Other Gynecologic Pathology in Endometrial Cancer Patients

Khunnarong, Jakkapan,Tangjitgamol, Siriwan,Srijaipracharoen, Sunamchok Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.2

Background: To evaluate the prevalence and features of other gynecologic or surgical lesions in endometrial cancer (EMC) patients. Materials and Methods: Clinico-pathological data of EMC patients who were treated in the institution from 1995 to 2012 were collected. Data collected were age, stage of disease according to the FIGO 2009 criteria (FIGO), histopathology, tumor grade, adjuvant therapy, other gynecologic or surgical lesions, follow-up period, and living status. Results: The mean age of 396 patients was $56.7{\pm}10.64years$. Abnormal uterine bleeding was the most common presenting symptom (90.1%). Bleeding was accompanied with pelvic mass in 7.7% and 5.4% had only a pelvic mass. Abnormal cervical cytology was found in 3.8%. Approximately 75% had early stage diseases and 86% had endometrioid histology. We found 55.8% of EMC patients had other gynecologic lesions: 89.6% benign and 9.5% malignant. Some 4.5% had pre-invasive cervical/vulva/vagina lesions. The two most common gynecologic lesions were myoma uteri and ovarian tumors. Focusing on the latter, approximately 14% were benign while 8% were malignant. Among 364 patients with available data, surgical lesions were found in 11.8%, 5.7% benign and 9.2% malignant. The most common benign surgical condition was chronic appendicitis while breast and colon cancers were the two most common malignant lesions found. Conclusions: More than half of EMC patients had other gynecologic lesions including benign and malignant tumors. Surgical lesions were also found in more than one-tenth of patients. Careful pre-operative evaluation and intra-operative inspection are advised for proper management and better prognosis.

Expression of the p16 and Ki67 in Cervical Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions and Cancer

Kanthiya, Kanjana,Khunnarong, Jakkapan,Tangjitgamol, Siriwan,Puripat, Napaporn,Tanvanich, Sujitra Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.7

Purpose: To evaluate the expression of p16 and Ki67 in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cancer. Materials and Methods: We performed a immunohistochemical study of p16 and Ki67 in 243 cervical tissues - 53 non-dysplastic lesions, 106 CIN1, 61 CIN2/3 and 23 squamous cell carcinomas. The expression of p16 and Ki67 was interpreted independently by 2 researchers and the sensitivity and specificity to detect clinically significant lesions (${\geq}CIN2$) were determined. Results: The overall agreement results of positive or negative immunostaining of intra-inter observer variability were 0.659 for p16 and 0.808 for Ki67. p16 expression was demonstrated in 91.3% of invasive carcinomas, 78.7% of CIN2/3, 10.4% of CIN1 and 9.4% of non-dysplasic lesions. The corresponding Ki67 expression was: 100% of all invasive carcinomas, 75.4% of CIN2/3, 22.6% of CIN1, and 11.3% with non-dysplasia. The expression was significantly different between CIN2/3 vs CIN1 for both p16 and Ki67 (p-values <0.001 both), and cancer vs CIN2/3 for Ki67 (p-value 0.008). The differences were not significant between CIN1 vs non-dysplasia (p-values 1.000 for p16 and 0.130 of Ki67), and cancer vs CIN2/3 for p16 (p value 0.219). The sensitivity and specificity to detect > CIN2 were 84.5% and 90.5% by p16 and 82.1% and 88.6% by Ki67. Conclusions: The rates for 16 and Ki67 expression were directly associated with the severity of cervical lesions. Significant differences in these markers expression may be useful in cases with equivocal histologic features among cervical intraepithelial lesions, but not between CIN1 and non-dysplastic lesions. The two markers had high sensitivity and specificity in determining >CIN2.

Synchronous and metachronous malignancy in endometrial cancer patients treated in a tertiary care center of Thailand

Siriwan Tangjitgamol,Jakkapan Khunnarong,Sunamchok Srijaipracharoen 대한부인종양학회 2015 Journal of Gynecologic Oncology Vol.26 No.4

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and features of non-endometrial cancers in Thai endometrial cancer (EC) patients. Methods: EC patients treated in our institution were identified and the following data were collected: age, EC stage, histopathology, adjuvant therapy, other cancers, living status, and cause of death. Results: The mean age of the 344 patients was 56.8±10.8 years. Fifty (14.5%) had other synchronous and metachronous cancers. Mean ages of the patients with or without other cancers were not significantly different, 55.7±10.04 years versus 57.1 ±11.0 years, respectively (p=0.358). History of any cancer in the family and tumor in the lower uterine segment were more frequent among the patients with other cancers (6.0% vs. 1.7%, p=0.095; 12.0% vs. 1.0%, p<0.001; respectively). Six patients had ≥2 other cancers. Ovarian, breast, and colon were the three most common other cancers. After a median follow-up of 57.1 months, 18.3% of patients had died: 30.0% of patients with other cancers and 16.3% of those without other cancers. The corresponding EC deaths were 14.0% and 11.2%. The 5-year overall survival was significantly lower in patients who had other cancers: 79.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 68.3 to 90.3) vs. 86.0% (95% CI, 81.7 to 90.3) than in those without (p=0.023). However, the corresponding disease-specific survival was not significantly different: 85.1% (95% CI, 75.5 to 94.7) compared with 89.0% (95% CI, 85.1 to 92.9), respectively (p=0.514). Conclusion: Thai EC patients had a high incidence of other cancers. Overall survival of EC patients who had other cancers was worse than those without, while disease-specific survival was not significantly different.

Uterine Sarcoma: Clinical Presentation, Treatment and Survival Outcomes in Thailand

Potikul, Chalermrat,Tangjitgamol, Siriwan,Khunnarong, Jakkapan,Srijaipracharoen, Sunamchok,Thavaramara, Thaovalai,Pataradool, Kamol Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.4

Background: Uterine sarcoma is a group of rare gynecologic tumors with various natures, and different lines of treatment. Most have a poor treatment outcome. This study targeted clinical characteristics, treatment, overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and prognostic factors in uterine sarcoma patients in one tertiary center for cancer care. Materials and Methods: Uterine sarcoma patients who were treated at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital between January 1994 and December 2014 were identified. Clinico-pathological data were analyzed. Prognostic outcomes were examined by Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analysis. Results: We identified 46 uterine sarcoma patients: 25 carcinosarcoma (CS) (54.3%), 15 leiomyosarcoma (LMS) (32.6%), and 6 undifferentiated uterine sarcoma (UUS) (13.1%) cases. Mean age was $54.0{\pm}11.9years$ (range 25-82 years). Abnormal uterine bleeding was the most common presenting symptom (63.0%). Among 33 patients (71.7%) who had pre-operative tissue collected, diagnosis of malignancy was correct in 29 (87.9%). All patients received primary surgery and retroperitoneal lymph nodes were resected in 34 (73.9%). After surgery, 5 (10.9%) had gross residual tumors. Stage I disease was most commonly found (56.5%). Adjuvant treatment was given to 27 (58.7%), most commonly chemotherapy. After a median follow-up of 16.0 months (range 0.8-187.4 months), recurrence was encountered in 22 patients (47.8%). Median time to recurrence was 5.8 months (range1.0-105.5 months). Distant metastasis was more common than local or locoregional failure. The 2-year PFS was 45.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 30.6%-59.7%) and the 2-year OS was 48.3% (95% CI, 33.3%-60.7%). Multivariable analyses found residual disease after surgery as a significant factor only for PFS. Conclusions: Uterine sarcoma is a rare tumor entity. Even with multimodalities of treatment, the prognosis is still poor. Successful cytoreductive surgery is a key factor for a good survival outcome.

Treatment Outcomes of Gemcitabine in Refractory or Recurrent Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Patients

Chanpanitkitchot, Saranya,Tangjitgamol, Siriwan,Khunnarong, Jakkapan,Thavaramara, Thaowalai,Pataradool, Kamol,Srijaipracharoen, Sunamchok Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.13

Background: To study the response rate (RR), progression-free survival (PFS) and toxicity profiles of recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients treated with gemcitabine. Materials and Methods: Recurrent EOC patients who were treated with gemcitabine between January 2000 and December 2013 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital were identified and medical records were reviewed. Clinico-pathological features including data of gemcitabine treatment, response and toxicity were collected. Results: We identified 43 EOC patients who had gemcitabine treatment. All except one patient who did not receive any adjuvant treatment, had received platinum-based chemotherapy. Among these 42 patients, 31.0% had refractory cancer to first-line chemotherapy while 69.0% had recurrence with 48.8% being platinum-sensitive. The total cycles of gemcitabine used were 203 (median 4, range 2-9 cycles). Overall RR was 11.6%: 19% in platinum-sensitive vs 4.5% in platinum-resistant groups (p=0.158) and 42.9% in the patients having gemcitabine together with platinum vs 5.6% using gemcitabine alone (P=0.024). Median PFS was 3.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.73-4.49 months): 8.1 months (95% CI, 2.73-4.49 months) in combination regimen vs 3.2 months (95% CI, 2.01-4.42 months) in single regimen (p=0.077) and 8.1 months (95% CI, 4.73-11.48 months) with the gemcitabine combination vs 2.7 months (95% CI, 1.98-3.38 months) by single gemcitabine in platinum sensitive patients (P=0.007). Common toxicities were hematologic which were well tolerated and manageable. Conclusions: Gemcitabine has modest activity in pre-treated EOC. A combination regimen had higher activity than single agent in platinum sensitive patients with a significant improvement in RR and PFS.

Knowledge and Attitudes of Bangkok Metropolitan Women towards HPV and Self-Sampled HPV Testing

Kittisiam, Thannaporn,Tangjitgamol, Siriwan,Chaowawanit, Woraphot,Khunnarong, Jakkapan,Srijaipracharoen, Sunamchok,Thavaramara, Thaowalai,Pataradool, Kamol Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.5

Background: To evaluate knowledge of Bangkok women regarding HPV and self-sampled HPV testing, and their attitudes towards testing. Materials and Methods: Thai women who had lived in Bangkok for more than 5 years, aged 25-to-65 years old, were invited to join the study. Participating women were asked to a complete self-questionnaire (Thai language), with literate assistance as needed. The questionnaire was divided into 3 parts: (I) demographic data, (II) knowledge and (III) attitudes towards self-sampled HPV testing. Before proceeding to Part III of the questionnaire, a 15-minute educational video of self-sampled HPV testing was presented to all participants. Results: Among 2,810 women who answered the questionnaires, 33.7% reported that they did not know about HPV. The characteristic features of these women were older age (> 50 years), lower income (< 600 USD/month), unemployed status, and non-attendees at cervical cancer screening. Only small numbers of women (4.6%) responded that they had heard about self-sampled HPV testing. After having information, 59.6% would not use the self-sampled HPV testing as a method of cervical cancer screening (non-acceptance). Factors significantly associated with the non-acceptance were older age, lower income, having no knowledge about HPV or self-collected HPV testing, a perception that the testing was unreliable and a concern that they might not be able to perform it correctly. Conclusions: Nearly half and almost all Bangkok women did not know about HPV and self-sampled HPV testing, respectively. Approximately 60% of Bangkok women refused to do the self-sampled HPV testing. Significant negative attitudes were concerns that the testing would be unreliable and a lack of confidence to perform the procedure correctly. Education about HPV and self-sampled HPV testing, ease of the procedure, or the testing models may increase rate of acceptability or positive attitudes.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Abnormal Cervical Cytology and High-Risk HPV DNA among Bangkok Metropolitan Women

Tangjitgamol, Siriwan,Kantathavorn, Nuttavut,Kittisiam, Thannaporn,Chaowawanit, Woraphot,Phoolcharoen, Natacha,Manusirivithaya, Sumonmal,Khunnarong, Jakkapan,Srijaipracharoen, Sunamchok,Saeloo, Siripo Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.7

Background: Many strategies are required for cervical cancer reduction e.g. provision of education cautious sexual behavior, HPV vaccination, and early detection of pre-invasive cervical lesions and invasive cancer. Basic health data for cervical cytology/ HPV DNA and associated factors are important to make an appropriate policy to fight against cervical cancer. Aims: To assess the prevalence of abnormal cervical cytology and/or HPV DNA and associated factors, including sexual behavior, among Bangkok Metropolitan women. Materials and Methods: Thai women, aged 25-to-65 years old, had lived in Bangkok for ${\geq}5$ years were invited into the study. Liquid-based cervical cytology and HPV DNA tests were performed. Personal data were collected. Main Outcomes Measures: Rates of abnormal cytology and/ or high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) and factors associated with abnormal test (s) were studied. Results: Abnormal cytology and positive HR-HPV were found in 6.3% (279/4442 women) and 6.7% (295/4428), respectively. The most common abnormal cytology was ASC-US (3.5%) while the most common HR-HPV genotype was HPV 16 (1.4%) followed by HPV 52 (1.0%), HPV 58 (0.9%), and HPV 18 and HPV 51 at equal frequency (0.7%). Both tests were abnormal in 1.6% (71/4428 women). Rates of HR-HPV detection were directly associated with severity of abnormal cytology: 5.4% among normal cytology and 13.0%, 30.8%, 40.0%, 39.5%, 56.3% and 100.0% among ASC-US, ASC-H, AGC-NOS, LSIL, HSIL, and SCC, respectively. Some 5% of women who had no HR-HPV had abnormal cytology, in which 0.3% had ${\geq}$ HSIL. Factors associated with abnormal cytology or HR-HPV were: age ${\leq}40$ years, education lower than (for cytology) or higher than bachelor for HR-HPV), history of sexual intercourse, and sexual partners ${\geq}2$. Conclusions: Rates for abnormal cytology and HR-HPV detection were 6.3% and 6.7% HR-HPV detection was directly associated with severity of abnormal cytology. Significant associated factors were age ${\leq}40$ years, lower education, history of sexual intercourse, and sexual partners ${\geq}2$.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Behavior of Bangkok Metropolitan Women Regarding Cervical Cancer Screening

Chaowawanit, Woraphot,Tangjitgamol, Siriwan,Kantathavorn, Nuttavut,Phoolcharoen, Natacha,Kittisiam, Thannaporn,Khunnarong, Jakkapan,Supawattanabodee, Busaba,Srijaipracharoen, Sunamchok,Thavaramara, Th Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.3

Purpose: To assess knowledge, attitudes and cervical cancer screening behavior of Bangkok Metropolitan women. Materials and Methods: Thai women, aged 25-to-65 years old, having lived in Bangkok for 5 years or more were invited to participate in the study. After signing informed consent, all women were asked to complete a self-questionnaire (Thai language) with literate assistance if needed. The questionnaire was divided into 3 parts: (I) demographic data; (II) knowledge about cervical cancer screening; and (III) behavior and attitudes, towards cervical cancer screening. Adequate screening was defined as women who had ${\geq}$two cervical cancer screening tests except women aged 25-30 years who may have only one screening, and the last screen was within 5 year or had had regular screening. Results: Of 4,339 women, there were 1,857 (42.8%) with adequate screening and 2,482 (57.2%) with inadequate screening. Significant factors associated with inadequate screening included age < 45 years, pre-menopausal status, family monthly income <625 USD, no reported sexual intercourse, nulliparous, no knowledge, lack of awareness and poor attitudes. Three major reasons provided by women for inadequate screening were no symptoms (54.4%), fear of pain (33.2%), and embarrassment (34.6%). Conclusions: Personal features, knowledge, and attitudes influence screening behavior of Bangkok Metropolitan women. The three most common reasons of women for not undergoinging screening are no symptoms, fear of pain, and embarrassment. These factors should be the focus of attention to improve coverage of cervical cancer screening in Bangkok.

Treatment Outcomes of Paclitaxel for Refractory or Recurrent Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Patients in Thailand

Pitakkarnkul, Supakorn,Tangjitgamol, Siriwan,Srijaipracharoen, Sunamchok,Manusirivithaya, Sumonmal,Pataradool, Kamol,Prutthiphongsit, Watchara,Khunnarong, Jakkapan,Thavaramara, Thaovalai Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.4

Background: To study the response rate, toxicity profiles, and survival of refractory or recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients treated with paclitaxel. Materials and Methods: Patients with refractory or recurrent EOC who were treated with paclitaxel between January 2002 and December 2011 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Vajira Hospital were identified. Clinicopathological features of the patients including detailed data of paclitaxel treatment were collected. Results: During the study period, a total of 44 patients were identified, with a mean age of $52.9{\pm}8.2$ years. Some 13.6% (six patients) had refractory cancer to first-line chemotherapy while 86.4% (38 patients) had recurrent cancer. Among these, 35 (79.6%) and 9 (20.4%) patients were considered as platinum-sensitive and platinum-resistant, respectively. Three patients (6.8%) received fewer than 2 cycles of paclitaxel due to loss to follow-up, leaving 41 patients evaluable for response. The overall response rate observed in all 41 patients was 41.5% (17 patients; 12 complete and five partial responses): 12.5% or 1/8 patients with refractory or platinum-resistant cancer and 48.5% or 16/33 patients with platinum-sensitive disease. Stable disease was demonstrated in 17.0% (seven patients) while progressive disease was apparent in 41.5% (17 patients). Median time to progress was 4.5 months (range, 0.67-58.6 months). Median progression-free survival was not reached while median overall survival was 16.3 months (95% confidence interval, 11.0 months -21.6 months). Common toxicities were neutropenia, neuropathy, and alopecia. Conclusions: Paclitaxel is an active agent for refractory or recurrent EOC. Neutropenia, neuropathy and alopecia are common side effects.