(repeat) abstract: SGO White Paper on ovarian cancer: etiology, screening and surveillance

Abstract: Ovarian cancer is a heterogeneous, rapidly progressive, highly lethal disease of low prevalence. The etiology remains poorly understood. Numerous risk factors have been identified, the most prominent involving an inherited predisposition in 10% of cases. Women with germline mutations associated with Hereditary Breast/Ovarian Cancer and Lynch syndromes have dramatically elevated risks (up to 46% and 12%, respectively). Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy is the best method to prevent ovarian cancer in these high-risk women. Significant risk reduction is also seen in the general population who use oral contraceptives. Since up to 89% patients with early-stage disease have symptoms prior to diagnosis, increased awareness of the medical community may facilitate further workup in patients who otherwise would have had a delay. Despite enormous effort, there is no proof that routine screening for ovarian cancer in either the high-risk or general populations with serum markers, sonograms, or pelvic examinations decreases mortality. Further evaluation is needed to determine whether any novel biomarkers, or panels of markers, have clinical utility in early detection. Prospective clinical trials have to be designed and completed prior to offering of any of these new diagnostic tests. CA125 is currently the only biomarker recommended for monitoring of therapy as well as detection of recurrence. This commentary provides an overview on the background, screening and surveillance of ovarian cancer.

he role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the management of patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer: Survey results from members of the SGO (Society of Gynecologic Oncologists)

(U.S.) Society of Gynecologic Oncologists Releases Data on the State of the Specialty

"SGO Practice Survey Task Force Chairman James Orr, MD, said in a news release, “The information in this report is a useful tool not only to current, practicing gynecologic oncologists with regard to how their practice composition relates to their peers, but also has important implications for individuals considering a career in this subspecialty, medical schools interested in creating a specialty program, and hospitals and health systems investigating the addition of specialized cancer care to their women's health care programs.”"

Society of Gynecologic Oncologists Statement on Use of CA125 in Screening for Ovarian Cancer

press release:
June, 2010
Society of Gynecologic Oncologists Statement on Use of CA125 in Screening for Ovarian Cancer

Results of a multicenter screening trial using calculated algorithms based on age and trends in CA125 levels over time in women without familial risk of developing ovarian cancer have recently been reported at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) was not performed automatically but as indicated by the CA125 algorithm results. This study provides early evidence that incorporating a CA125 algorithm followed by TVUS may be a feasible strategy for screening low-risk women over 50 years of age. The results of this study have been featured in various professional and consumer media outlets, causing physicians and patients to seek guidance regarding the implications.

The Society of Gynecologic Oncologists commends the investigators of this study for contributing valuable data, and eagerly awaits the results of additional larger randomized controlled trials to confirm the usefulness of Risk of Ovarian Cancer Algorithm (ROCA) in screening women without familial risk of ovarian cancer. The positive predictive value noted in the study of 37.5% is superior to what has been reported from prior studies. However, as a screening strategy, that eventually could be applied to the general population, this figure is modest. There remains insufficient evidence to support routine CA125 +/- TVUS screening in low-risk women who are not part of a clinical trial. An additional limitation of this study was the lack of a control, observation-only arm, without which it is difficult to attribute any real benefit to the screening strategy. As with any prospective screening tool or treatment option, the impact of false positive and false negative screening results must be considered and balanced against the potential benefits of true positive and negative results. Finally, while the number of participants who needed more frequent CA125 monitoring, ultrasound, or referral to a specialist appeared small, a complete cost effectiveness analysis of this approach would be critical before adopting any universal screening program.

As specialists in women’s cancer care, gynecologic oncologists offer patients individualized treatment plans. Patients and their physicians are encouraged to discuss the pros and cons of CA125 and TVUS screening and the implications for subsequent treatment and quality of life.

June 8, 2010 SGO Statement on GOG 218 Phase III Trial Study Results (Avastin)

"Results of a placebo controlled randomized Phase III clinical trial involving the addition of bevacizumab to standard chemotherapy treatment in women with newly diagnosed, advanced ovarian, primary peritoneal or fallopian tube cancer have recently been reported at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Three treatment arms were included in the trial known as GOG 218. These included 1) standard intravenous paclitaxel and carboplatin 2) intravenous paclitaxel and carboplatin in conjunction with bevacizumab and 3) intravenous paclitaxel, carboplatin and bevacizumab with continuation of bevacizumab as a single agent for an additional 10 months (maintenance). The Society of Gynecologic Oncologists commends the Gynecologic Oncology Group, their investigators and the many patients who participated in this study for contributing valuable data advancing the evidence-based management of these diseases. The main finding was a significant improvement in progression free survival (PFS) with the addition of bevacizumab to upfront intravenous chemotherapy when the bevacizumab was continued as a maintenance regimen after chemotherapy. This improvement in PFS was 3.8 months (10.3 for standard chemotherapy, 14.1 months for the maintenance regimen). The authors report that it is too early to determine how this approach will impact long-term patient survival. The results of this study have been featured in various professional and consumer media outlets, causing physicians and patients to seek guidance regarding the implications. SGO encourages patients and providers to discuss risks, benefits and costs associated with use of bevacizumab (Avastin) as a component of upfront treatment and maintenance therapy."

May 20th, 2010 SGO statement - (U.S.) statement - House Defense Appropriations Subcomittee

Note: clicking above uploads directly the pdf file version

Statement of Daniel L. Clarke-Pearson, M.D. President - Society of Gynecologic Oncologists Professor and Chair, Obstetrics and Gynecology University of North Carolina Medical School Chapel Hill, North Carolina On Behalf of The Society of Gynecologic Oncologists Before The House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee

Thursday, May 20, 2010 at 10:00 am

SGO E-Learning Center

SGO's 41st Annual Meeting on Women's Cancer Webcast Available Now!
FREE Introduction to Presidential Address, Cornelius Granai, MD
FREE Presidential Address, David Mutch, MD
FREE ACS Lectureship, Paul Goodfellow, PhD

interview with Dr Clarke-Pearson - gyn/oncology data 2009/2010 AACR/SGO

Daniel L. Clarke-Pearson, MD, chairman of the department of obstetrics and gynecology and Robert A. Ross Professor at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, was recently elected the 42nd president of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists.
HemOnc Today spoke with Clarke-Pearson about developments in gynecologic oncology in 2009 and important data presented at The Society for Gynecologic Oncologists’ 2010 Annual Meeting.

utube: Thomas J. Herzog, MD, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons talks about liposomal doxorubicin, bevacizumab, and temsirolimus in patients with advanced malignancy SGO

Thomas J. Herzog, MD, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons talks about liposomal doxorubicin, bevacizumab, and temsirolimus in patients with advanced malignancy.

utube video - Robert L. Coleman, MD/M. D. Anderson Cancer Center talks about intraperitoneal versus intravenous chemotherapy in ovarian cancer SGO

» Blog Archive » WORD Goes To SGO (+ video)

News - Bevacizumab Plus Docetaxel Shows Promise for Ovarian Cancer, No Surprising Toxicities: Presented at SGO

Medical News: SGO: Drug Combination Slows Recurrent Ovarian Cancer - in Meeting Coverage, SGO (Avastin)

(OVA1) Vermillion to Attend Society of Gynecologic Oncologists Meeting March 15-19 press release

press release: Special Session Highlights Late-Breaking Abstracts -- CHICAGO, March 8

"Range of gynecologic oncology research is as impressive as pace" "These abstracts are indicative of the high-quality research being conducted in our sub-specialties," said Dr. David G. Mutch, president of the SGO. "It is very encouraging to see the frequency with which important results are becoming available and we are thrilled to be able to showcase these studies at our Annual Meeting, where our colleagues from across the country and the world can evaluate the findings and learn about the latest approaches."