Retrospective review of pelvic malignancies undergoing total pelvic exenteration

Pelvic Exenteration in Advanced, Recurrent or Synchronous Cancers-Last Resort or Therapeutic Option?

First described some 80 years ago, pelvic exenteration remain controversial interventions with variable results and ever-changing indications. The previous studies are not homogenous and have different inclusion criteria (different populations and different disease characteristics) and methodologies (including evaluation of results), making it extremely difficult to properly assess the role of pelvic exenteration in cancer treatment. This study aims to describe the indications of pelvic exenterations, the main prognostic factors of oncologic results, and the possible complications of the intervention. Methods: For this purpose, we conducted a retrospective study of 132 patients who underwent various forms of pelvic exenterations in the Institute of Oncology "Prof. Dr. Al. Trestioreanu" in Bucharest, Romania, between 2013 and 2022, collecting sociodemographic data, characteristics of patients, information on the disease treated, data about the surgical procedure, complications, additional cancer treatments, and oncologic results. Results: The study cohort consists of gynecological, colorectal, and urinary bladder malignancies (one hundred twenty-seven patients) and five patients with complex fistulas between pelvic organs. An R0 resection was possible in 76.38% of cases, while on the rest, positive margins on resection specimens were observed. The early morbidity was 40.63% and the mortality was 2.72%. Long-term outcomes included an overall survival of 43.7 months and a median recurrence-free survival of 24.3 months. The most important determinants of OS are completeness of resection, the colorectal origin of tumor, and the presence/absence of lymphovascular invasion. Conclusions: Although still associated with high morbidity rates, pelvic exenterations can deliver important improvements in oncological outcomes in the long-term and should be considered on a case-by-case basis. A good selection of patients and an experienced surgical team can facilitate optimal risks/benefits.

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.

Perioperative outcomes in male patients undergoing cystectomy, radical colorectal procedure or total pelvic exenteration

Background

Total pelvic exenteration (TPE) in men is a surgical procedure to treat genitourinary and colorectal malignancies. Despite improvement in multimodal strategies and technology, mortality is still high and literature is limited about perioperative outcomes comparison to other radical procedures.

Methods

We analyzed National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) baseline database of all male patients undergoing cystectomy, low anterior resection/abdominoperineal resection (LAR/APR) or TPE from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2016. Postoperative complications within 30 days after surgery were measured including: Wound infection, septic complications, deep vein thrombosis, cardiovascular events, and return to the operating room or mortality, etc. Differences between groups were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests.

Results

A total of 7,375 patients underwent radical cystectomy, 49,762 underwent LAR/APR and 792 underwent TPE. Cystectomy patients were on average older compared to TPE or LAR/APR patients (P<0.001). In univariable and multivariable analysis, patients undergoing TPE had greater infectious and septic complications compared to cystectomy (odds ratio =1.09; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06-1.12) and LAR/APR (odds ratio =1.08; 95% CI: 1.05-1.11). Moreover, TPE had a slightly higher mortality within the 30-day postoperatively than those who underwent LAR/APR (odds ratio =1.01; 95% CI: 1.00-1.02) and cystectomy (odds ratio =1.01; 95% CI: 1.00-1.01).

Conclusions

Men undergoing TPE had greater rates of infections and postoperative complications compared to those undergoing radical cystectomy and LAR/APR. From a clinical standpoint, TPE has high morbidity that could provide opportunity for quality improvement projects with the goal of mitigating high complication rates.

Surgical removal of giant pelvic liposarcoma after preoperative transcatheter arterial embolization

Liposarcoma includes tumors with a wide range of malignancies, from mostly benign to malignant. We report a case of a 73 year-old man who was admitted for urination and defecation disorder. Contract computed tomography (CT) revealed a mass of approximately 21 cm occupying the pelvis, bladder, ureter, prostate, and rectum being compressed by the tumor. Since intraoperative mass bleeding was predicted, we embolized the tumor nutrition artery and performed a total pelvic exenteration. Regarding the course of the operation, SSI and pelvic infection were developed after the operation. The patient was discharged 21 days after surgery. Moreover, there is no evidence of local recurrence and distant metastasis at 18 months after surgery. Furthermore, in giant pelvic liposarcoma, it is useful to identify a nutritional artery of a giant tumor by angiography before surgery, and surgical resection can be safely done by performing preoperative transcatheter arterial embolization.

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.

Morbidity and Mortality of Total Pelvic Exenteration for Malignancy in the US

BACKGROUND

Total pelvic exenterations (TPEs) for malignancies are complex operations often performed by multidisciplinary teams. The differences among primary cancer for TPE and multicentered results are not well described. We aimed to describe TPE outcomes for different malignant origins in a national multicentered sample.

METHODS

Patients from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database who underwent TPE between 2005 and 2016 for all malignant indications (colorectal, gynecologic, urologic, or other) were included. Chi square and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare patient characteristics by primary malignancy. Multivariate logistic and linear regression models were used to determine factors associated with any 30-day Clavien-Dindo grade 3 or higher complication, length of hospital stay (LOS; days), 30-day wound infection, and 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

Overall, 2305 patients underwent TPE. Indications for surgery included 33% (749) colorectal, 15% (335) gynecologic, 9% (196) other, and 45% (1025) urologic malignancies. Median LOS decreased from 10 to 8 days during the study period (p < 0.001), 36% were males, and 50% required blood transfusion. High-grade complications occurred in 15% of patients and were associated with bowel diversion [odds ratio (OR) 1.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-2.4], disseminated cancer (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4-2.3), and gynecologic cancers (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.8-4.7). Mortality was 2% and was associated with disseminated cancer (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1-4.3) and male sex (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.3-4.4).

CONCLUSIONS

TPE is associated with high rates of complications, however mortality rates remain low. Preoperative and perioperative outcomes differ depending on the origin of the primary malignancy.

Predictors of overall survival following extended radical resections for locally advanced and recurrent pelvic malignancies

PURPOSE

In an era of personalised medicine, there is an overwhelming effort for predicting patients who will benefit from extended radical resections for locally advanced pelvic malignancy. However, there is paucity of data on the effect of comorbidities and postoperative complications on long-term overall survival (OS). The aim of this study was to define predictors of 1-year and 5-year OS.

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 1-year and 5-year OS.

RESULTS

A total of 646 consecutive extended radical resections were performed between 1990 and 2015. The majority were female patients (371, 57.4%) and the median age was 63 years (range 19-89 years). One-year OS, primary rectal adenocarcinoma had the best survival while recurrent colon cancer had the worse survival (p = 0.047). The 5-year OS between primary and recurrent cancers were 64.7% and 53%, respectively (p = 0.004). Poor independent prognostic markers for 5-year OS were increasing ASA score, cardiovascular disease, recurrent cancers, ovarian cancers, pulmonary embolus and acute respiratory distress syndrome. A positive survival benefit was demonstrated with preoperative radiotherapy (HR 0.55; 95% CI 0.4-0.75, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Patient comorbidities and specific complications can influence long-term survival following extended radical resections. This study highlights important predictors, enabling clinicians to better inform patients of the potential short- and long-term outcomes in the management of locally advanced and recurrent pelvic malignancy.

Pelvic Exenteration for Locally Advanced and Relapsed Pelvic Malignancies - An Analysis of 100 Cases

BACKGROUND/AIM

Although pelvic exenteration is an aggressive surgical procedure, it remains almost the only curative solution for patients diagnosed with large pelvic malignancies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We present a series of 100 patients submitted to pelvic exenteration with curative intent.

RESULTS

The origin of the primary tumor was most commonly represented by cervical cancer, followed by, endometrial cancer, rectal cancer, ovarian cancer and vulvo-vaginal cancer. An R0 resection was confirmed in 68 cases, while the remaining 32 cases presented lateral positive resection margins or perineal positive margins. The postoperative morbidity rate was 37% while the mortality rate was 3%. As for the-long term outcomes, the median overall survival time was 38.7 months, being most significantly influenced by the origin of the primary tumor.

CONCLUSION

Although pelvic exenteration is still associated with an increased morbidity, an important improvement in the long-term survival can be achieved, especially if radical resection is feasible.

Anatomical Variations of Iliac Vein Tributaries and Their Clinical Implications During Complex Pelvic Surgeries

BACKGROUND

During high sacrectomies and lateral pelvic compartment exenterations, isolating the external and internal iliac veins within the presacral area is crucial to avoid inadvertent injury and severe hemorrhage. Anatomical variations of external iliac vein tributaries have not been previously described, whereas multiple classifications of internal iliac vein tributaries exist.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to clarify the iliac venous system anatomy using soft-embalmed cadavers.

DESIGN

This is a descriptive study.

SETTINGS

This study was conducted in Chulalongkorn University, Thailand.

PATIENTS

We examined 40 iliac venous systems from 20 human cadavers (10 males, 10 females).

INTERVENTIONS

Blue resin dye infused into the inferior vena cava highlighted the iliac venous system, which was meticulously dissected and traced to their draining organs.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Iliac vein tributaries and their valvular system were documented and analyzed.

RESULTS

The external iliac vein classically receives 2 tributaries (inferior epigastric and deep circumflex iliac) near the inguinal ligament. However, external iliac vein tributaries in the presacral area were found in 20 venous systems among 15 cadavers (75%). The mean diameter of each tributary was 4.0 ± 0.35 mm, with 72% arising laterally. We propose a simplified classification for internal iliac vein variations: pattern 1 in 12 cadavers (60%) where a single internal iliac vein joins a single external iliac vein to drain into the common iliac vein; pattern 2 in 7 cadavers (35%) where the internal iliac vein is duplicated; and pattern 3 in 1 cadaver (5%) where bilateral internal iliac veins drain into a common trunk before joining the common iliac vein bifurcation.

LIMITATIONS

This study is limited by the number of cadavers included.

CONCLUSIONS

A comprehensive understanding of previously unreported highly prevalent external iliac vein tributaries in the presacral region is vital during complex pelvic surgery. A simplified classification of internal iliac vein variations is proposed. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A900.

Systematic review of outcomes following pelvic exenteration for the treatment of primary and recurrent locally advanced rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Pelvic exenteration represents the best treatment option for cure of locally advanced or recurrent rectal cancer. This systematic review sought to evaluate current literature regarding short and long term treatment outcomes and long term survival following pelvic exenteration.

METHODS

A systematic search of the MEDLINE, PubMed and Ovid databases was conducted to identify suitable articles published between 2001 and 2016. The article search was performed in line with Cochrane methodology and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyses statement.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies were included in the final analysis, incorporating 1016 patients. Sixty-three percent of patients were male and median patient age was 59 years. Median operating time was 7.2 h with median blood loss of 1.9 l. Median postoperative stay was 17 days with a median 30-day mortality of 0. Complication rates were 31.6-86% with a return to theatre rate of 14.6%. Median R0 resection rate was 74% and was higher for primary cancer (82.6% versus 58% for recurrent cancer). Mean overall survival was 31 months and median 5-year survival was 32%. Recurrently identified indicators of adverse outcome included R1/2 resection, preoperative pelvic pain and previous abdominoperineal resection of the rectum.

CONCLUSIONS

Pelvic exenteration remains a major operation associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in preoperative assessment and staging, R1 resection rates remain high. There is also a high degree of variability of reporting outcomes and standardisation of this process would aid comparison of results between centres and drive forward research in this area.

Extended pelvic resection for rectal and anal canal tumors is a significant risk factor for perineal wound infection: a retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Perineal wound infection (PWI) rates are high after abdominoperineal resection (APR) and total pelvic exenteration (TPE). This study identified risk factors for PWI after surgery for anorectal tumors and examined the relationship between the surgical excision volume with the PWI degree.

METHODS

A retrospective review involving 135 patients who underwent surgical excision of anorectal tumors was performed. Superficial PWI included cellulitis and superficial dehiscence; deep PWI included major dehiscence, perineal abscess, and presacral abscess. The adjacent organ resection type was classified according to the dead space size formed by surgical excision.

RESULTS

Of the 135 patients, 119 underwent APR, and 16 underwent TPE. PWI occurred in 75 patients (superficial PWI, 44; deep PWI, 31). Adjacent organ resection was an independent risk factor for PWI. The cases with adjacent organ resection were classified into small-defect APR, large-defect APR, and TPE. Large-defect APR and TPE cases had significantly higher rates of deep PWI than APR cases without adjacent organ resection.

CONCLUSIONS

Adjacent organ resection involving the removal of one or more organs and that involving wide-range muscle resection are strong risk factors for deep PWI.

A Systematic Review to Assess Resection Margin Status After Abdominoperineal Excision and Pelvic Exenteration for Rectal Cancer

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess resection margin status and its impact on survival after abdominoperineal excision and pelvic exenteration for primary or recurrent rectal cancer.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Resection margin is important to guide therapy and to evaluate patient prognosis.

METHODS

A meta-analysis was performed to assess the impact of resection margin status on survival, and a regression analysis to analyze positive resection margin rates reported in the literature.

RESULTS

The analysis included 111 studies reporting on 19,607 participants after abdominoperineal excision, and 30 studies reporting on 1326 participants after pelvic exenteration. The positive resection margin rates for abdominoperineal excision were 14.7% and 24.0% for pelvic exenteration. The overall survival and disease-free survival rates were significantly worse for patients with positive compared with negative resection margins after abdominoperineal excision [hazard ratio (HR) 2.64, P < 0.01; HR 3.70, P < 0.01, respectively] and after pelvic exenteration (HR 2.23, P < 0.01; HR 2.93, P < 0.01, respectively). For patients undergoing abdominoperineal excision with positive resection margins, the reported tumor sites were 57% anterior, 15% posterior, 10% left or right lateral, 8% circumferential, 10% unspecified. A significant decrease in positive resection margin rates was identified over time for abdominoperineal excision. Although positive resection margin rates did not significantly change with the size of the study, some small size studies reported higher than expected positive resection margin rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Resection margin status influences survival and a multidisciplinary approach in experienced centers may result in reduced positive resection margins. For advanced anterior rectal cancer, posterior pelvic exenteration instead of abdominoperineal excision may improve resection margins.

Surgical options for locally recurrent rectal cancer--review and update

Locally recurrent rectal tumours in the pelvis are found in about 6% following treatment for rectal cancer. This type of tumour can cause serious local complications and symptoms. The aim of modern surgical oncology is to offer a curative treatment option embedded in an interdisciplinary network of specialities to the patient. Due to advancements in surgical techniques and procedures, especially regarding surgical reconstruction, the possibilities of a curative treatment regarding recurrent cancers have been expanded and established. To aim for a curative treatment one must introduce a multimodal therapy including radio- and chemotherapy, and a radical oncological surgery with en bloc resection of the tumour and affected surrounding organs to achieve a R0-resection.

Robotic total pelvic exenteration with laparoscopic rectus flap: initial experience

Total pelvic exenteration is a highly morbid procedure performed for locally advanced pelvic malignancies. We describe our experience with three patients who underwent robotic total pelvic exenteration with laparoscopic rectus flap and compare perioperative characteristics to our open experience. Demographic, tumor, operative, and perioperative factors were examined with descriptive statistics reported. Mean operative times were similar between the two groups. When compared to open total pelvic exenteration cases (n = 9), median estimated blood loss, ICU stay, and hospital stay were all decreased. These data show robotic pelvic exenteration with laparoscopic rectus flap is technically feasible. The surgery was well tolerated with low blood loss and comparable operative times to the open surgery. Further study is needed to confirm the oncologic efficacy and the suggested improvement in surgical morbidity.

Pelvic exenteration: experience from a rural cancer center in developing world

Background. Pelvic exenteration (PE) is a morbid procedure. Ours is a rural based cancer center limited trained surgical oncology staff. Hence, this audit was planned to evaluate morbidity and outcomes of all patients undergoing PE at our center. Methods. This is a IRB approved retrospective audit of all patients who underwent PE at our center from January 2010 to August 2013. The toxicity grades were retrospectively assigned according to the CTCAE version 4.02 criteria. Chi-square test was done to identify factors affecting grades 3–5 morbidity. Kaplan Meier survival analysis has been used for estimation of median PFS and OS. Results. 34 patients were identified, with the median age of 52 years (28–73 years). Total, anterior, posterior, and modified posterior exenterations were performed in 4 (11.8%), 5 (14.7%), 14 (41.2%), and 11 (32.4%) patients, respectively. The median time for surgery was 5.5 hours (3–8 hours). The median blood loss was 500 mL (200–4000 mL). CTCAE version 4.02 grades 3-4 toxicity was seen in nine patients (25.7%). The median estimated progression free survival was 31.76 months (25.13–38.40 months). The 2-year overall survival was 97.14%. Conclusion. PE related grades 3–5 morbidity of 25.7% and mortality of 2.9% at our resource limited center are encouraging.

Anterior-only Partial Sacrectomy for en bloc Resection of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

Study Design Case report. Objective The usual procedure for partial sacrectomies in locally advanced rectal cancer combines a transabdominal and a posterior sacral route. The posterior approach is flawed with a high rate of complications, especially infections and wound-healing problems. Anterior-only approaches have indirectly been mentioned within long series of rectal cancer surgery. We describe a case of partial sacrectomy for en bloc resection of a locally advanced rectal cancer with invasion of the low sacrum through a combined transabdominal and perineal approach without any posterior incision. Methods Through a midline laparotomy, the tumor was dissected and the sacral osteotomy was performed. Once the sacrum was mobile, the muscular attachments to its posterior wall were cut through the perineal approach. This latter route was also used to remove the whole specimen. Results The postoperative period was uneventful in terms of infection and wound healing, but the patient developed right foot dorsiflexion paresis that completely disappeared in 1 month. Resection margins were negative. After a follow-up of 18 months, the patient has no local recurrence but presented lung and liver metastases. Conclusion In cases of rectal cancer involving the low sacrum, the combination of a transabdominal and a perineal route to carry out the partial sacrectomy is a feasible approach that avoids changes of surgical positioning and the morbidity related to posterior incisions. This strategy should be considered when deciding on undertaking partial sacrectomy in locally advanced rectal cancer.

Characteristics of gynecologic oncology patients in King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital - complications and outcome of pelvic exenteration

BACKGROUND

Pelvic exenteration is a procedure which includes enbloc resection of pelvic organs followed by surgical reconstruction. Aims include both cure and palliation but data for pelvic exenteration in Thailand are very limited.

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to evaluate characteristics of patients, operative procedure outcomes and complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective review covered all of the charts of exenteration patients during January 2002 to December 2011. Baseline characteristic of the patients were collected as well as details of clinical results.

RESULTS

A total of 13 cases of pelvic exenteration were included. Most underwent total pelvic exenteration (9 cases) and the remainder posterior and anterior exenteration. Their primary cancers were ovarian, cervical and vulva. Mean operative time was 532 minutes (SD 160.2, range 270- 750) and estimated blood loss was 2830 ml (1850, 1000-8000). Mean tumor size was 7.33 cm (3.75, 4-15). Mean hospital stay was 35.2 days (29.8, 13-109). The most common post operative complication was urinary tract infection. Overall disease free survival with a negative surgical margin was significantly better than in positive surgical margin patients (p=0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical margin was the most significant prognostic factor for disease free survival, in line with earlier studies.

Pelvic exenteration for rectal cancer: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Pelvic exenteration is a potentially curative treatment for locally advanced primary or recurrent rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review examines the current evidence regarding clinical and oncological outcomes in patients with locally advanced primary and recurrent rectal cancer who undergo pelvic exenteration.

DATA SOURCES

A literature search of PubMed, Medline, and the Cochrane library was undertaken, and studies published in the English language from January 2000 to August 2012 were identified.

STUDY SELECTION

Prospective and retrospective studies that report outcomes of pelvic exenteration for primary advanced and locally recurrent rectal cancer with or without subgroup evaluation were included for examination.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Oncological outcomes included 5-year survival, median survival, and local recurrence rates. Clinical outcomes included complication rates and perioperative mortality rates.

RESULTS

A total of 23 studies with 1049 patients were reviewed. The complication rates ranged from 37% to 100% (median, 57%) and the perioperative mortality rate ranged from 0% to 25% (median, 2.2%). The rate of local recurrence ranged from 4.8% to 61% (median, 22%). The median survival for primary advanced rectal cancers was 14 to 93 months (median, 35.5 months) and 8 to 38 months (median, 24 months) for locally recurrent rectal cancer.

LIMITATIONS

Our review was limited by the small sample sizes from single-institutional studies reporting outcomes over long periods of time with heterogeneity in both the disease and treatments reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the human costs and risks are significant, the potentially favorable survival outcomes make this acceptable in the absence of other effective treatment modalities that would otherwise result in debilitating symptoms that afflict patients who have advanced pelvic malignancy.