Laura Vona

Dr. Laura Vona

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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Anna PitsillidiAnna Pitsillidi
Anna Pitsillidi
LVLaura Vona
Laura Vona
SBStefano Bettocchi
Stefano Bettocchi
SSSven Schiermeier
Sven Schiermeier
GNGünter Karl Noé
Günter Karl Noé
Background: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress incontinence (SUI) are very common medical conditions, affecting women’s quality of life worldwide. Current surgical and conservative therapies often yield variable outcomes and carry risks of complications or recurrence. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a promising regenerative approach in various medical disciplines. Its application in urogynecology remains relatively new and emerging. The objective of this study was to review and consolidate existing evidence regarding the application of PRP injections for treating POP and/or SUI. Methods: This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The search strategy included MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, and Scopus databases, covering articles published up to February 2025, with no restrictions on publication date. Results: We included in our review a total of 13 manuscripts and 320 patients at the end of the screening process. A total of ten SUI studies, comprising 273 patients, and three POP studies, involving 47 patients, satisfied all the review criteria. Both clinical entities reported high subjective improvement following PRP treatment. Moreover, PRP appeared to have no significant adverse effects. Conclusions: Our scoping review suggests that PRP may have potential benefits in the treatment of POP and SUI. Nevertheless, the current evidence on its application in this area remains limited. Therefore, well-designed, large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with extended follow-up periods are urgently needed, in the era of personalized medicine.

20 February 2025 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
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Journal Article
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Guglielmo StabileGuglielmo Stabile
Guglielmo Stabile
LVLaura Vona
Laura Vona
MPMaria Carmela Pedicillo
Maria Carmela Pedicillo
EAElisabetta Antonucci
Elisabetta Antonucci
DADavide Arrigo
Davide Arrigo
LNLuigi Nappi
Luigi Nappi
Uterine tumors resembling ovarian sex-cord tumors (UTROSCTs) are among the rarest types of uterine tumors. Diagnosis of a UTROSCT is often challenging. Imaging techniques such as ultrasound and MRI are limited in distinguishing UTROSCTs as their appearance is usually suggestive of uterine leiomyoma or adenomyosis. Additionally, the value of a preoperative biopsy remains uncertain due to the heterogeneous composition of the tumor and the inadequacy of limited samplings. We present a rare case of UTROSCT in a 59-year-old woman and we have performed a narrative review of the literature on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from 2000 to June 2024, identifying 133 cases. According to our review, at histological exam UTROSCTs are mainly composed of cells resembling ovarian sex-cord elements which are arranged in cords or trabeculae, typically with a mild cytologic atypia. The most expressed sex-cord differentiation markers include inhibin, calretinin, melan A, CD56, CD99, SF1, WT1, CD10, and FOXL2. For women who have completed their reproductive plans, a total hysterectomy with adnexectomy is an adequate treatment for tumors confined to the uterus. For younger patients who wish to preserve fertility, tumorectomy via hysteroscopy or laparoscopy is the preferred treatment option and the recurrence rates range from 5% to 30%. Treatments for recurrent disease include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, often used in combination. Advancements in molecular profiling and immunohistochemistry will improve our ability to diagnose and manage this tumor. Such investigations will enhance prognostic stratification, facilitating more accurate predictions of biological behavior and recurrence risk.

14 April 2026 in Cancers
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Journal Article
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Felice SorrentinoFelice Sorrentino
Felice Sorrentino
LNLuigi Nappi
Luigi Nappi
LVLaura Vona
Laura Vona
LVLorenzo Vasciaveo
Lorenzo Vasciaveo
MCMaria Rosaria Campitiello
Maria Rosaria Campitiello
EGElvira Grandone
Elvira Grandone
Endometriosis is a chronic estrogen-dependent disorder affecting approximately 10% of women of reproductive age. Increasing epidemiological and molecular evidence indicates that it may represent a precursor condition for a subset of ovarian malignancies collectively defined as endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (EAOC), predominantly endometrioid and clear cell carcinomas. Malignant transformation is driven by the interplay between chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and local hyperestrogenism within the endometriotic microenvironment. Recurrent hemorrhage and persistent immune activation further promote genomic instability and clonal expansion. Shared somatic mutations have been identified in both atypical endometriosis and adjacent carcinomas, supporting a model of stepwise tumorigenesis. Dysregulation of signaling pathways and epigenetic mechanisms, including microRNA alterations, further contribute to tumor development. Although the absolute risk of malignant transformation remains low, women with ovarian endometriosis and deep infiltrating disease show an increased risk of ovarian cancer. EAOC is frequently diagnosed at earlier stages and generally demonstrates a more favorable prognosis than high-grade serous carcinoma, although clear cell histotypes may exhibit chemoresistance and distinct molecular vulnerabilities. This review summarizes current evidence on the pathogenesis, molecular mechanisms, and clinical implications of EAOC, highlighting future strategies for risk stratification and personalized surveillance.

7 September 2025 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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Anna PitsillidiAnna Pitsillidi
Anna Pitsillidi
Georgios GrigoriadisGeorgios Grigoriadis
Georgios Grigoriadis
LVLaura Vona
Laura Vona
GNGünter Karl Noé
Günter Karl Noé
ANGELOS DANIILIDISANGELOS DANIILIDIS
ANGELOS DANIILIDIS
Background: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) significantly impairs patients’ quality of life, especially in urinary, bowel, and sexual domains. While laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LS) is the current gold standard for apical prolapse repair, it is associated with certain complications. Laparoscopic pectopexy (LP), a newer technique utilizing the iliopectineal ligament for apical suspension, may offer improved outcomes with fewer adverse effects. This scoping review aimed to evaluate patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and quality of life (QoL) following LP and compare its effectiveness to other established surgical approaches. Methods: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were performed through June 2025. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective cohorts, and case series that reported PROs following LP. Data on validated QoL tools (e.g., P-QOL, PFDI-20, PFIQ-7, FSFI, PISQ-12), surgical technique, and follow-up duration were extracted. Due to heterogeneity in the study design and outcomes, findings were synthesized qualitatively. Results: Thirteen studies including a total of 742 patients met the inclusion criteria. Across all included studies, LP was associated with significant improvements in QoL metrics, including urinary and sexual function, and overall patient satisfaction. Tools such as PFDI-20, FSFI, PISQ-12, and PGI-I consistently showed postoperative improvement (p < 0.05). Comparative studies demonstrated that the outcomes for LP were similar or superior to those of sacrocolpopexy, sacrospinous fixation, or sacrohysteropexy, particularly regarding sexual function. Conclusions: LP is an effective surgical alternative for apical POP repair, offering significant improvements in patient-reported quality of life and functional outcomes. Its favorable safety profile and comparable efficacy to traditional methods make it a compelling option, particularly for patients with contraindications to sacral dissection. Findings are limited by small and heterogeneous studies, short follow-up, and potential publication and language biases. Further prospective studies with long-term follow-up periods are necessary to confirm these findings and refine patient selection criteria.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Anna PitsillidiAnna Pitsillidi
Anna Pitsillidi
LVLaura Vona
Laura Vona
Guglielmo StabileGuglielmo Stabile
Guglielmo Stabile
GNGünter Karl Noé
Günter Karl Noé
Introduction: Mucosal melanomas are rare, and vulvar melanoma is typically diagnosed at an advanced stage with aggressive behavior and poor prognosis. The clitoral region adds challenges due to its functional importance and lack of a dedicated staging system, requiring individualized management. This review evaluates current evidence on prognosis with emphasis on clitoral involvement and highlights diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, underscoring the need for personalized strategies and prospective multicentre studies. Materials and Methods: A systematic review, registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251151187), was conducted per PRISMA guidelines across PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science, including English-language case reports and series of primary clitoral melanoma published until August 2025, with no historical limits. Results: 15 cases from 10 studies were identified. The mean patient age was 60 years, with most tumors presenting at advanced stages (median Breslow thickness of 8 mm, frequent ulceration). Immunohistochemical markers and gene mutations are rarely investigated in reported cases. All patients underwent surgery, with variable lymph node assessment; adjuvant therapy was rarely used. Recurrence occurred in nearly one-third of cases, sometimes more than 10 years after initial treatment. Conclusions: Primary clitoral melanoma is extremely rare and often diagnosed late, underscoring the need for heightened clinical awareness. Wide local excision with organ preservation is preferred, and bilateral sentinel lymph-node biopsy can improve staging. The absence of a dedicated staging system and limited systemic evidence highlight the need for standardized protocols. Emerging molecular and immunologic approaches are promising, but prospective multicentre studies are essential to guide management.

1 January 2026 in Case Reports in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
LVLaura Vona
Laura Vona
Anna PitsillidiAnna Pitsillidi
Anna Pitsillidi
Günter Karl NoéGünter Karl Noé
Günter Karl Noé
SBStefano Bettocchi
Stefano Bettocchi
Background and Clinical Significance: Relugolix combination therapy (Relugolix CT) has emerged as an effective oral medical treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids, offering an alternative to surgical interventions. While generally well tolerated, reports of adverse events beyond the common side effects are limited. Case Presentation: A 34‐year‐old nulliparous woman presented with abdominal pain and abnormal uterine bleeding. She had previously been diagnosed with a large FIGO Type 1–5 anterior wall fibroid and started on Relugolix CT as a bridge to surgery. At referral, speculum examination revealed a necrotic, malodorous, partially expelled mass protruding through the cervix. Surgical removal under spinal anaesthesia was performed, followed by resection of the intracavitary component. Histopathology confirmed leiomyoma with extensive necrosis. Postoperative imaging showed a residual fibroid, leading to discontinuation of Relugolix and initiation of leuprorelin acetate. The patient reported symptom resolution but was lost to follow‐up after 3 months. This case highlights potential serious but under‐recognized adverse effects associated with Relugolix CT, particularly in patients with large or intracavitary fibroids. Clinicians should maintain vigilance and ensure appropriate monitoring during treatment. Conclusion: Relugolix CT represents a promising option in uterine fibroid management, but individualized patient evaluation and awareness of possible complications are essential to optimize safety and outcomes. The potential of this therapeutic approach warrants further investigation through randomized clinical trials, while real‐world patient data are equally crucial to strengthen the evidence base and support broader clinical applicability.