(Laterally) Extended Endopelvic Resection: Surgical treatment of locally advanced and recurrent cancer of the uterine cervix and vagina based on ontogenetic anatomy

Human Papilloma Virus-Independent/p53abnormal Keratinizing Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix Associated With Uterine Prolapse

Knowledge about the morphologic and molecular characteristics of cervical squamous cell carcinomas (CSCCs) associated with uterine prolapse is very limited. Detailed histopathological and immunohistochemical (p16, p53, and cytokeratin 17), as well as molecular evaluation for human papillomavirus (HPV)-DNA and p53-mutational analyses in 4 consecutive CSCCs associated with uterine prolapse with definition of a hitherto not well-described HPV-independent/p53abnormal precursor lesion (HPV-independent cervical intraepithelial neoplasia [CIN; differentiated CIN]) and molecular tumorigenetic pathway. Cases diagnosed within 7 years with a mean age of 75 (range: 69-83) years and a mean tumor size of 7.3 cm (range: 5.2-9.4 cm). All patients presented with locally advanced disease, and 1 woman died of the disease within 4, and another within 14 months of follow-up. All CSCCs and their adjacent precursor lesions were negative for p16, with aberrant p53-expression and diffuse and strong staining for cytokeratin 17. Both the CSCCs and their precursors were negative for HPV-DNA but harbored a TP53 mutation. The precursor lesions were characterized by epithelial thickening with superficial keratinization, and the presence of basal and parabasal keratinocytes with mitotic figures beyond the basal layer, thus showing features similar to those seen in differentiated types of vulvar intraepithelial lesions (vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia [VIN] syn. HPV-independent/p53abn VIN), suggesting the terminology of differentiated CIN or HPV-independent/p53abn CIN. An HPV-independent pathogenetic pathway with a p53-alteration was identified for these cases. CSCC associated with uterine prolapse represents HPV-independent tumors harboring a TP53 mutation. For the first time, a precursor lesion of HPV-independent CSCC of the uterine cervix is described with a differentiated VIN-like morphology, and a separate tumorigenic pathway defined.

Robotic-Assisted Pelvic Exenteration for Cervical Cancer: A Systematic Review and Novel Insights into Compartment-Based Imaging

Background: Patients with persistent or recurrent cervical cancer, following primary treatment with concurrent chemoradiation, represent a subgroup eligible for pelvic exenteration. In light of the substantial morbidity associated with open pelvic exenterations, minimally invasive surgical techniques have been introduced. This systematic review aims to analyze and discuss the current literature on robotic-assisted pelvic exenterations in cervical cancer. In addition, novel aspects of compartment-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are highlighted. Methods: This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines, and a comprehensive literature search on robotic-assisted pelvic exenterations in cervical cancer was conducted to assess, as main objectives, early and late postoperative complications as well as oncological outcomes. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to select eligible studies. Results: Among the reported cases of robotic-assisted pelvic exenterations in cervical cancer, 79.4% are anterior pelvic exenterations. Intraoperative complications are minimal and early/late major complications averaged between 30-35%, which is lower compared to open pelvic exenterations. Oncological outcomes are similar between robotic and open pelvic exenterations. Sensitivity for locoregional invasion increases up to 93% for compartment-based MRI in colorectal cancer. A refined delineation of the seven pelvic compartments for cervical cancer is proposed here. Conclusions: Robotic-assisted pelvic exenterations have demonstrated feasibility and safety, with reduced rates of major complications compared to open surgery, while maintaining surgical efficiency and oncological outcomes. Compartment-based MRI holds promise for standardizing the selection and categorization of pelvic exenteration procedures.

Long-term outcomes of pelvic exenterations for gynecological malignancies: a single-center retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Recently, with the advancement of medical technology, the postoperative morbidity of pelvic exenteration (PE) has gradually decreased, and it has become a curative treatment option for some patients with recurrent gynecological malignancies. However, more evidence is still needed to support its efficacy. This study aimed to explore the safety and long-term survival outcome of PE and the feasibility of umbilical single-port laparoscopic PE for gynecologic malignancies in a single medical center in China.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

PE for gynecological cancers except for ovarian cancer conducted by a single surgical team in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between July 2014 and December 2019 were included and the data were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Forty-one cases were included and median age at diagnosis was 53 years. Cervical cancer accounted for 87.8% of all cases, and most of them received prior treatment (95.1%). Sixteen procedures were performed in 2016 and before, and 25 after 2016. Three anterior PE were performed by umbilical single-site laparoscopy. The median operation time was 460 min, and the median estimated blood loss was 600 ml. There was no perioperative death. The years of the operations was significantly associated with the length of the operation time (P = 0.0018). The overall morbidity was 52.4%, while the severe complications rate was 19.0%. The most common complication was pelvic and abdominal infection. The years of surgery was also significantly associated with the occurrence of severe complication (P = 0.040). The median follow-up time was 55.8 months. The median disease-free survival (DFS) was 17.9 months, and the median overall survival (OS) was 25.3 months. The 5-year DFS was 28.5%, and the 5-year OS was 30.8%.

CONCLUSION

PE is safe for patient who is selected by a multi-disciplinary treatment, and can be a curative treatment for some patients. PE demands a high level of experience from the surgical team. Umbilical single-port laparoscopy was a technically feasible approach for APE, meriting further investigation.

Major vessel resection for complete cytoreduction in primary advanced and recurrent ovarian malignancies: A case series and systematic review of the literature - pushing the boundaries in oncovascular surgery

INTRODUCTION

Oncovascular surgery (the removal of major blood vessels infiltrated by cancer) is challenging but can be key to achieve complete cytoreduction in patient with advanced ovarian cancer. The aim of this study was to review the literature on oncovascular surgery in ovarian cancer and to report the details of all the cases performed at our institution.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the database of ovarian cancer patients who underwent debulking surgery at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Verona University between January 2021 and 2023. Patients with at least one major vessel resection during cytoreduction were identified. We then systematically review the literature searching Pubmed and Embase from inception to January 2023 to report all cases of surgery for ovarian cancer with concomitant major vessel resection.

RESULTS

Five patients with advanced/recurrent ovarian cancer underwent major vascular resection at our institution. Vascular involvement was preoperatively identified in all cases and no case of vascular resection was performed after accidental injury. The major vessels removed were the inferior vena cava (n = 2), the common iliac veins (n = 2), the external iliac arteries (n = 2), the left common iliac artery (n = 1), and the left external iliac vein (n = 1). All patients underwent other non-gynecological cytoreductive procedures prior to vessel removal and had R0 obtained. Three (60%) patients experienced one or more postoperative complications. The literature search identified a total of seven cases of major vessels resection in ovarian cancer surgery. A single or multiple major vessels were removed in two (28.6%) and five (72.4%) cases, respectively. All the seven patients underwent vascular reconstruction. Four (57.1%) patients reported postoperative complications. Overall, 66.7% of the 12 total identified patients were free from disease at the last follow-up [median 15.5 months (range 5-25)].

CONCLUSIONS

Oncovascular surgery is feasible in selected patients with ovarian cancer, provided that a multidisciplinary approach with customized care is available.

Laterally extended endopelvic resection for gynecological malignancies, a comparison between laparoscopic and laparotomic approach

INTRODUCTION

The historical approach to LEER is laparotomic, but recently laparoscopy has been proposed. The objective of this study was to compare surgical and oncological outcomes between the two approaches and to assess the overall quality of life (QoL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Women submitted to LEER between October 2012 and March 2020 were retrospectively recruited. Peri-operative data were analyzed and compared. Recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30, QLQ-CX24, and QLQ-OV28 questionnaires were administered 6 months after surgery in women with no evidence of recurrence after LEER.

RESULTS

Of the included 41 patients, 20 were submitted to laparoscopic LEER (L-LEER) and 21 to open LEER (O-LEER). Median operating time (442 vs 630 min, p = 0.001), median blood loss (275 vs 800 ml, p < 0.001), and median length of hospital stays (10 vs 16 days, p = 0.002) were shorter in the laparoscopic group, while tumor resection rate and peri-operative complications were similar. After a median follow-up of 27.5 months, no differences, in terms of DFS (p = 0.83) and OS (p = 0.96) were observed between the two approaches. High functional scores and low levels of adverse symptoms were observed on the surviving women.

CONCLUSION

QoL after LEER is acceptable, and laparoscopy provides better surgical and similar oncological outcomes when compared to laparotomy. L-LEER can be considered a further option of treatment for women with gynecological tumors infiltrating the pelvic sidewall.

Evaluation of Various Surgical Options in Post-irradiation Cancer Cervix with Central Residue or Recurrence

The standard treatment for post-irradiation cancer cervix with central residue or recurrence is pelvic exenteration. Some of the carefully selected patients with lesions of size less than 2 cm may be treated with radical hysterectomy. Patients treated by radical hysterectomy have less morbidity rates when compared to pelvic exenteration. The parameters for defining a subset of these patients have not been addressed. Given the changing scenario of organ preservation, we have to determine the role of radical hysterectomy after radical or defaulted radiotherapy treatment. Retrospective analysis of patients with post-irradiation cancer cervix with central residue or recurrence who were treated by surgery from 2012 to 2018 was done. The initial stage of the disease, radiation treatment details, recurrence/residue, extent of disease as per imaging, surgical findings, histopathological examination report, post-surgery local recurrence, distant recurrence and 2-year survival rates were analysed. A total of 45 patients were found eligible for the study from the database. Nine (20%) patients, who had tumours that were confined to cervix, size less than 2 cm with preserved planes of resection, underwent radical hysterectomy and the other 36 (80%) patients underwent pelvic exenteration. Among patients who underwent radical hysterectomy, one (11.1%) patient had parametrial involvement and all of them had tumour-free resection margins. Among patients who underwent pelvic exenteration, 11 (30.6%) patients had parametrial involvement and five (13.9%) patients had tumour infiltrated resection margins. Among patients who were treated by radical hysterectomy, the local recurrence rate was high in patients who had a pretreatment FIGO stage of IIIB when compared to stage IIB (33.3% vs. 20%). Out of the nine patients treated by radical hysterectomy, two patients had local recurrence and both of them did not receive brachytherapy preoperatively. In patients with an early stage carcinoma cervix with post-irradiation residue or recurrence, radical hysterectomy can be considered if the patient consents to participate in a trial, willing to be on strict follow-up and understands the postoperative complications. Large-scale studies for radical hysterectomy have to be done on post radical irradiation small volume early stage residue or recurrence, to identify the parameters for safe and comparable oncological outcomes.

R0 Resection in Recurrent Gynecologic Malignancy: Pelvic Exenteration and Beyond

OPINION STATEMENT

Pelvic exenteration is a radical surgery, but oftentimes, it is the last curative option for patients with recurrent gynecologic malignancies who have exhausted more conservative therapies. Mortality and morbidity outcomes have improved over time, but there are still significant peri-operative risks. Considerations before pursing pelvic exenteration must include the likelihood of oncologic cure and patients' fitness to undergo such a procedure, particularly given the high rate of surgical morbidity. Pelvic sidewall tumors have been a traditional contraindication for pelvic exenteration due to the difficulty in obtaining negative margins, but the use of laterally extended endopelvic resection and intra-operative radiation therapy allows for more radical resection of recurrent disease. We believe that these procedures to achieve R0 resection can expand the use of curative-intent surgery in recurrent gynecologic cancer, but require the surgical expertise of colleagues in orthopedic and vascular surgery and collaboration with plastic surgery for complex reconstruction and optimization of post-operative healing. Surgery of recurrent gynecologic cancer including pelvic exenteration, requires careful patient selection, pre-operative medical optimization and prehabilitation, and thorough counseling to optimize outcomes, both oncologic and peri-operative. We believe the creation of a well-developed team, including surgical teams and supportive care services, can lead to the best patient outcomes and improved professional satisfaction amongst providers.

Quality of life after extended pelvic exenterations

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to compare health-related quality of life (QoL) and oncological outcome between gynaecological cancer patients undergoing pelvic exenteration (PE) and extended pelvic exenteration (EPE). EPEs were defined as extensive procedures including, in addition to standard PE extent, the resection of internal, external, or common iliac vessels; pelvic side-wall muscles; large pelvic nerves (sciatic or femoral); and/or pelvic bones.

METHODS

Data from 74 patients who underwent PE (42) or EPE (32) between 2004 and 2019 at a single tertiary gynae-oncology centre in Prague were analysed. QoL assessment was performed using EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC CX-24, and QOLPEX questionnaires specifically developed for patients after (E)PE.

RESULTS

No significant differences in survival were observed between the groups (P > 0.999), with median overall and disease-specific survival in the whole cohort of 45 and 49 months, respectively. Thirty-one survivors participated in the QoL surveys (20 PE, 11 EPE). No significant differences were observed in global health status (P = 0.951) or in any of the functional scales. The groups were not differing in therapy satisfaction (P = 0.502), and both expressed similar, high willingness to undergo treatment again if they were to decide again (P = 0.317).

CONCLUSIONS

EPEs had post-treatment QoL and oncological outcome comparable to traditional PE. These procedures offer a potentially curative treatment option for patients with persistent or recurrent pelvic tumour invading into pelvic wall structures without further compromise of patients´ QoL.

Innovations in the Management of Vaginal Cancer

Primary vaginal cancer is a rare gynecologic malignancy. Given the rarity of the disease, standardized approaches to management are limited, and a great variety of therapeutic conditions are endorsed. This paper reviews advances in surgical approaches, radiation, chemoradiation, and immunotherapy. Advances in surgical management including the increasing use of laparoscopic and endoscopic approaches, as well as the novel techniques in vaginal reconstruction, are reviewed. Concurrent chemoradiation remains a mainstay of treatment for vaginal cancer and has improved local control of disease and overall survival. Additionally, with metastatic disease or situations where toxicity from CCRT is unacceptable, systemic therapies including immunotherapy approaches are reviewed.

Indocyanine Green to Assess Vascularity of Ileal Conduit Anastomosis During Pelvic Exenteration for Recurrent/Persistent Gynecological Cancer: A Pilot Study

Introduction

Pelvic exenteration performed for recurrent/persistent gynecological malignancies has been associated with urological short- and long-term morbidity due to altered vascularization of tissues for previous radiotherapy. The aims of the present study were to describe the use of intravenous indocyanine green (ICG) to assess vascularity of urinary diversion (UD) after pelvic exenteration for gynecologic cancers, to evaluate the feasibility and safety of this technique, and to assess the postoperative complications.

Methods

Prospective, observational, single-center, pilot study including consecutive patients undergoing anterior or total pelvic exenteration due to persistent/recurrent gynecologic cancers between August 2020 and March 2021 at Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy. All patients underwent intravenous injection of 3–6 ml of ICG (1.25 mg/ml) once the UD was completed. A near-infrared camera was used to evaluate ICG perfusion of anastomoses (ileum–ileum, right and left ureter with small bowel, and colostomy or colorectal sides of anastomosis) a few seconds after ICG injection.

Results

Fifteen patients were included in the study. No patient reported adverse reactions to ICG injection. Only 3/15 patients (20.0%) had an optimal ICG perfusion in all anastomoses. The remaining 12 (80.0%) patients had at least one ICG deficit; the most common ICG deficit was on the left ureter: 3 (20.0%) vs. 1 (6.7%) patient had no ICG perfusion on the left vs. right ureter, respectively (p = 0.598). 8/15 (53.3%) and 6/15 (40.0%) patients experienced grade ≥3 30-day early and late postoperative complications, respectively. Of these, two patients had early and one had late postoperative complications directly related to poor perfusion of anastomosis (UD leak, ileum–ileum leak, and benign ureteric stricture); all these cases had a suboptimal intraoperative ICG perfusion.

Conclusion

The use of ICG to intraoperatively assess the anastomosis perfusion at time of pelvic exenteration for gynecologic malignancy is a feasible and safe technique. The different vascularization of anastomotic stumps may be related to anatomical sites and to previous radiation treatment. This approach could be in support of selecting patients at higher risk of complications who may need personalized follow-up.

Opportunities and Limitations of Pelvic Exenteration Surgery

PURPOSE

The practice of exenterative surgery is sometimes controversial and has garnered a certain scepticism. Surgical studies are difficult to conduct due to insufficient data. The aim of this review is to present the current standing of pelvic exenteration from a surgical, gynaecological and urological point of view.

METHODS

This review is based upon a literature review (MEDLINE (PubMed), CENTRAL (Cochrane) and EMBASE (Elsevier)) of retrospective studies on exenterative surgery from 1993-2020. Using MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) search terms, 1572 publications were found. These were evaluated and screened with respect to their eligibility using algorithms and well-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Therefore, the guidelines for systematic reviews (PRISMA) were used.

RESULTS

A complete tumour resection (R0) often represents the only curative option for advanced pelvic carcinomas and their recurrences. A recent systematic review showed significant symptom relief in 80% of palliative patients after pelvic exenteration. Surgical limitations (distant metastases, involvement of the pelvic wall, etc.) are diminished by adequate surgical expertise and close interdisciplinary cooperation. While the mortality rate is low (2-5%), the still relatively high morbidity rate (32-84%) can be minimized by optimizing the perioperative setting. Following exenterations, roughly 79-82% of patients report satisfying results according to PROs (patient-reported outcomes).

CONCLUSION

Due to multimodality treatment strategies combined with extended surgical expertise and patients' preferences, pelvic exenteration can be offered nowadays with low mortality and acceptable postoperative quality of life. The possibilities of surgical treatment are often underestimated. A multi-centre database (PelvEx Collaborative) was established to collect data and experiences to optimize the research in this field.

Chinese Expert Consensus on Iodine125 Seed Implantation for Recurrent Cervical Cancer in 2021

The treatment modality for recurrent cervical cancer (rCC) is limited, and the prognosis of these patients is poor. Seed implantation could be an important component of rCC management in the context of dose boost or salvage therapy after surgery or radiotherapy, which is characterized by a minimally invasive, high local dose, and rapidly does fall, sparing normal tissue. For patients with good performance status and lateral pelvic wall recurrence with an available puncture path, seed implantation was recommended, as well as for selected central pelvic recurrence and extra-pelvic recurrence. The combination of brachytherapy treatment planning system and CT guidance was needed, and three-dimensional printing templates could greatly improve the accuracy, efficiency, and quality of seed implantation to achieve a potential ablative effect and provide an efficient treatment for rCC. However, the recommendations of seed implantation were mainly based on retrospective articles and lack high-quality evidence, and multicenter prospective randomized studies are needed. In this consensus on iodine¹²⁵ seed implantation for rCC, indication selection, technical process and requirements, dosimetry criteria, radiation protection, combined systemic therapy, and outcomes of seed implantation for rCC are discussed.

Robotic Pelvic Exenteration for Gynecologic Malignancies, Anatomic Landmarks, and Surgical Steps: A Systematic Review

Pelvic exenteration represents the last resort procedure for patients with advanced primary or recurrent gynecological malignancy. Pelvic exenteration can be divided into different subgroup based on anatomical extension of the procedures. The growing application of the minimally invasive surgical approach unlocked new perspectives for gynecologic oncology surgery. Minimally invasive surgery may offer significant advantages in terms of perioperative outcomes. Since 2009, several Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Pelvic Exenteration experiences have been described in literature. The advent of robotic surgery resulted in a new spur to the worldwide spread of minimally invasive pelvic exenteration. We present a review of the literature on robotic-assisted pelvic exenteration. The search was conducted using electronic databases from inception of each database through June 2021. 13 articles including 53 patients were included in this review. Anterior exenteration was pursued in 42 patients (79.2%), 2 patients underwent posterior exenteration (3.8%), while 9 patients (17%) were subjected to total exenteration. The most common urinary reconstruction was non-continent urinary diversion (90.2%). Among the 11 women who underwent to total or posterior exenteration, 8 (72.7%) received a terminal colostomy. Conversion to laparotomy was required in two cases due to intraoperative vascular injury. Complications' report was available for 51 patients. Fifteen Dindo Grade 2 complications occurred in 11 patients (21.6%), and 14 grade 3 complications were registered in 13 patients (25.5%). Only grade 4 complications were reported (2%). In 88% of women, the resection margins were negative. Pelvic exenteration represents a salvage procedure in patients with recurrent or persistent gynecological cancers often after radiotherapy. A careful patient selection remains the milestone of such a mutilating surgery. The introduction of the minimally invasive approach has led to advantages in terms of perioperative outcomes compared to classic open surgery. This review shows the feasibility of robotic pelvic exenteration. An important step forward should be to investigate the potential equivalence between robotic approaches and the laparotomic one, in terms of long-term oncological outcomes.

The first case of recurrent small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the uterine cervix successfully treated with robotic-assisted super radical hysterectomy

Recurrent cervical cancer occurring in a previously irradiated field is one of the most complicated challenges for gynecological oncologists. Super-radical hysterectomy is a standard procedure for laterally extended cervical tumors, particularly recurrent cervical cancer in a previously irradiated field. This potentially curative procedure is challenging to perform due to the technical complexities and lack of reproducibility. Thus, it is performed only by skilled surgeons, either via open or laparoscopic approaches wherein the entire paracervix at the pelvic wall and the hypogastric vessels are transected. In this report, we described the first case of recurrent small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the uterine cervix that was successfully treated with robot-assisted super-radical hysterectomy.

Primary pelvic exenteration: Our experience with 23 patients from a single institution

This study was designed with an aim to share our experience of primary pelvic exenterations. The study included 23 patients with different types of pelvic cancer enrolled at a single institution between November 2011 and July 2020. The patient mean age was 55 years (range, 43-72 years) and the oncological indications included: Stage IVa cervical cancer (11 cases, 48.9%), stage IVa endometrial cancer (1 case, 4.3%), stage IVa vaginal cancer (6 cases, 26%), stage IIIb bladder cancer (3 cases, 13%), stage IIIc rectal cancer (1 case, 4.3%) and undifferentiated pelvic sarcoma (1 case, 4.3%). Total, anterior, and posterior pelvic exenterations were performed on 34.4, 56.5 and 13% of cases, respectively. Related to levator ani muscle, 13 (56.5%) pelvic exenterations were supralevatorian, 10 (43.5%) infralevatorian, and 5 (21.7%) were infralevatorian with vulvectomy. No major intraoperative complications occurred. Seven patients (30.5%) developed early complications, 4 of them (17.4%) required reoperation and 1 (4.3%) perioperative death caused by a pulmonary embolism was recorded. Only 1 patient experienced a late complication, a urostomy stenosis. Over a median follow-up period of 35 months, 8 (34.8%) patients died. The median overall survival (OS) was 33 months (range, 1-96 months). The 2-year and 5-year survival rates were 72 and 66%, respectively. Primary pelvic exenteration may be related with various postoperative complications, without high perioperative morality and with long-term survival.

Laparoscopic assessment improves case selection for exenterative surgery in recurrent cervical and endometrial cancer

The objective of this study is to evaluate the role of laparoscopy in the case selection of patients for pelvic exenteration to treat recurrent cervical or endometrial cancer. Pelvic exenteration is a rare surgical procedure performed by specialised multidisciplinary surgical teams. We performed a review of 55 consecutive laparoscopies for patients being evaluated for possible exenterative surgery for recurrent cervical or endometrial cancer at a single centre in the UK with a significant exenterative surgical practice. All patients had no evidence of metastatic disease on imaging prior to the laparoscopy. Despite thorough radiological assessment laparoscopy detected peritoneal, nodal or extrapelvic metastases in 20.8% of cases. 5.6% of the patients who underwent exenterative surgery were found to have unresectable pelvic disease intraoperatively. In these cases, the extent of disease was not determined radiologically or during the initial exploratory laparotomy. In our view, laparoscopic assessment is an essential component of the pre-operative work up of patients with recurrent cervical or endometrial cancer being considered for exenterative surgery.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Pelvic exenteration is potentially curative in cases of recurrent pelvic malignancy. Case selection is essential to determine those patients without metastases and with resectable pelvic disease - this will improve patient outcomes, avoid the unnecessary morbidity of major surgery, as well as the psychological consequences of abandoned procedures. The only two previous studies, published in 1998 (Plante and Roy 1998) and 2002 (Köhler et al. 2002) have shown laparoscopic assessment to be safe and improve case selection.What do the results of this study add? This study provides evidence that in the context of modern imaging modalities, including PET-CT scans, laparoscopic assessment continues to improve case selection for exenterative surgery.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study provides further evidence of the benefit of laparoscopy in the assessment of patients being considered for exenterative surgery for recurrent pelvic cancer. Routine laparoscopy improves case selection and will enhance patient experiences and outcomes.

Laparoscopic pelvic exenteration and laterally extended endopelvic resection for postradiation recurrent cervical carcinoma: Technical feasibility and short-term oncologic outcome

OBJECTIVE

Surgery is the only treatment for cervical cancer recurrence in a previously irradiated field. Pelvic exenteration (PE) and laterally extended endopelvic resection (LEER) are indicated for select patients; however, morbidity and mortality rates remain high, and new treatment modalities are required. Laparoscopy optimizes visualization and allows meticulous dissection while also reducing intraoperative blood loss and postoperative complications without worsening the outcomes. We aimed to clarify the feasibility and outcomes of laparoscopic PE and LEER for previously irradiated recurrent cervical cancer.

METHODS

We prospectively investigated the outcomes of laparoscopic PE and LEER in 28 patients with recurrent cervical carcinoma after radiotherapy.

RESULTS

Seventeen laparoscopic PEs for central recurrences and 11 laparoscopic LEERs for lateral recurrences were performed. The median operation time and blood loss were 454mins and 285 mL in the PE group, and 562mins and 325 mL in the LEER group, respectively, with no conversions to laparotomy. R0 resection was achieved in all patients in the PE group and 73% in the LEER group. The morbidity and mortality rates were 41% and 0% in PE group, and 55% and 0% in LEER group, respectively. The 2-year disease-free survival and overall survival were 68.9% and 76% in the PE group, and 27.3% and 29.6% in the LEER group, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic PE is feasible for previously irradiated central recurrent cervical cancer and has acceptable outcomes. Laparoscopic LEER is also feasible for lateral recurrence, but oncologic outcome may be modest in this limited preliminary study. Further studies using a larger sample size with a longer follow-up period is warranted to determine the indications for laparoscopic LEER.

Safety and efficacy of 3D-printed templates assisted CT-guided radioactive iodine-125 seed implantation for the treatment of recurrent cervical carcinoma after external beam radiotherapy

Objective

To investigate the safety and efficacy of 3-dimensional (3D) printing non-coplanar templates (PNCT) assisted computer tomography (CT) guided radioactive ¹²⁵I seed implantation (RISI) for the treatment of recurrent cervical carcinoma (RCC) after external beam radiotherapy (EBRT).

Methods

A total of 103 patients with inoperable post-EBRT RCC were included in this retrospective study. A total of 111 lesions received RISI. Eight lesions were at the pelvic center, 75 lesions were at the pelvic lateral, and 28 lesions were extra-pelvic metastasis. The median prescription dose was 120 Gy. The primary end points were adverse events and local control (LC), and the secondary end points were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival.

Results

Grade 2 adverse events of acute nausea, diarrhea, and pollakiuria occurred in 1, 2, and 1 patient, respectively. One patient suffered from grade 3 acute proctitis. Late toxicity was observed in 2 patients with rectovaginal fistula. No grade 5 toxicity occurred. The 3-year LC and OS rates were 75.1% and 20.8%, respectively. The median OS was 17 months. The multivariate analysis showed that the minimum dose received by the “hottest” 90% of the gross tumor volume (D₉₀) ≥130 Gy, squamous cell carcinoma, hemoglobin ≥80 g/L and good short-term efficacy (complete response or partial response) were independent predictors of LC and OS (all p<0.05).

Conclusions

3D-PNCT assisted CT-guided RISI is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive modality for RCC. The hemoglobin level, pathological type, dose distribution and short-term efficacy are considered as independent factors for clinical outcomes.

British Gynaecological Cancer Society (BGCS) cervical cancer guidelines: Recommendations for practice

Cervix cancer in many countries is declining and screening programmes and immunisation will reduce the incidence in the next few decades. This guideline attempts to cover management of invasive disease reflecting diagnosis and imaging including new imaging and sentinel lymph node biopsies. Smaller volume disease is usually managed surgically whereas advanced disease is treated with (chemo)- radiation. It also includes discussion of fertility sparing procedures. Practices are changing frequently for all aspects of care usually in attempts to reduce complications and improve quality of life. The management of advanced disease is treated by chemotherapy and the use of newer agents is also discussed. Other sections discuss specialist situations such as cancer in pregnancy, rare cervical tumours, late effects and supportive measures and fertility preserving approaches.

Laparoscopic laterally extended endopelvic resection procedure for gynecological malignancies

OBJECTIVES

Pelvic side wall infiltration by gynecological malignancies has been considered for a long time an absolute contraindication to curative resection. The development of the laterally extended endopelvic resection (LEER) has challenged this surgical paradigm. Although the LEER has been standardized in open surgery, only small studies have been published about its endoscopic feasibility. The objective of this study is to analyze the safety of LEER in patients with gynecological malignancies involving the pelvic side wall.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated a consecutive series of patients who underwent a laparoscopically modified LEER between July 2014 and November 2018. This indicated gynecological tumors involving the pelvic sidewall and surgeries were conducted in two Italian institutions. All patients underwent pre-operative CT scan or PET to evaluate for distant metastases. Patients without suspicioun of distant metastasis underwent pelvic MRI and examination under anesthesia to establish the resectability of the disease and concomitant diagnostic laparoscopy to exclude intraperitoneal dissemination. All women with disease-free interval <6 months, and/or performance status >2 ECOG were excluded. Type of resection was defined based on the status of the pathologic margins: R0, microscopically negative (free margin <5 mm); R1, microscopically positive; and R2, macroscopically (grossly) positive. Disease-free survival was calculated from the date of primary surgery to the time of recurrence. Overall survival was defined as the time from primary surgery to death.

RESULTS

Overall, 39 patients underwent a laparoscopic LEER and 18 (46.2%) patients were eligible for a laparoscopic approach. Laparoscopic LEER was performed as primary treatment for newly diagnosed tumors in eight patients (44.4%), and for recurrences in the other 10 patients (55.6%). No laparotomic conversions were registered. R0 resection was achieved with negative margins in all patients. The median operative time was 415 min (range, 285-615), median estimated blood loss was 285 mL (range, 100-600), and the median length of hospital stay was 10 days (range; 4-22). Only four patients (22.2%) needed blood intraoperative transfusion. In seven patients (38.9%), post-operative admission to intensive care unit was required. There were three (16.7%) intraoperative complications, all managed laparoscopically. In total there were six (33.3%) major postoperative complications: three patients (16.7%) experienced moderate hydronephrosis with normal renal function, which required temporary placement of nephrostomy; one patient (5.6%) had permanent urinary retention; and two patients (11.1%) had a reoperation, one for post-operative hemoperitoneum and another for complete vaginal cuff dehiscence.

DISCUSSION

Laparoscopic LEER can be safely performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons, in carefully selected patients with gynecological malignancies involving the lateral pelvic side wall, even for those in which a bladder and rectum sparing surgery appears possible. Further larger prospective trials are needed to evaluate the oncological and the long-term functional outcomes.

Surgical outcomes of segmental ureteral resection with ureteroneocystostomy after major gynecologic surgery

INTRODUCTION

Describing the surgical and oncological outcome of bladder-preserving ureter reconstruction (BPUR) with segmental ureteral resection after major gynecologic surgery.

MATHERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with BPUR admitted at a single institution between March 2012 and July 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Surgical and oncological data were assessed.

RESULTS

Forty-six women with gynecologic tumors involving the ureter were treated with BPUR. R0 resection was achieved in 40/46 patients (86.9%), while pathologic margins were microscopically positive in 6 women (13.1%). Overall, 12 women (26.0%) received radiotherapy before surgery: among them, 8 patients received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Twenty-six women underwent BPUR during primary surgery, whereas 20 (43.4%) required BPUR upon recurrence. Twenty-six patients (56.2%) were found to have hydronephrosis at pre-operative workup. The psoas bladder hitch was the most common procedure performed for urinary reconstruction (63%) with respect to direct reimplantation (37%). Fourteen patients (14/46 = 30.4%) experienced urological complications. Urinary leakage occurred in 9 patients (19.5%), specifically: 5 uretero-vaginal fistula, 3 uroperitoneum, 1 uretero-enteral fistula. There were 3 cases (6.5%) of hydronephrosis at the side of ureteroneocystostomy and 2 cases (4.3%) of unilateral renal impairment requiring nephrectomy. At multivariate analysis only pre-operative radiotherapy (p = 0.047) and a history of pelvic irradiation (p = 0.025) were independently associated with an increased risk of developing severe urinary complications.

CONCLUSIONS

BPUR is feasible in gynecologic cancer with invasion of the urinary tract. However, since a slight increase of post-operative urological complications was observed in the previously irradiated fields, a personalized surgical planning is recommended for these women in the next future.

Malignant transformation of vaginal adenosis to clear cell carcinoma without prenatal diethylstilbestrol exposure: a case report and literature review

Background

We report an extremely rare case of vaginal clear cell carcinoma, which originated from the malignant transformation of vaginal adenosis without prenatal diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure.

Case presentation

In this case, the patient was a Chinese woman with a history of two decades of intermittent vaginal pain, sexual intercourse pain and vaginal contact bleeding. On September 1, 2011, when the patient was 39 years old, a vaginal biopsy revealed vaginal adenosis. After intermittent drug and laser treatment, her symptoms did not improve. Four years later, on March 4, 2015, another vaginal biopsy for abnormal vaginal cytology revealed atypical vaginal adenosis. After treatment with sirolimus, her symptoms and abnormal vaginal cytology results persisted, and she underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and excision of the vaginal lesions. One year after the hysterectomy, on August 15, 2017, the vaginal cytology results suggested atypical glandular cells, and a biopsy revealed vaginal clear cell carcinoma originating from the atypical vaginal adenosis. A wide local resection of the vaginal lesions was performed, followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Regular follow-up over 16 months showed no evidence of the recurrence of vaginal adenosis or cancer.

Conclusions

Based on the evolution of a series of pathological evidence, we report the fourth case in the world of vaginal clear cell carcinoma originating from vaginal adenosis without prenatal DES exposure. Wide local excision with radiotherapy provided at least 16 months of disease-free survival.

Pelvic exenteration as ultimate ratio for gynecologic cancers: single-center analyses of 37 cases

BACKGROUND

Pelvic exenterations are a last resort procedure for advanced gynecologic malignancies with elevated risks in terms of patients' morbidity.

METHODS

This single-center analysis reports surgical details, outcome and survival of all patients treated with exenteration for non-ovarian gynecologic malignancies at our university hospital during a 13-year time period. We collected data regarding patients and tumor characteristics, surgical procedures, peri- and postoperative management, transfusions, complications, and analyzed the impact on survival outcomes.

RESULTS

We identified 37 patients between 2005 and 2013 with primary or relapsed cervical cancer (59.5%), vulvar cancer (24.3%) or endometrial cancer (16.2%). Median age was 60 years and most patients (73%) had squamous cell carcinomas. Median progression-free survival was 26.2 months and median overall survival was 49.9 months. The 5-year survival rates were 34.4% for progression-free survival and 46.4% for overall survival. There were no significant differences in progression-free survival and overall survival with regard to disease entity. Patients with tumor at the resection margins (R1) had a nearly significantly worse progression-free survival (median: 28.5 vs. 7.3 months, HR 2.59, 95% CI 0.98-6.88, p = 0.056) and a significantly worse overall survival (median: not reached vs. 10.9 months, HR 4.04, 95% CI 1.40-11.64, p = 0.010) compared to patients with complete tumor resection (R0). In addition, patients without lymphovascular space invasion had a significantly better progression-free survival (p = 0.017) and overall survival (p = 0.034) then patients with lymphovascular space invasion. We observed complications in 14 patients (37.8%), 10 of those were classified as Clavien-Dindo 3 or 4. There was a trend to worse progression-free survival in patients that suffered complications (p = 0.052). Median total amount of transfused blood products was 4 (range 0-20).

CONCLUSION

Pelvic exenteration is a procedure that provides substantial progression-free survival and overall survival improvement and-in selected patients-can even achieve cure in otherwise hopeless clinical situations. Patients need to be offered earnest counseling for sufficient informed consent with realistic expectations what to expect.

Pelvic Exenteration for Recurrent and Persistent Cervical Cancer

Background:

Pelvic exenteration (PE) for primary and recurrent cervical cancer has resulted in favorable survival outcomes, but there are controversies about specific prognosis factors, and up to now, there have been no published reports from China. This study aimed to share our experiences of PE, which were performed in a single institution.

Methods:

From January 2009 to January 2016, 38 patients with recurrent or persistent cervical cancer were included in the study, and they were followed up until January 2017. Epidemiological and clinicopathological characteristics of patients were compared for survival outcomes in univariate and Cox hazard regression analysis.

Results:

There were thirty-one and seven patients with recurrent and persistent cervical cancer, respectively. The median age of patients was 45 years (range 29–65 years). Total, anterior, and posterior PE consisted of 52.6%, 28.9%, and 18.4% of cases, respectively. Early and late complications occurred in 21 (55.3%) patients and 15 (39.5%) patients, respectively. Two (5.3%) patients died due to complications related to surgeries within 3 months after PE. The median overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were 28.5 months (range 9–96 months) and 23 months (range 4–96 months), respectively, and 5-year OS and DFS were 48% and 40%, respectively. Cox hazard regression analysis showed that, the margin status of the incision and mesorectal lymph node status were independent risk factors for OS and DFS.

Conclusion:

In our patients with recurrent and persistent cervical cancer, the practice of PE might achieve favorable survival outcomes.

Trial Registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03291275; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03291275?term=NCT03291275&rank=1.

Safety and efficacy of nimotuzumab combined with chemoradiotherapy in Chinese patients with locally advanced cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate efficacy and safety of nimotuzumab combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy in women with locally advanced cervical cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Women with locally advanced cervical cancer (stage IIB, III, or IVA) who experienced relapse after first-line chemoradiotherapy and one or more lines of palliative chemotherapy were enrolled. All patients received nimotuzumab weekly at 200 mg/m2 as single agent for 4 weeks (induction phase), then concurrent with 6 cycles (21-day per cycle) of gemcitabine (800 mg/m2) or cisplatin (50 mg/m2) for 18 weeks (concurrent phase) and then once every 2 weeks (maintenance phase). Overall response rate (ORR) was assessed after 4 weeks of induction therapy and then every 3 months according to response evaluation criteria in solid tumors version 1.1 (primary end point). Secondary end points include progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and drug toxicity. Descriptive statistics was used for ORR, and Kaplan-Meier curves were generated for OS and PFS.

RESULTS

A total of 80 women with locally advanced cervical cancer were enrolled and evaluated for safety and efficacy. Our results demonstrated that none of the patients had a complete response (0%), 11 patients had a partial response (14%), and 10 patients had progressive disease (13%), giving a tumor response rate of 14%. A total of 59 patients had stable disease (74%), giving a disease control rate of 88% (70/80). Median PFS was 8.21 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.09-12.45). Median OS was 11.96 months (95% CI: 8.11-23.95). The most common adverse events were mucositis, myelosuppression, and gastrointestinal disturbance.

CONCLUSION

Our study results suggested that nimotuzumab in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy is well tolerated, and could be a better treatment alternative in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.

MRI anatomy of parametrial extension to better identify local pathways of disease spread in cervical cancer

This paper highlights an updated anatomy of parametrial extension with emphasis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of disease spread in the parametrium in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. Pelvic landmarks were identified to assess the anterior and posterior extensions of the parametria, besides the lateral extension, as defined in a previous anatomical study. A series of schematic drawings and MRI images are shown to document the anatomical delineation of disease on MRI, which is crucial not only for correct image-based three-dimensional radiotherapy but also for the surgical oncologist, since neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by radical surgery is emerging in Europe as a valid alternative to standard chemoradiation.

Extended mesometrial resection (EMMR): Surgical approach to the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer based on the theory of ontogenetic cancer fields

BACKGROUND

Based on ontogenetic-anatomic considerations, we have introduced total mesometrial resection (TMMR) and laterally extended endopelvic resection (LEER) as surgical treatments for patients with cancer of the uterine cervix FIGO stages I B1 - IV A. For a subset of patients with locally advanced disease we have sought to develop an operative strategy characterized by the resection of additional tissue at risk for tumor infiltration as compared to TMMR, but less than in LEER, preserving the urinary bladder function.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective single center study to evaluate the feasibility of extended mesometrial resection (EMMR) and therapeutic lymph node dissection as a surgical treatment approach for patients with cervical cancer fixed to the urinary bladder and/or its mesenteries as determined by intraoperative evaluation. None of the patients received postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy.

RESULTS

48 consecutive patients were accrued into the trial. Median tumor size was 5cm, and 85% of all patients were found to have lymph node metastases. Complete tumor resection (R0) was achieved in all cases. Recurrence free survival at 5years was 54.1% (95% CI 38.3-69.9). The overall survival rate was 62.6% (95% CI 45.6-79.6) at 5years. Perioperative morbidity represented by grade II and III complications (determined by the Franco-Italian glossary) occurred in 25% and 15% of patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate in this study the feasibility of EMMR as a surgical treatment approach for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer and regional lymph node invasion without the necessity for postoperative adjuvant radiation.

State-of-the-Art Treatment and Novel Agents in Local and Distant Recurrences of Cervical Cancer

Depending on the stage at initial presentation, cervical cancer will recur in 25-61% of women. Typical manifestations of recurrent cervical cancer include the central pelvis and the pelvic side walls as well as retroperitoneal lymph node basins in the pelvis and the para-aortic region, and - more rarely - supraclavicular lymph nodes. There are no typical symptoms of recurrent cervical cancer. Women with suspected recurrence after cervical cancer based on gynecological examination or organ-specific symptoms must undergo imaging studies and - if technically feasible - biopsy with histological verification, especially in cases of distant metastases, in order to rule out a second primary. Radiotherapy-naïve women should be treated with salvage radiochemotherapy with curative intention. For women with previous radiotherapy, surgery in the form of hysterectomy, local resection, or pelvic exenteration is the treatment of choice. Pelvic exenteration can lead to cure in selected patients, but at the price of a high rate of complications and significant morbidity and mortality. If complete surgical resection is not feasible or if the woman is not a candidate for surgery, chemotherapy with palliative intent should be offered. Patients with recurrent disease outside the pelvis are candidates for systemic chemotherapy. Several agents have shown to be active in this situation, either in single-agent or combination regimens. Platinum-containing regimens have a superior efficacy over non-platinum regimens and bevacizumab may be added to chemotherapy.

Value of diffusion-weighted MRI in diagnosis of uterine cervical cancer: a prospective study evaluating the benefits of DWI compared to conventional MR sequences in a 3T environment

BACKGROUND

Imaging of cervical carcinoma remains challenging as local infiltration of surrounding tissues cannot always be discriminated safely. New imaging techniques, like diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) have emerged, which could lead to a more sensitive tumor detection.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the benefits of DWI for determination of size, local infiltration, and tumor grading, in patients with primary and recurrent cervical cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this prospective, study we enrolled 50 patients with primary (n = 35) and recurrent (n = 15) tumors. All patients underwent 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including conventional (e.g. T1/T2 ± fs ± contrast) sequences and DWI (b-values of 0, 50, 400, 800 s/mm(2)). All images were analyzed by three readers with different experience levels (1, 3, 6 years), who compared image quality, tumor delineation, dimensions, local infiltration, lymph node involvement, and quantified ADC values compared to the histopathological grading.

RESULTS

Additional use of DWI resulted in significantly better (P < 0.001) tumor delineation for the least experienced reader, but not for experienced readers. Tumor dimensions were assessed almost equally (P > 0.05) in conventional sequences and DWI. Use of DWI led to an increase in sensitivity of infiltrated adjacent tissue (from 86% to 90%) and detection of lymph node metastases (from 47% to 67%). Quantitative assessment of carcinomas showed lower ADC values (P < 0.001) with significant inverse correlations between different grading levels.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates the overall benefits using DWI in 3T MRI resulting in a higher reader confidence, sensitivity of tissue infiltration, and tumor-grading for cervical cancer.

An ontogenetic approach to gynecologic malignancies

Abstract

Ontogenetic anatomy is the mapping of body compartments established during early embryologic development, particularly well demarcated in the adult pelvis. Traditional cancer surgery is based on wide tumour excision with a safe margin, whereas the ontogenetic theory of local tumour spread claims that local dissemination is facilitated in the ontogenetic compartment of origin, but suppressed at its borders in the early stages of cancer development. Optimal local control of cancer is achieved by whole compartment resection with intact margins following ontogenetic “planes”. The principles embodied in this hypothesis are most convincingly supported by the results of the implementation of total mesorectal excision in rectal cancer, and more recently, by innovative surgical approaches to gynaecologic malignancies. The high resolution contrast of MR, accurately delineating pelvic fascial compartments, makes it the best imaging modality for gynaecologic cancer surgery planning following these principles, but requires interpretation of imaging anatomy from a different perspective.

Teaching Points

• Ontogenetic anatomy refers to mapping of embryologically determined body compartments.

• Ontogenetic theory claims tumour growth is not isometrical, but rather compartment permissive.

• Ontogenetic principles are highly supported by the outcome results of total mesorectal excision.

• Innovative gynaecologic cancer surgery approaches based on ontogenetic theory show promising results.

Pelvic Exenteration in Gynecologic Cancer: La Paz University Hospital Experience

BACKGROUND

Pelvic exenteration is an ultraradical surgery involving the en bloc resection of the pelvic organs, including the internal reproductive organs, the distal urinary tract (ureters, bladder, urethra), and/or anorectum. It is mainly applied as a salvage surgery for recurrent gynecologic tumors of any origin (vulva, vagina, cervix, uterine, and also ovary). Our aim was to establish the most favorable cases for this type of surgery by means of a review of our institution experience.

METHODS

Retrospective analyses of all patients treated with pelvic exenteration for recurrent gynecologic cancer from 2008 to 2014 at La Paz University Hospital.

RESULTS

Ten patients underwent pelvic exenteration for recurrent gynecologic cancers including uterine, cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and ovarian cancer. All patients had received prior treatment: surgery, radiotherapy, and/or chemotherapy. Eight patients underwent total pelvic exenteration, one anterior and one posterior pelvic exenteration. Urinary diversions technique consisted of ileal conduits in all cases. Permanent colostomy was performed in all cases. Postoperative complications were related to the urinary diversion in 50% of the cases, to the reconstructive technique in 30%, and to systemic or pelvic infections in 20%.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the high morbidity and mortality rates, pelvic exenteration is feasible, and in selected cases of cancer recurrence is the last possible treatment.

[Curative pelvic exenteration for recurrent cervical carcinoma in the era of concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy. A systematic review]

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this review is to assess the preoperative management in case of recurrent cervical cancer, to assess patients for a surgical curative treatment.

METHODS

English publications were searched using PubMed and Cochrane Library.

RESULTS

In the purpose of curative surgery, pelvic exenteration required clear margins. Today, only half of pelvic exenteration procedures showed postoperative clear margins. Modern imaging (RMI and Pet-CT) does not allow defining local extension of microcopic disease, and thus postoperative clear margins. Despite the same generic term of pelvic exenteration, there is a wide heterogeneity in surgical procedures in published cohorts.

CONCLUSION

Because clear margins are required for curative pelvic exenteration, but are not predictable by preoperative assessment. The larger surgery, i.e. the infra-elevator exenteration with vulvectomy, could be the logical surgical choice to increase the rate of clear margins and therefore, recurrent cervical carcinoma patient survival.

Histopathologic tumor spreading in primary ovarian cancer with modified posterior exenteration

Background

To achieve optimal cytoreduction for advanced-stage ovarian cancer, modified posterior exenteration is the most frequently performed bowel surgery. We assessed the extents of tumor spreading in the rectosigmoid wall and pelvic side wall in modified posterior exenteration specimens during primary debulking surgery (PDS) and interval debulking surgery (IDS) following neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and compared the validity of selecting this surgical procedure in the patients undergoing PDS with that in the patients undergoing IDS.

Methods

Clinicopathological data from consecutive patients who had undergone a modified posterior exenteration for primary ovarian, tubal, and peritoneal cancer at our institution between April 2008 and March 2013 was retrospectively reviewed.

Results

A total of 75 patients (38 in PDS and 37 in IDS) were included in this study. Tumor involvement of the rectosigmoid was histopathologically confirmed in 65 % of the specimens. Though the extent of tumor spreading in the rectosigmoid was deeper in PDS than in IDS, the frequency of tumor involvement of the rectosigmoid in patients who had undergone modified posterior exenteration during PDS was equivalent to that in the IDS group. Lateral tumor spreading to the side wall(s) was histopathologically confirmed in 53 % of the patients in whom a pelvic side wall resection had been performed.

Conclusions

During both PDS and IDS for ovarian cancer presenting with tumor involvement of the cul-de-sac, close inspection and palpation by gynecologic oncologists may enable the extent of tumor spreading in the pelvis to be estimated, enabling valid decisions as to whether an en bloc resection of the pelvic tumors together with the rectosigmoid and the pelvic side wall might or might not be appropriate.

[Continent urinary diversion following anterior exenteration]

BACKGROUND

Quality of life after anterior or total exenteration is determined, among other factors, by the type of urinary diversion. There are two different types of urinary diversion: incontinent diversion (ureterocutaneostomy, ileal conduit, and colonic conduit) and continent diversions (continent cutaneous pouch, orthotopic neobladder, and rectal reservoir).

RESULTS

Invasive bladder cancer and advanced or recurrent gynecological tumors are the main indications for continent urinary diversion in women. In patients with non-irradiated bladder cancer, an orthotopic neobladder (except those with tumor invasion of the bladder neck or urethra) or a rectal reservoir is an option. In patients who had received preoperative radiotherapy, non-irradiated bowel segments should be used for urinary diversion (e.g., the transverse colon). In patients with planned postoperative radiation, the urinary diversion should be outside the radiation field.

CONCLUSION

Advantages and disadvantages of all types of urinary diversion should be objectively discussed with the patient. Especially exenteration for advanced or recurrent gynecological cancers should be performed in centers with a multidisciplinary team (gynecologist, urologist, radiotherapist, and in cases with complete exenteration the gastrointestinal surgeon).

A pilot study of nimotuzumab plus single agent chemotherapy as second- or third-line treatment or more in patients with recurrent, persistent or metastatic cervical cancer

Nimotuzumab is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody against the EGFR extracellular domain that has been evaluated in solid tumors as a single agent or in combination with chemotherapy and radiation. Cervical cancer patients who are refractory or progressive to first-line chemotherapy have a dismal prognosis, and no second- or third-line chemotherapy is considered standard. This pilot trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nimotuzumab in 17 patients with pre-treated advanced refractory or progressive cervical cancer. Nimotuzumab was administered weekly at 200 mg/m(2) as single agent for 4 weeks (induction phase), then concurrent with 6 21-day cycles of gemcitabine (800 mg/m(2)) or cisplatin (50 mg/m(2)) for 18 weeks (concurrent phase) and then once every 2 weeks (maintenance phase). Nimotuzumab could be continued beyond disease progression. Seventeen patients were accrued and evaluated for safety and efficacy. The median number of nimotuzumab applications was 20 (5-96). The median number of chemotherapy cycles administered was 6 (1-6). No toxicity occurred during induction and maintenance phases (single agent nimotuzumab). In the concurrent phase, grade 3 toxicity events observed were leucopenia, anemia and diarrhea in 11.7%, 5.8% and 11.7% respectively. No complete or partial responses were observed. The stable disease (SD) rate was 35%. The median PFS and OS rates were 163 days (95% CI, 104 to 222), and 299 days (95% IC, 177 to 421) respectively. Nimotuzumab is well tolerated and may have a role in the treatment of advanced cervical cancer.

A comparison of concurrent chemoradiotherapy and radiotherapy in Chinese patients with locally advanced cervical carcinoma: a multi-center study

Background

We investigated the efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) over radiotherapy (RT) in Chinese patients with locally advanced cervical carcinoma.

Patients and methods

Between January 2005 and January 2008, 192 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix were included in the study: 96 in arm A (CCRT with 20 mg/m² cisplatin for 5 days) and 96 in arm B (RT). The overall response rate was the primary endpoint. The secondary endpoints included overall survival, progression-free survival, and toxicity.

Results

The 5-year overall response rate was 67% and 53% for the CCRT and RT arms, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant, while the median overall survival was 68 months (range 3-85 months) and 61 months (range 4-83 months), respectively (P = 0.009). In addition, the median progression-free survival for CCRT was 62 months (range 3-83 months), whereas it was 51 months (range 4-81 months) for the RT arm (P = 0.025). The toxicity profile, both acute and late, was comparable in both arms.

Conclusion

In summary, we demonstrate that CCRT was effective and better tolerated than RT alone in Chinese patients with locally advanced cervical carcinoma.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trials Register: ChiCTR-TRC-13003979.