Utilization of a uniform grading system for interpreting serous ovarian cancer.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the study was to implement a uniform system for assigning tumor grade in serous ovarian cancer and evaluate its correlation with response to conventional chemotherapy.


METHODS
Serous ovarian cancer tumor samples were retrospectively reviewed by 3 pathologists who were blinded to the original report. Samples were scored for architectural pattern, nuclear pleomorphism, and mitotic activity. Sum scores from these 3 indices were used to classify tumors as low grade or high grade.


RESULTS
A total of 21 patients were identified as low-grade tumors and 21 were identified as high-grade tumors. Of low-grade tumors, 16 (76%) were found to be platinum resistant, defined as recurrent or persistent disease, 180 days from completion of the final cycle of chemotherapy, Of 21 patients defined as high grade, 9 (43%) were platinum resistant (P = .028).


CONCLUSIONS
Utilization of a uniform grading system retrospectively correlates with platinum sensitivity.
Lachance
Jason A
JA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. jal5f@virginia.edu
Shutter
Jamie
J
Atkins
Kristen A
KA
Stoler
Mark H
MH
Rice
Laurel W
LW
Jazaeri
Amir A
AA
D018284:Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous / Q000473:pathology*; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008940:Mitotic Index; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies