MPC Member Publications

This database contains a listing of population studies publications written by MPC Members. Anyone can add a publication by an MPC student, faculty, or staff member to this database; new citations will be reviewed and approved by MPC administrators.

Full Citation

Title: Implantable ports in ovarian cancer: Patient experiences and the need for shared decision-making

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2026

ISSN: 00908258

DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2026.01.200

Abstract: Objectives To assess the accuracy and usefulness of novel software evaluating change over time in Fluorodeoxyglucose (FGD) PET/CT imaging for metastatic cancer patients. Methods Serial FGD avid PET/CT scans for 25 patients with metastatic cancer were retrospectively analyzed using a novel algorithm-based software that includes quantification of change for identified lesions as well as spatial location, visualization, and classification (new, increasing, unchanged, decreasing, disappeared) of each detected lesion. The software also quantifies the change in overall disease and provides an overall positive (new or worsening) or a negative (diminishing or disappearing) percentile. Oncologists identified clinically significant lesions for each patient, and an independent radiologist reviewed every lesion contour, matching precision and treatment response for accuracy. The final software-generated report was compared to existing original PET/CT radiology reports for clinical interpretation. To assess usefulness, 2 medical oncologists and 2 gynecologic oncologists reviewed specialty-specific cases and completed a usefulness questionnaire after comparing the algorithm-based reports to the PET/CT scans. Descriptive statistics evaluated patient demographics, clinical outcomes, report findings, and usefulness. Results Patients had a mean age of 67 years old, and a majority were White (92%), female (64%), and had stage III (36%) or stage IV (56%) disease at diagnosis. Seven primary cancers were included: cervical (28%), melanoma (20%), lymphoma (28%), vulvar (12%), vaginal (4%), uterine (4%), and urothelial (4%). Of the 150 lesions identified, there was an average of 6 lesions (SD 5.8) per patient, with 98 determined to be clinically significant. Accuracy of lesion contours, matching, and classification was 97.6% (96/98). The second PET/CT led to a change in management in 12/25 (48%) of the cases with progression in 6 patients, partial response in 8, complete response in 6, and a mixed response in 5 patients. The software reported an overall worsening of disease in 6 patients (positive score), improvement in 18 patients (negative score), and 1 patient with no lesions reported. In 28% of the reviewed cases, the algorithm-based report had distinctions from the FGD PET/CT reports. Overall, 56% of the reports were deemed useful. Among cases reviewed, the 4 oncologists found the reports useful in 100%, 92%, 33%, and 0% of cases. Perceived usefulness was highest for lesion spatial location information (78%) followed by systemic treatment decision making and patient education (56%), and limited usefulness for targeted treatment decisions (32%). Conclusions The algorithm-based service which quantifies and classifies change in lesions from serial PET/CT images was highly accurate but had a wide range of perceived usefulness among practicing oncologists. Designed to be used alongside standard of care radiology reports, this analysis provides novel data to better understand how this technology can be used, although clinical judgement is required when interpreting the analysis for management decisions (Fig. 1). Objectives Implantable venous access ports are commonly used for treatment administration for patients with cancer. While they can assist with treatment administration and frequent blood draws, ports are not required for many ovarian cancer treatments and can lead to complications such as thrombosis and infection. However, data regarding patient experiences with ports are limited. Our objective was to describe the experiences of individuals with ovarian cancer with implantable ports to further guide patient-centered care. Methods We surveyed individuals diagnosed with ovarian cancer regarding their experience with ports. This was conducted as part of the UNTOLD (Understanding The experience of Ovarian cancer-Life after Diagnosis) study which aims to comprehensively document the survivorship experience of individuals with ovarian cancer. This cross-sectional survey was developed through partnership with patient advocates, and a pilot test with 15 ovarian cancer survivors was conducted to ensure development of a robust, survivor-informed survey. Individuals were recruited in the United States through advocacy groups for this study; recruitment is ongoing. Results A total of 55 individuals with ovarian cancer have participated in the study as of 10/14/2025. The median age of respondents was 57 (range 29-84) with a median time since diagnosis of 4 years (range 0-20). Most (67.3%) were diagnosed with stage III or IV disease, 34.6% had recurrent disease, and 40% were receiving treatment for ovarian cancer at the time of the survey. Three-quarters (76.4%; 42/ Abstracts / Gynecologic Oncology 205 (2026) S11-S33 S12

Url: https://www.gynecologiconcology-online.net/action/showFullText?pii=S0090825826002040

Url: https://www.gynecologiconcology-online.net/action/showAbstract?pii=S0090825826002040

Url: https://www.gynecologiconcology-online.net/article/S0090-8258(26)00204-0/abstract

User Submitted?: No

Authors: Barger, Abigail; Khazak, Andre; Zighelboim, Israel; Wilson, Melissa; Arriaga, Yull; Huepenbecker St, Sarah; Boyle, Sarah; Teoh, Deanna; Binder, Deborah; Brown, Katherine; Kelly, Emma; Parsons, Helen; Vogel, Rachel

Periodical (Full): Gynecologic Oncology

Issue:

Volume: 205

Pages: S12-S13

Countries:

IPUMS NHGIS NAPP IHIS ATUS Terrapop