People with some complex cancers are surviving longer, according to new research.
Around 4,000 patients in the UK need treatment for advanced pelvic cancers every year. They were previously seen as inoperable.
Research has shown that patients can now expect similar survival outcomes to those with less advanced tumours. This is thanks to developments in surgical techniques and expertise.
Charles West led the study. He is a colorectal surgery research fellow in Southampton.
The work included Malcolm West who is also part of the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre’s Perioperative and Critical Care theme.
This research was part-funded by Southampton’s PLANETS Cancer Charity. Results are published in the journal Cancers.
Major surgery
Pelvic exenteration (PE) is a major operation in which all the organs in the pelvis are removed. It is often ruled out due to potential damage to bones and major blood vessels.
This study reviewed over three hundred cases of PE. It showed success rates are high where clinicians do proceed.
Even in the most complex cases - requiring removal of pelvic bones or major blood vessels - five-year survival rates remained around 71%.
The median survival for patients undergoing high-complexity PE was 9.8 years. This is compared to 10.5 years for conventional PE.
Quality of life
The study also looked at patients’ quality of life. Despite the challenges of recovery and complications from such extensive surgery, it demonstrated that patients did not regret their decisions. They also had a good quality of life at 12 months.
“This study challenges the idea that more extensive tumours are untreatable,” explained Mr West, who holds roles at the University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton.
“It shows that, with the right surgical expertise, even the most complex cases can have similar survival rates and quality of life outcomes to those with less advanced disease.
“We hope the growing body of evidence for intervention in highly complex abdominal and pelvic cancers will lead to more patients being able to benefit.”
Transforming cancer care
Neil Pearce is the co-founder and chair of PLANETS Cancer Charity. He said:
“This research highlights the importance of pushing the boundaries of cancer treatment.
“By funding studies like this, PLANETS is helping to build the evidence that will improve outcomes for patients with the most complex and difficult-to-treat cancers.
“The findings will be vital in shaping future treatment pathways. This will ensure more patients have access to potentially life-saving surgery.”
PLANETS helps patients with pancreatic, liver, colorectal, abdominal (oesophageal and gastric) and neuroendocrine cancer. It funds patient support groups and other initiatives, innovative treatments and research.
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