Clear cell ovarian adenocarcinoma

Area of Science:

• Gynecologic Oncology
• Pathology
• Medical Oncology

Background:

• Clear cell ovarian carcinoma (CCOC) is a rare subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer.
• It predominantly affects postmenopausal women, with rarity below age 40 reaffirmed.
• CCOC exhibits distinct clinicopathologic features and treatment challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the clinicopathologic features of 22 CCOC cases.
• To review the literature on CCOC, focusing on rarity, associations, and outcomes.
• To outline a management plan for CCOC.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 22 patient cases.
• Literature survey of previously reported CCOC cases.
• Review of clinical, pathological, and treatment data.

Main Results:

• Rarity of CCOC in patients under 40 confirmed.
• Observed hypercalcemia (2 patients) and thromboembolic complications (3 patients).
• Coexistent endometriosis (10 patients, 26% in literature) and endometrial carcinoma (2 patients, 14% in literature) noted.
• Poor survival for Stage III/IV disease (0% vs. 8% in literature).
• Suggestive radiation response in Stage IIC disease; partial responses to chemotherapy (adriamycin, cytoxan, cis-platinum).

Conclusions:

• CCOC is rare in premenopausal women.
• CCOC has significant associations with endometriosis and endometrial carcinoma.
• Advanced stage disease carries a poor prognosis; chemotherapy and radiotherapy show potential therapeutic benefits.