BCC may develop in sun-protected areas such as the vulva. The sonic hedgehog signaling pathway mutation may explain the mechanism underlying the occurrence of vulvar BCC. Owing to the rarity of metastases, wide local excision is an appropriate treatment option. Here, we report the cases two postmenopausal women with vulvar BCC who were surgically treated.
PubMed: 37160301
DOI: 10.6118/jmm.22035 -
Dermatology Online Journal Nov 2020
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological; Female; Humans; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Melanoma; Middle Aged; Nivolumab; Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus
PubMed: 33342187
DOI: No ID Found -
Skin Research and Technology : Official... Jan 2024Recognizing Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) might be a challenge due to its rarity. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and dermoscopy were emergent promising...
BACKGROUND
Recognizing Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) might be a challenge due to its rarity. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and dermoscopy were emergent promising non-invasive technique as auxiliary tools in diagnosis of different skin conditions. However, the RCM and dermoscopic features of LCH had been less investigated. To reveal the common RCM and dermoscopic features of LCH.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Forty cases of LCH were retrospectively analyzed according to age, locations, clinical, RCM, and dermoscopic features from September 2016 to December 2022. To reveal the differences and common in clinical, RCM, and dermoscopic features that occur in different anatomic location.
RESULTS
In the study, sites of predilection include the trunk 31/40 (77.5%), extremity 21/40 (52.5%), face 14/40 (35%), scalp 11/40 (27.5%), vulvar 4/40 (10%), and nail 2/40 (5%). All LCHs had the common RCM features. There were significant differences in clinical and dermoscopic features for age and lesion anatomic site. The common dermoscopic features for scalp, face, trunk, and extremity were the erythematous scaly rash, purplish-red globules or patches, scar-like streaks with ectatic vessels. While the features for nail LCH were purpuric striae, onycholysis and purulent scaly rash, and the erosive erythematous plaque and purulent scaly rash for vulvar LCH. The common RCM features of all LCH showed a focal highly reflective dense image in the surface keratin layer, epidermis architectural disarray, obscuration of dermo-epidermal junction, numerous polygonal, large, medium reflective, short dendrites cells in the epidermis, and dermis. All LCH involving the vulvar and nail did not manifest skin lesions.
CONCLUSION
RCM and dermoscopy showed promising value for diagnosis and differentiation of LCH.
Topics: Humans; Skin Neoplasms; Melanoma; Dermoscopy; Retrospective Studies; Diagnosis, Differential; Microscopy, Confocal; Exanthema
PubMed: 38235933
DOI: 10.1111/srt.13584 -
Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012) Sep 2022Vulvar melanoma is a rare malignant tumor of the female genital sphere, representing postmenopausal women's prerogative, the diagnosis is based on immunohistochemicals...
Vulvar melanoma is a rare malignant tumor of the female genital sphere, representing postmenopausal women's prerogative, the diagnosis is based on immunohistochemicals analysis, and treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach. On account of its high metastatic potential as well as the late diagnosis given that it has non-specific clinical signs, the prognosis remains poor. In this study, we report the case of a woman of childbearing who presented a vaginal mass associated to chronic pelvic pain. Paraclinical investigations revealed a right vulvar tumoral process with pathological-looking inguinal adenomegalies on the right side with a necrotic center measuring 16.7 mm on the short axis, micronodules and secondary pulmonary nodules. The patient has been put under palliative chemotherapy, then passed out 8 months later. By this work, we attempt to review the diagnostic circumstances to better understand this delay, also to encourage self-examination and self-screening of abnormal lesions, as well as leveling the awareness of health professionals on this rare disease.
PubMed: 36147087
DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104473 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2021Gynecological cancers pose an important public health issue, with a high incidence among women of all ages. Gynecological cancers such as malignant germ-cell tumors,... (Review)
Review
Gynecological cancers pose an important public health issue, with a high incidence among women of all ages. Gynecological cancers such as malignant germ-cell tumors, sex-cord-stromal tumors, uterine sarcomas and carcinosarcomas, gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, vulvar carcinoma and melanoma of the female genital tract, are defined as rare with an annual incidence of <6 per 100,000 women. Rare gynecological cancers (RGCs) are associated with poor prognosis, and given the low incidence of each entity, there is the risk of delayed diagnosis due to clinical inexperience and limited therapeutic options. There has been a growing interest in the field of microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNAs of ∼22 nucleotides in length, because of their potential to regulate diverse biological processes. miRNAs usually induce mRNA degradation and translational repression by interacting with the 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR) of target mRNAs, as well as other regions and gene promoters, as well as activating translation or regulating transcription under certain conditions. Recent research has revealed the enormous promise of miRNAs for improving the diagnosis, therapy and prognosis of all major gynecological cancers. However, to date, only a few studies have been performed on RGCs. In this review, we summarize the data currently available regarding RGCs.
Topics: Biomarkers, Tumor; Circulating MicroRNA; Clinical Decision-Making; Disease Management; Female; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Genital Neoplasms, Female; Humans; MicroRNAs; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Pregnancy; Prognosis; RNA Interference; RNA, Messenger; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33917022
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083822 -
BMC Women's Health Aug 2021Polypoid nodule growing without apparent pigmentation on the vulvar skin usually reminds us of the diagnostic pitfall, which is commonly and mistakenly diagnosed as...
BACKGROUND
Polypoid nodule growing without apparent pigmentation on the vulvar skin usually reminds us of the diagnostic pitfall, which is commonly and mistakenly diagnosed as other types of tumors. Although there are several manifestations of amelanotic melanoma are known, these malignancies are usually pigmented because they are derived from melanocytes containing melanin. However, amelanotic melanomas are easily misdiagnosed or their diagnoses were commonly delayed due to lack of pigmentation. Therefore, a solitary polypoid nodule is worth noting and further reporting. Particularly, the clinical characteristics and outcomes of the solitary polypoid nodule are rare in Asian patients.
CASE PRESENTATION
We presented an interesting case of a 33-year-old female with a solitary polypoid nodule without apparent pigmentation on her vulvar skin. Her medical history was unclear, no ulcer was seen in the lesion area, and dermatoscopy was indicated a possible tumorous change, which has caught the attention of clinicians, and then further examined by the pathologist. The final diagnosis was nodular malignant melanoma (NM) (Breslow thickness 9.5mm, Clark level 4).
CONCLUSIONS
Hence, though reviewing this case record, the relevant literature and NM-related materials, we suggest that the combination of skin imaging technology and histopathological examination could provide us a better understanding and reduce the possibility of misdiagnosis in clinic practice.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Melanoma, Amelanotic; Pigmentation; Polyps; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 34362374
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-021-01422-1