IJGC Podcast BMJ Podcasts

In this episode of the IJGC podcast, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Pedro Ramirez is joined by Dr. Shitanshu Uppal to discuss the impact of closure of small fascial bites on incisional hernia rates in gynecologic oncology patients. Dr. Uppal is the George W. Morley Collegiate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Division Chief of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Michigan. Dr. Uppal is recognized for his research in surgical outcomes and quality improvement, alongside his pivotal role in leading educational initiatives for Gynecologic Oncology.
 
Highlights:
 
- This quality improvement study validates prior RCT data in gynecologic oncology population
- Adoption of Small-Bite Fascial Closure Reduced Hernia rates by 50%
- Obesity and adjuvant chemotherapy are independent risk factors for hernia development

In this episode of the IJGC podcast, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Pedro Ramirez is joined by Dr. Domenica Lorusso to discuss the survival analysis of the PAOLA1 trial. Dr. Domenica Lorusso, MD, PhD, directs the Gynaecological Oncology Unit at Humanitas Hospital, Milan, and holds a Full Professorship in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Humanitas University, Rozzano, Milan. She has led/participated in approximately 250 phase I-IV clinical trials. Currently overseeing more than 60 studies as Principal Investigator, Dr. Lorusso also chairs the Clinical Trials Committee of the MITO Group. She serves on the Board of Directors of the GCIG and is an active member of ENGOT, where she chairs the Gynecological Cancer Academy. Additionally, she sits on the Board of Directors of the ESGO. With around 300 international oncology publications and contributions to national and international treatment guidelines, her primary objectives are to ensure optimal patient care, foster clinical research, and advance international collaborations and education in the field.
 
Highlights:
Bevacizumab plus olaparib has reported to increase PFS and OS in advanced stage III-IV, newly diagnosed, high grade serous and endometrioid HRD positive ovarian cancer in the maintenance setting 
Exploratory analysis suggest that the advantage is particularly high in low risk patients (stage III withour residual tumor at primary surgery) where  a 5-year OS more  than 90% has been reported suggesting some of these patients may be cured
In the HRp population the combination of olaparib-bevacizumab did non increase PFS and OS in comparison to bevacizumab alone
The toxicity profile of the combination is in line with what expected with the single drugs

In this episode of the IJGC podcast, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Pedro Ramirez is joined by Dr. Ana Luzarraga to discuss molecular profiles as predictors of endometrial recurrence. Dr. Luzarraga is a Gynecologic Oncologist currently working in the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona, Spain. She has completed her two years ESGO fellowship in 2023 and is currently finishing her PhD programme about molecular profile in endometrial cancer.
 
Highlights:
Molecular subgroups of endometrial cancer present distinctive recurrence patterns: p53-abn tumors relapse mostly with peritoneal and distant disease and NSMP tumors at distance.
Molecular profile is a stronger independent predictor for vaginal, peritoneal, and distant recurrence than classic histologic factors.
P53-abn is the sole independent predictor of peritoneal relapse.
P53-abn and NSMP are independent predictors of distant recurrence.

In this episode of the IJGC podcast, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Pedro Ramirez is joined by Dr. Luis Chiva. Dr. Chiva, Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Clinica Universidad de Navarra, is an Honorary Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a former council member of ESGO, and chaired the Program Committee for ESGO Istanbul 2023. He also serves as Associate Editor for the IJGC.
 
Highlights:
1. Dr. Luis Chiva's career path in gynecologic oncology stemmed from his father's influence and his own passion for surgery.
2. Training in the United States broadened his perspective, leading him to play a pivotal role in advancing gynecologic oncology in Spain.
3. He emphasized personalized patient care and multidisciplinary approaches to oncology, shaping his leadership in professional societies.
4. Dr. Chiva's journey underscores the importance of continual learning, perseverance, and a strong family support system in achieving professional success.
5. Balancing work and personal life, he believes, is essential for maintaining overall well-being and effectiveness in patient care.

In this episode of the IJGC podcast, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Pedro Ramirez is joined by Dr. Jessica Mcalpine. Dr. McAlpine is a surgeon-scientist at the University of British Columbia and BC Cancer and a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair.  
 
Highlights:
• Collaborate! You are stronger together and can refine and improve your research initiatives.
• Choose projects that you believe are clinically impactful—not just for the sake of publishing.
• Find things that bring you joy in life. Gynecologic oncology and research are long journeys, and we need to take care of ourselves and each other.

In this episode of the IJGC Podcast, Editorial Fellows Elena Olearo and Beatriz Navarro Santana discuss the contents of the April issue of IJGC.