Quality of Life and Sexuality After Pelvic Exenteration for Gynecologic Cancer

Pelvic Exenteration as a Curative Option in Recurrent Gynecological Cancer: Oncological Outcomes and Impact on Quality of Life and Sexuality

Status

Enrolling by invitation

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Observational

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT07594327

Enrollment

Registered

2026-05-18

Start date

2026-05-01

Completion date

2026-10-01

Last updated

2026-05-22

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Cervical Cancers, Endometrial Cancer, Gynecologic Cancers, Vaginal Cancers, Vulvar Cancers

Keywords

Pelvic exenteration, Quality of life, Sexuality

Brief summary

Pelvic exenteration is an exceptionally extensive and very rare surgical procedure, most commonly used in the treatment of locally recurrent cervical cancer among gynecological malignancies. It is typically performed with curative intent when no other treatment options remain feasible. The aim of this study is to examine the quality of life and sexuality of patients who have undergone pelvic exenteration. This observational cross-sectional study utilizes internationally validated questionnaires assessing quality of life and sexual function: EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-CX24, and PISQ-12. The findings of this study will provide important guidance for the selection and planning of pelvic exenteration. Improved understanding of postoperative quality of life will support patient selection and enable more comprehensive and individualized patient counseling.

Detailed description

The investigators will invite living patients who have undergone pelvic exenteration for gynecological cancer at Tampere University Hospital since January 1, 2000, to participate in the study, provided that at least six months have elapsed since the surgery. The patients are first contacted by telephone to inform them about the study. The investigators will then send an information letter regarding participation, along with questionnaires assessing quality of life and sexuality. There are 21 living patients, most of whom have had cervical cancer. Particular interest will be given to patients who have undergone neovaginal reconstruction, and additional sexuality-related questions have been developed specifically for these patients. In addition, the medical records of all patients who have undergone pelvic exenteration for gynecological cancer since January 1, 2000, are retrospectively reviewed. Oncological outcomes after pelvic exenteration, factors affecting prognosis, and postoperative complications are assessed.

Interventions

None listed

Study design

Observational model

COHORT

Time perspective

CROSS_SECTIONAL

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

FEMALE

Age

18 Years to No maximum

Healthy volunteers

Inclusion criteria

* patient age over 18 years * a diagnosis of gynecologic cancer * having undergone exenteration surgery on or after January 1, 2000 (at least 6 months prior) * the ability to read and write Finnish

Exclusion criteria

* cognitive and/or neurological disease that affects physical functioning and may therefore influence sexual functioning or make it difficult to respond to the questionnaire

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame	Description
Self-reporterd quality of life measured by EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire	Cross-sectional at time of inclusion, at least 6 months after pelvic exenteration	The EORTC QLQ-C30 is a 30-item questionnaire measuring the quality of life (QoL) of cancer patients, developed by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). It assesses physical, psychological, and social functioning.
Self-reporterd quality of life measured by EORTC QLQ-CX24 questionnaire	Cross-sectional at time of inclusion, at least 6 months after pelvic exenteration	The EORTC QLQ-CX24 is a 24-item questionnaire, designed to assess disease-specific and treatment-specific aspects of quality of life in patients with cervical cancer. It is developed by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC).
Self-reported sexuality assessed by the PISQ-12 questionnaire with additional study-specific questions	Cross-sectional at time of inclusion, at least 6 months after pelvic exenteration	The PISQ-12 questionnaire is designed for patients with urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse. However, it also includes useful questions for patients undergoing pelvic exenteration. In addition, the investigators have developed and included their own questions specifically tailored for patients with a neovagina.

Countries

Finland

Outcome results