Pelvic exenteration for recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the pelvic organs arising from the cloaca--a single institution's experience over 16 years

A systematic review and meta-analysis on mortality rate following total pelvic exenteration in cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Total pelvic exenteration (TPE), an en bloc resection is an ultraradical operation for malignancies, and refers to the removal of organs inside the pelvis, including female reproductive organs, lower urological organs and involved parts of the digestive system. The aim of this meta-analysis is to estimate the intra-operative mortality, in-hospital mortality, 30- and 90-day mortality rate and overall mortality rate (MR) following TPE in colorectal, gynecological, urological, and miscellaneous cancers.

METHODS

This is a systematic review and meta-analysis in which three international databases including Medline through PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science on November 2023 were searched. To screen and select relevant studies, retrieved articles were entered into Endnote software. The required information was extracted from the full text of the retrieved articles by the authors. Effect measures in this study was the intra-operative, in-hospital, and 90-day and overall MR following TPE. All analyzes are performed using Stata software version 16 (Stata Corp, College Station, TX).

RESULTS

In this systematic review, 1751 primary studies retrieved, of which 98 articles (5343 cases) entered into this systematic review. The overall mortality rate was 30.57% in colorectal cancers, 25.5% in gynecological cancers and 12.42% in Miscellaneous. The highest rate of mortality is related to the overall mortality rate of colorectal cancers. The MR in open surgeries was higher than in minimally invasive surgeries, and also in primary advanced cancers, it was higher than in recurrent cancers.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, it can be said that performing TPE in a specialized surgical center with careful patient eligibility evaluation is a viable option for advanced malignancies of the pelvic organs.

Clinical and oncological outcomes of pelvic exenteration surgery for anal squamous cell carcinoma

AIM

Anal cancer incidence and mortality rates are rising in the United Kingdom (UK). Surgery is an important treatment modality for persistent or recurrent disease. There is a paucity of data on outcomes for patients undergoing pelvic exenteration for anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) for persistent or recurrent disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes for patients who were treated with pelvic exenteration for anal SCC from two high-volume, high-complexity pelvic exenteration units in the UK.

METHOD

A retrospective review of prospectively maintained databases from 2011 to 2020 was undertaken. Primary endpoints included R0 resection rates, overall and disease-free survival at 2 and 5 years.

RESULTS

From 2011 to 2020, 35 patients with anal SCC were selected for exenteration. An R0 resection was achieved in 26 patients (77%). Of the remaining patients, seven patients had an R1 resection and one had a R2 resection. One further patient was excluded from additional analysis as the disease was inoperable at the time of laparotomy. With a median follow-up of 19.5 months (interquartile range 7.9-53.5 months), overall survival was 50% (17/34). Patients with an R1/2 resection had a significantly poorer overall survival [0.27 (0.09-0.76), p = 0.021] than those patients in whom R0 resection was achieved. Disease-free survival was 38.2% (13/34) and an R1/R2 resection was associated with a significantly reduced disease-free survival [0.12 (0.04-0.36), p < 0.001].

CONCLUSION

Complete R0 resection for recurrent or persistent anal SCC is possible in the majority of patients and improves overall and disease-free survival compared with R1/R2 resection.

Pelvic Exenteration for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anus: Oncological, Morbidity, and Quality-of-Life Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Salvage surgery is the only potentially curative treatment option for recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the anus. Where adjacent pelvic viscera, soft tissues, and bone are involved, pelvic exenteration with a wide perineal excision may be required to ensure clear surgical margins and increase the likelihood of long-term survival.

OBJECTIVE

To report oncological, morbidity, and quality-of-life outcomes of pelvic exenteration for anal squamous cell carcinoma.

DESIGN

Cohort study with retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.

SETTINGS

This study was conducted at a high-volume pelvic exenteration center.

PATIENTS

Those who underwent pelvic exenteration for anal squamous cell carcinoma between 1994 and 2022.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Local recurrence-free and overall survival, intraoperative and postoperative complication rates, R0 resection rate, and long-term quality-of-life outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 958 patients who underwent pelvic exenteration, 66 (6.9%) had anal squamous cell carcinoma. Thirty-two patients (48.5%) were male and the median age was 57 years (range, 31-79). Ten patients (15%) had primary anal squamous cell carcinoma, 49 (74%) had a recurrent tumor, and 7 (11%) had a re-recurrent tumor. Twenty-two patients (33%) and 16 patients (24%) had a major complication and unplanned return to the operating theater, respectively. Of the 62 patients who underwent pelvic exenteration with curative intent, 50 (81%) had R0 resection, and the 5-year overall and local recurrence-free survival rates were 41% and 37%, respectively. R0 resection was associated with a higher 5-year overall survival (50% vs 8%, p < 0.001). The mental health component scores and several individual quality-of-life domains presented improved trajectories postoperatively (all p values <0.05).

LIMITATIONS

The generalizability of the findings outside specialist pelvic exenteration centers may be limited.

CONCLUSIONS

Morbidity, long-term survival, and quality-of-life outcomes after pelvic exenteration for anal squamous cell carcinoma are comparable to published outcomes of pelvic exenteration for other tumor types.

EXENTERACIN PLVICA POR CARCINOMA EPIDERMOIDE DE ANO RESULTADOS ONCOLGICOS, DE MORBILIDAD Y DE CALIDAD DE VIDA

ANTECEDENTES:La cirugía de rescate es la única opción de tratamiento potencialmente curativa para el carcinoma de células escamosas del ano recurrente. Cuando están involucradas vísceras pélvicas, tejidos blandos y huesos adyacentes, puede ser necesaria una exenteración pélvica con una escisión perineal amplia para asegurar márgenes quirúrgicos claros y aumentar la probabilidad de supervivencia a largo plazo.OBJETIVO:Informar sobre los resultados oncológicos, de morbilidad y de calidad de vida de la exenteración pélvica por carcinoma anal de células escamosas.DISEÑO:Estudio de cohortes con análisis retrospectivo de datos recogidos prospectivamente.ENTORNO CLINICO:Este estudio se realizó en un centro de exenteración pélvica de alto volumen.PACIENTES:Aquellos que se sometieron a exenteración pélvica por carcinoma anal de células escamosas entre 1994 y 2022.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACIÓN:Supervivencia global y libre de recidiva local, tasas de complicaciones intraoperatorias y posoperatorias, tasa de resección R0 y resultados de calidad de vida a largo plazo.RESULTADOS:De 958 pacientes que se sometieron a exenteración pélvica, 66 (6,9%) tenían carcinoma anal de células escamosas. 32 pacientes (48,5%) eran varones y la mediana de edad fue de 57 años (rango 31-79). 10 pacientes (15%) tenían carcinoma anal primario de células escamosas, 49 (74%) tenían un tumor recurrente y 7 (11%) tenían una segunda recurrencia. 22 (33%) y 16 pacientes (24%) tuvieron una complicación mayor y regreso no planificado al quirófano, respectivamente. De los 62 pacientes que se sometieron a una exenteración pélvica con intención curativa, 50 (81%) tuvieron una resección R0, las tasas de supervivencia global y libre de recidiva local a los 5 años fueron del 41% y el 37%, respectivamente. La resección R0 se asoció con una mayor supervivencia general a los 5 años (50% frente a 8%, p < 0,001). Las puntuaciones del componente de salud mental y varios dominios de calidad de vida individuales presentaron trayectorias mejoradas después de la operación (todos los valores de p < 0,05).LIMITACIONES:La generalización de los hallazgos fuera de los centros especializados en exenteración pélvica puede ser limitada.CONCLUSIONES:Los resultados de morbilidad, supervivencia a largo plazo y calidad de vida después de la EP para el carcinoma anal de células escamosas son comparables a los resultados publicados de la exenteración pélvica para otros tipos de tumores. (Traducción-Dr. Ingrid Melo ).

Electrochemotherapy as an Alternative Treatment Option to Pelvic Exenteration for Recurrent Vulvar Cancer of the Perineum Region

Objective: Pelvic exenteration in women with recurrent vulvar carcinoma is associated with high morbidity and mortality and substantial treatment costs. Because pelvic exenteration severely affects the quality of life and can lead to significant complications, other treatment modalities, such as electrochemotherapy, have been proposed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and suitability of electrochemotherapy in the treatment of recurrent vulvar cancer. We aimed to analyze the treatment options, treatment outcomes, and complications in patients with recurrent vulvar cancer of the perineum. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone pelvic exenteration for vulvar cancer at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana over a 16-year period was performed. As an experimental, less mutilating treatment, electrochemotherapy was performed on one patient with recurrent vulvar cancer involving the perineum. Comparative data analysis was performed between the group with pelvic exenteration and the patient with electrochemotherapy, comparing hospital stay, disease recurrence after treatment, survival after treatment in months, and quality of life after treatment. Results: We observed recurrence of disease in 2 patients with initial FIGO stage IIIC disease 3 months and 32 months after pelvic exenteration, and they died of the disease 15 and 38 months after pelvic exenteration. Two patients with FIGO stage IB were alive at 74 and 88 months after pelvic exenteration. One patient with initial FIGO stage IIIC was alive 12 months after treatment with electrochemotherapy with no visible signs of disease progression in the vulvar region, and the lesions had a complete response. The patient treated with electrochemotherapy was hospitalized for 4 days compared with the patients with pelvic exenteration, in whom the average hospital stay was 19.75 (± 1.68) days. Conclusion: Our experience has shown that electrochemotherapy might be a less radical alternative to pelvic exenteration, especially for patients with initially higher FIGO stages.

An evaluation of prognostic factors, oncologic outcomes, and management for primary and recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate prognostic factors, outcomes, and management patterns of patients treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva.

METHODS

One hundred sixty-four women were retrospectively identified with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva treated at our institution between 1/1996-12/2018. Descriptive statistics were performed on patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics. The χ² tests and t-tests were used to compare categorical variables and continuous variables, respectively. Recurrence free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), and disease-specific survival (DSS) were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier estimates, the log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazards.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 52.5 months. Five-year RFS was 67.9%, 60.0%, 42.1%, and 20.0% for stage I-IV, respectively. Five-year DSS was 86.2%, 81.6%, 65.0%, and 42.9% for stage I-IV, respectively. On multivariate analysis, positive margins predicted overall RFS (hazard ratio [HR]=3.55; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.18-10.73; p=0.025), while presence of lichen sclerosus on pathology (HR=2.78; 95% CI=1.30-5.91; p=0.008) predicted local RFS. OS was predicted by nodal involvement (HR=2.51; 95% CI=1.02-6.13; p=0.043) and positive margins (HR=5.19; 95% CI=2.03-13.26; p=0.001). Adjuvant radiotherapy significantly improved RFS (p=0.016) and DSS (p=0.012) in node-positive patients. Median survival after treatment of local, groin, and pelvic/distant recurrence was 52, 8, and 5 months, respectively.

CONCLUSION

For primary treatment, more conservative surgical approaches can be considered with escalation of treatment in patients with concurrent precursor lesions, positive margins, and/or nodal involvement. Further studies are warranted to improve risk stratification in order to optimize treatment paradigms for vulvar cancer patients.

Pelvic Exenteration for Anal and Urogenital Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Experience and Outcomes from an Exenteration Unit Over 12 Years

BACKGROUND

Pelvic exenteration has increasingly been shown to improve disease-free and overall survival for patients with locally advanced pelvic malignancies. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common pelvic malignancy requiring exenteration.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to report the clinical and oncological outcomes from patients treated with pelvic exenteration for anal and urogenital SCC from a single, high-volume unit.

METHODS

A review of a prospectively maintained database from 1991 to 2018 at a high-volume specialised institution was performed. Primary endpoints included R0 resection rates, local recurrence and overall survival (OS) rates.

RESULTS

From January 1999 to July 2018, 361 patients underwent pelvic exenteration of which 31 patients were identified with SCC (15 anal SCC, 16 urogenital SCC). The majority of patients were females (n = 24, 77.4%). Median age was 59 (range 35-81). Twenty-seven patients underwent resection with curative intent with an R0 resection rate of 81.5%. Four patients underwent a palliative procedure [R1 = 3 (8%), R2 = 1 (3.3%)]. Mean hospital length of stay was 32 days (range 8-122 days). Disease-free survival was significantly increased in anal SCC with no significant difference in OS compared to urogenital SCC (p = 0.03, p = 0.447 respectively). Advanced pathological T stage was associated with decreased OS (p = 0.023). In the curative intent group the disease-free survival and OS rate was 59.3% and 70% at 24 months, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Complete R0 resection is achievable in a high proportion of patients. Urogenital SCC is associated with significantly worse disease-free survival, and advanced T-stage was a significant prognostic factor for OS.

Complications After Extended Radical Resections for Locally Advanced and Recurrent Pelvic Malignancies: A 25-Year Experience

BACKGROUND

The oncological role of pelvic exenteration for locally advanced and recurrent pelvic malignancies arising from the anorectum, gynaecological, or urological systems is now well-established. Despite this, the surgical community has been slow to accept pelvic exenteration, undoubtedly due to concerns about high morbidity and mortality rates. This study assessed the general major complications and predictors of morbidity following extended radical resections for locally advanced and recurrent pelvic malignancies.

METHODS

Data were collected from prospective databases at two high-volume institutions specialising in beyond TME surgery for locally advanced and recurrent pelvic malignancies between 1990 and 2015. The primary outcome measures were major complications (Clavien-Dindo 3 or above) and predictors for morbidity.

RESULTS

A total of 646 consecutive patients required extended surgery for local advanced pelvic malignancies. The median age was 63 (range 19-89) years, and the majority were female (371; 57.4%). One or more major complications were observed in 106 patients (16.4%). The most common major complications were intra-abdominal collection (43.7%; n = 59/135) and wound infection (14.1%; n = 19/135). The overall inpatient mortality rate was 0.46% (n = 3/646). Independent predictors for major morbidity following surgery for locally advanced or recurrent pelvic malignancies were squamous cell carcinoma of anus, sacrectomy, and blood transfusion requirement.

CONCLUSIONS

This series adds increasing evidence that good outcomes can be achieved for extended radical resections in locally advanced and recurrent pelvic malignancies. A coordinated approach in specialist centres for beyond TME surgery demonstrates that this is a safe and feasible procedure, offering low major complication rates.

The Evolution of Pelvic Exenteration Practice at a Single Center: Lessons Learned from over 500 Cases

Considerable progress has been made in the management of patients with locally advanced or recurrent cancers of the pelvis over the past 60 years since the inception of pelvic exenteration. Early progress in pelvic exenteration was marred by the high surgical mortality and morbidity, which drew scepticism from the broader surgical community. Subsequent evolution in the procedure hinged on establishing surgical safety and a better understanding of outcome predictors. Surgical mortality from pelvic exenteration is now comparable to that of elective resection for primary colorectal cancers. The importance of a clear resection margin is also now well established in providing durable local control and predicting long-term survival that, in turn, has driven the development of novel surgical techniques for pelvic side wall resection, en bloc sacrectomy, and pubic bone resection. A tailored surgical approach depending on the location of the tumor with resection of contiguously involved organs, yet preserving uninvolved organs to minimize unnecessary surgical morbidity, is paramount. Despite improved surgical and oncological outcomes, surgical morbidity following pelvic exenteration remains high with reported complication rates ranging between 20% and 80%. Extended antibiotic prophylaxis and preemptive parenteral nutrition in the immediate postoperative period may reduce septic and nutritional complications. A high index of suspicion is needed in the early diagnosis and management of complications that may avoid prolonged duration of hospitalization. An acceptable quality of life has been reported among patients after pelvic exenteration. Further research into novel chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and reconstructive options are currently underway and are needed to further improve outcomes.

Risk factors and treatment for recurrent vulvar squamous cell carcinoma

Recurrent disease occurs in 12-37% of patients with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC). Decisions about treatment of recurrent VSCC mainly depend on the location of the recurrence and previous treatment, resulting in individualized and consensus-based approaches. Most recurrences (40-80%) occur within 2 years after initial treatment. Currently, wide local excision is the treatment of choice for local recurrences. Isolated local recurrence of VSCC has a good prognosis, with reported 5-year survival rates of up to 60%. Groin recurrences and distant recurrences are less common and have an extremely poor prognosis. For groin recurrences, surgery with or without (chemo) radiotherapy is a treatment option, depending on prior treatment. For distant recurrences, there are only palliative treatment options. In this review, we give an overview of the available literature and discuss epidemiology, risk factors, and prognostic factors for the different types of recurrent VSCC and we describe treatment options and clinical outcome.