International journal of gynecological cancer : official journal of the International Gynecological Cancer Society
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Int. J. Gynecol. Cancer · Jul 2010
ReviewMoving toward personalized medicine: treatment-focused genetic testing of women newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
The presence of a germline BRCA mutation defines a genotype-specific group of women whose invasive ovarian cancer is associated with an increasingly well-defined prognostic and chemosensitivity biological profile. To determine the criteria that may be used to select patients for BRCA treatment-focused genetic testing, we performed a systemic literature search of studies that assessed BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation frequency in women with ovarian cancer unselected for family history. The results are discussed with regard to the added clinical value gained by identifying a germline BRCA mutation at the time of the ovarian cancer diagnosis. ⋯ We believe that given the growing appreciation of the prognostic significance of BRCA mutations and the differential chemosensitivity shown by these tumors, as well as the potential of novel agents such as poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors, the identification of a germline BRCA mutation concurrent with a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer will significantly impact on tailoring personalized ovarian management in the future.
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Int. J. Gynecol. Cancer · Jul 2010
Malignant transformation arising from mature cystic teratoma of the ovary: a retrospective study of 20 cases.
Mature cystic teratoma (MCT) of the ovary rarely undergoes malignant transformation (MT). Malignant transformation carries a significantly worse prognosis than epithelial ovarian cancer, regardless of whether postoperative chemotherapy or radiotherapy is applied. The rarity of this tumor has posed a significant challenge to developing standardized postoperative management protocols. The aim of this study was to review our experience with MT and to describe our current treatment practices. ⋯ The prognosis of MT is highly dependent on age, stage, and optimal cytoreduction. Adjuvant treatment has not been standardized, although our experience supports the use of combination platinum/taxane chemotherapy.