In this episode, we delve into a study titled “Functions, Interactions, and Prognostic Role of POLE: A Bioinformatics Analysis” by Carvajal-Veloza and colleagues, which explores the impact of POLE mutations in endometrial cancer. Using advanced bioinformatics tools, the researchers analyzed 30 mutations in the exonuclease domain of the POLE gene, highlighting their pathogenic effects on protein structure, DNA replication, and repair mechanisms. The study also investigated clinical data from over 2,900 endometrial cancer cases, finding that POLE mutations are more frequent in microsatellite-unstable tumors and are associated with higher infiltration of immune cells such as CD8+ T cells and macrophages, indicating enhanced antitumoral immune activity. Despite contributing to genomic instability and potential platinum resistance, these mutations are linked to favorable prognoses due to their immune-activating effects. This discussion underscores the critical role of molecular profiling in improving treatment strategies for endometrial cancer.

Functions, Interactions and Prognostic role of POLE: a bioinformatics analysis (https://doi.org/10.3802/jgo.2025.36.e45)

In this episode of the JGO podcast, we delve into a cost-effectiveness analysis from the SHAPE trial, comparing simple hysterectomy to radical hysterectomy for patients with low-risk early-stage cervical cancer. The study, led by Dr. Janice S. Kwon and published in November 2024, found that simple hysterectomy was both more effective and less costly, with an average cost savings of 1,511 Canadian dollars per patient and improved quality-adjusted life expectancy. Postoperative complications, including urinary incontinence and retention, were significantly lower with simple hysterectomy, and recurrence-free survival rates were comparable between the two procedures. These findings strongly support simple hysterectomy as the new standard of care, offering better patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. Tune in to learn more about how this study could transform global treatment practices.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of simple hysterectomy compared to radical hysterectomy for early cervical cancer (https://doi.org/10.3802/jgo.2024.35.e117)

In this episode, we discuss a phase II study by Chen Li and colleagues that evaluates the efficacy and safety of toripalimab, a PD-1 inhibitor, combined with bevacizumab and platinum-based chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for refractory recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer. With an impressive objective response rate of 83.3% and a median progression-free survival of 22.6 months, the findings highlight a promising alternative for patients with limited options. The discussion also explores the regimen’s manageable safety profile and its potential to optimize dosing strategies. Tune in for insights into this innovative approach that could reshape the treatment landscape for advanced cervical cancer.

Toripalimab combined with bevacizumab plus chemotherapy as first-line treatment for refractory recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer: a single-arm, open-label, phase II study (JS001-ISS-CO214) (https://doi.org/10.3802/jgo.2025.36.e44)

In this episode of the Journal of Gynecologic Oncology podcast, we discuss a study by Natsuki Osawa and colleagues titled "Oncological safety of minimally invasive surgery in borderline ovarian tumor and ovarian cancer: a retrospective comparative study." The research evaluates the outcomes of 45 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for presumed benign ovarian tumors, later diagnosed as borderline ovarian tumors or ovarian cancer. The findings suggest that laparoscopic surgery is a safe option for borderline ovarian tumors, with a low recurrence rate and no impact on survival. However, for ovarian cancer, recurrence rates were higher, and rapid disease progression was observed in some cases, raising concerns about its suitability. The study also highlights important limitations, including its retrospective design and small sample size for ovarian cancer cases, emphasizing the need for further research. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on the implications of these findings for clinical practice.

Oncological safety of minimally invasive surgery in borderline ovarian tumor and ovarian cancer: a retrospective comparative study (https://doi.org/10.3802/jgo.2025.36.e46)

In this episode, we review the multi-center study led by Zhong and colleagues, which investigates the efficacy of combining bevacizumab with chemotherapy in relapsed ovarian cancer after prior PARP inhibitor maintenance therapy. The study found that patients receiving the combination achieved a median progression-free survival of 11 months compared to 9 months with chemotherapy alone, with notable benefits in platinum-resistant disease. While bevacizumab increased adverse events like neutropenia and hypertension, outcomes were generally favorable. Tune in to learn how this research could shape future treatment strategies for recurrent ovarian cancer.

Bevacizumab combined with chemotherapy could be superior to chemotherapy alone in relapsed ovarian cancer after PARPi: evidence from a multi-center propensity score-matched analysis (https://doi.org/10.3802/jgo.2025.36.e36)

In this episode, we delve into the NIVEC study, a phase 2 trial investigating the use of nivolumab, a programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitor, as a neoadjuvant therapy for patients with mismatch repair deficient, surgically resectable endometrial cancer. The study explores whether this immunotherapy can improve complete response rates when combined with standard surgical and adjuvant treatments. We discuss the trial’s design, rationale, and the potential impact of immune checkpoint inhibitors in reshaping treatment strategies for this challenging cancer subtype. Tune in to learn how this research aims to address critical gaps in the management of endometrial cancer and improve patient outcomes.

A phase II study of induction PD-1 blockade (nivolumab) in patients with surgically completely resectable mismatch repair deficient endometrial cancer (NIVEC) (https://doi.org/10.3802/jgo.2025.36.e35)

In this episode, we discuss an exciting study by Okazawa-Sakai and colleagues from Japan, titled "Gut microbiome associated with PARP inhibitor efficacy in patients with ovarian cancer." This research highlights how the gut bacterium Phascolarctobacterium is linked to improved progression-free survival in BRCA1/2-negative ovarian cancer patients receiving PARP inhibitors. We explore the implications of these findings for personalized cancer treatment and potential microbiome-targeted interventions, such as probiotics or dietary modifications, to enhance therapy outcomes. Tune in to learn about this groundbreaking advancement in gynecologic oncology and its potential to transform clinical practice.

Gut microbiome associated with PARP inhibitor efficacy in patients with ovarian cancer (https://doi.org/10.3802/jgo.2025.36.e38)

This episode explores a study led by Dr. Shuai Huang from Beijing Hospital, examining the efficacy and safety of combining anlotinib, a multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor, with oral etoposide for treating platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. In a retrospective analysis of 22 patients, the combination therapy achieved a partial response rate of 45% and a disease control rate of 85%, with a median progression-free survival of 8.7 months. While all patients experienced adverse events, severe toxicities were manageable in most cases, though two patients discontinued treatment. The study highlights the potential of this oral regimen as a promising outpatient option, though further randomized trials are needed to validate its findings. Tune in to learn more about this innovative approach.

Efficacy and safety of combined anlotinib-oral etoposide treatment for patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (https://doi.org/10.3802/jgo.2024.35.e100)

In this episode, we explore a new study on pembrolizumab’s effectiveness in microsatellite instability-high endometrial cancer, focusing on three subtypes: sporadic (MLH1 hypermethylated), Lynch-like syndrome, and Lynch syndrome-associated tumors. Findings suggest that patients with Lynch-like and Lynch syndrome tumors may experience higher response rates and longer survival with pembrolizumab, underscoring the importance of a tailored approach in immunotherapy. Additionally, the study examines the potential of EPM2AIP1 immunohistochemistry as a preliminary tool to rule out MLH1 methylation, which may support clinical decision-making in selecting patients for pembrolizumab therapy. Join us as we discuss these insights, along with a brief introduction to the ASGO 2024 meeting in Bali, a key event for gynecologic oncology professionals.

Unveiling pembrolizumab effectiveness in diverse subtypes of MSI-high endometrial cancers (https://doi.org/10.3802/jgo.2024.35.e103)

In this episode, we introduce the REMPA trial, a study from the Japanese Gynecologic Oncology Group evaluating the safety and efficacy of Repeated Medroxyprogesterone Acetate therapy for young patients with recurrent early-stage endometrial cancer or atypical endometrial hyperplasia who wish to preserve fertility. With recurrence rates remaining high after initial hormone therapy, the trial examines whether repeated high-dose medroxyprogesterone acetate can offer a viable, fertility-sparing alternative to total hysterectomy. We discuss the study’s design, and potential implications for global treatment guidelines, offering hope for expanded options in recurrent endometrial cancer care.