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.

In this episode of the Journal of Gynecologic Oncology podcast, we discuss the findings from a recent study titled "Cost-effectiveness analysis of simple hysterectomy compared to radical hysterectomy for early cervical cancer: analysis from the GCIG/CCTG CX.5/SHAPE trial." The study evaluates the financial and clinical outcomes of simple versus radical hysterectomy for low-risk, early-stage cervical cancer. The results show that simple hysterectomy is both more cost-effective and results in better long-term quality of life compared to radical hysterectomy, with fewer postoperative complications. Tune in to hear how these findings could influence future treatment guidelines and improve patient care.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of simple hysterectomy compared to radical hysterectomy for early cervical cancer: analysis from the GCIG/CCTG CX.5/SHAPE trial (https://doi.org/10.3802/jgo.2024.35.e117)

In this episode of the Journal of Gynecologic Oncology podcast, we explore a recent study by Nishimura and colleagues that examines the role of platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with intermediate-risk early-stage cervical cancer. The study identifies high-risk subgroups within the intermediate-risk population—those with multiple risk factors such as large tumor size, lymphovascular space invasion, and deep stromal invasion—and evaluates the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on recurrence-free survival. The results highlight the significant benefit of chemotherapy in preventing recurrence for high-risk patients, while low-risk patients demonstrated excellent outcomes with no further therapy. Tune in to learn more about how this research could help personalize treatment strategies for cervical cancer.

Comparison of postoperative adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy and no further therapy after radical surgery in intermediate-risk early-stage cervical cancer (https://doi.org/10.3802/jgo.2025.36.e2)

In this episode of the Journal of Gynecologic Oncology podcast, we explore the findings of a recent study by Jamieson and colleagues on the use of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in endometrial and ovarian cancer. We discuss how ctDNA could serve as a promising tool for real-time monitoring of tumor burden, treatment response, and early detection of recurrence. Tune in to learn how this minimally invasive marker might enhance personalized cancer care and improve outcomes in gynecologic oncology.

Selective utilization of circulating tumor DNA testing enables disease monitoring in endometrial and ovarian carcinomas (https://doi.org/10.3802/jgo.2025.36.e5)

In this episode of the Journal of Gynecologic Oncology podcast, we delve into a study examining the prognostic significance of HER2 expression in uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS), a rare and aggressive endometrial cancer. Conducted by Mizoguchi et al., the research analyzes HER2 status in 148 UCS patients using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) testing. The findings reveal that in early-stage UCS, HER2-negative or low expression is associated with poorer overall survival compared to high HER2 expression, indicating that HER2 IHC scoring could be a valuable prognostic marker in early-stage disease. However, in advanced stages, HER2 status does not correlate with survival outcomes. The study underscores the potential of HER2-targeted therapies, particularly in early-stage UCS, and suggests that IHC alone may be sufficient for UCS prognostication. Tune in to explore the implications of these findings for future treatment strategies.

In this episode, we explore a translational study led by Sato and colleagues on the oral STAT3 inhibitor YHO-1701 and its efficacy in treating ovarian cancer. The study highlights YHO-1701's ability to inhibit tumor growth in various ovarian cancer cell lines and patient-derived cells, as well as its potential to reduce peritoneal metastasis in mouse models. By targeting the STAT3 pathway and downregulating the anti-apoptotic protein survivin, YHO-1701 promotes apoptosis in cancer cells. Tune in to learn about the implications of these findings for future ovarian cancer therapies.