An observational study conducted in cooperation with other EU centres showed the safety of omitting complete groin dissection in patients affected by early stage vulvar cancer with negative sentinel node. Furthermore, a new trial regarding the efficacy of replacing complete groin dissection with adjuvant radiotherapy will be activated in patients with positive sentinel node(s). Finally, the application of minimally invasive robotic surgery as therapeutic approach to the different gynaecological malignancies, such as endometrial, and cervical cancer (simple and radical hysterectomy plus lymphadenectomy) is a new field of interest. The Unit of Preventive Gynaecology has experience in laser surgery for cervical, vaginal, and vulvar pre-cancerous lesions, operative hysteroscopy, and transvaginal US for ovarian cancer early detection and management. Ongoing studies include HPV genotyping in the follow-up of patients submitted to conization, HPV self-sampling,
evaluation P16 in screening and triage of borderline smears, HPV vaccination in adolescents. The Unit has a central role in the HPV task force, a multidisciplinary group involved in the study of HPV-related genital and non genital cancers (see Virology section). New biomarkers for the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer (HE4 and proteomics) are being evaluated in a prospective ongoing study; the Unit is also involved in a multicentric international study in ultrasonographic discrimination of pelvic masses (IOTAII and III). Particular interest is dedicated to the hormonal conservative treatment of early endometrial cancer in young patients wishing to preserve fertility. In addition to their clinical and research activities, members of the Division have university and institutional teaching responsibilities that mainly involve training residents and fellows. They are also involved in Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs.
119 IEO — Scientific Report 2009 — Ongoing research 2010