Long-term follow-up of the first randomized trial using neoadjuvant chemotherapy in stage Ib squamous carcinoma of the cervix: the final results

Feasibility and safety of carboplatin plus paclitaxel as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer: a pilot study

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination of carboplatin and paclitaxel as neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in patients affected by locally advanced cervical cancer. Between June 2007 and May 2012, all patients with a diagnosis of locally advanced cervical cancer (IB2–IIB) were eligible for this protocol. All patients have received 3 cycles of carboplatin (AUC6) and paclitaxel 175 mg/mq in neoadjuvant setting. The NACT-induced toxicity and the response to treatment were evaluated according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. After NACT, all patients with complete or partial response were submitted to classical radical hysterectomy type III or C2, according to different classifications, and were submitted to four adjuvant cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy. The primary endpoints of the study were to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of carboplatin regimen. Thirty-five patients with locally advanced cervical cancer were considered. A total of 23 patients completed 3 cycles of NACT. The overall clinical response rate after NACT was 78.3% including 43.5% (n = 10) with complete response, 34.8% (n = 8) with partial response, 17.4% (n = 4) with stable disease and 4.3% (n = 1) of those who suffered disease progression. The most common toxicity was haematologic, nausea/vomiting and neuropathy with grades 1 and 2 and occurred in 56.5, 56.5 and 17.4%, respectively. No renal toxicity was registered. Our results suggest that carboplatin is a well-tolerated drug with a response rate similar to standard cisplatin. Then, it represents, in neoadjuvant setting, a valid alternative in patients affected by locally advanced cervical cancer.

Cost-utility analysis of treatments for stage IB cervical cancer

Objective

To analyze the cost-utility of two common clinical practices for stage IB cervical cancer patients from provider and societal viewpoints.

Methods

A decision tree model was conducted to examine value for expenditure between the following: (1) radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection (RHPLND) with or without postoperative adjuvant therapy according to the risk of recurrence and (2) concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). The relevant studies were identified to extract the probability data, and meta-analysis was performed. Direct medical costs were estimated from hospital database and medical records review. Direct non-medical costs and utility parameters were obtained through interviews with patients to estimate quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) outcome. The time horizon was according to the life expectancy of Thai women.

Results

From provider viewpoint, RHPLND and CCRT resulted in approximate costs of US $5,281 and US $5,218, respectively. The corresponding costs from societal viewpoint were US $6,533 and US $6,335, respectively. QALYs were 16.40 years for RHPLND and 15.94 years for CCRT. The estimated incremental cost effectiveness ratio of RHPLND in comparison to CCRT from provider and societal viewpoints were US $100/QALY and US $430/QALY, respectively. RHPLND had more cost-effectiveness than CCRT if patients did not need adjuvant therapy. The most effective parameter in model was a direct medical cost of CCRT. At the current ceiling ratio in Thailand, RHPLND provides better value for money than CCRT, with a probability of 75%.

Conclusion

RHPLND is an efficient treatment for stage IB cervical cancer. This advantage is only for patients who require no adjuvant treatment.

Detection of cell apoptosis in pelvic lymph nodes of patients with cervical cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE

To investigate if the administration of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) reduces pelvic lymph node metastasis by inducing tumour cell apoptosis in patients with cervical cancer.

METHODS

This study enrolled patients with stage Ib2-IIb cervical cancer who underwent surgery with (NACT group) or without (control group) prior cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Immunohistochemical staining of caspase-3 and an in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labelling assay were used to measure the levels of apoptosis in primary tumours and pelvic lymph nodes.

RESULTS

A total of 185 patients participated in the study: 102 in the NACT group and 83 in the control group. Treatment was considered to be clinically effective in 69.6% (71/102) of the NACT group. The rate of metastasis in the NACT group (20.6%; 21/102) was significantly lower than the control group (42.2%; 35/83). The level of caspase-3 immunostaining and the rate of apoptosis in primary tumours and pelvic lymph nodes in the NACT group were significantly higher than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

NACT appeared to limit pelvic node metastasis by inducing tumour cell apoptosis in patients with cervical cancer.

Comparison of Neoadjuvant Intraarterial Chemotherapy Versus Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy in Patients With Stage IIIB Uterine Cervical Cancer

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term survival of patients with stage IIIB squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix treated with neoadjuvant intraarterial chemotherapy (IA-NAC) versus those treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 38 patients with stage IIIB squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix admitted between January 1994 and December 1999 who received IA-NAC followed by abdominal radical hysterectomy (ARH) or radiotherapy (RT). IA-NAC consisted of bilateral infusion via the internal iliac artery of cisplatin, bleomycin and pirarubicin for 2-3 courses. A historical control group of 64 patients who underwent primary CCRT from January 2000 to September 2007 was used for comparison.

Results

In the IA-NAC group, 12 patients (31.6%) with operable tumors underwent ARH, and the remaining 26 patients (68.4%) received RT. The response rates were 86.8% (12 complete response + 21 partial response) for IA-NAC and 98.4% (26 complete response + 37 partial response) for CCRT (P = 0.077), respectively. The 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates were 62.4 and 44.5% for IA-NAC and 51.1 and 46.9% for CCRT (P = 0.247 and 0.776), respectively. The 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates were 75.0 and 58.3% for the patients receiving IA-NAC followed by ARH, and 55.3 and 37.6% for the patients receiving IA-NAC followed by RT (P = 0.368 and 0.262), respectively.

Conclusions

In the present study, IA-NAC followed by ARH or RT and primary CCRT showed similar survival rates for stage IIIB squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix.

Efficacy of neoadjuvant cisplatin and 5-flourouracil prior to surgery in FIGO stage IB2/IIA2 cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is currently the first or second leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women in developing countries. This study was conducted in order to determine whether neoadjuvant cisplatin and 5-flourouracil (NAPF) prior to surgery is superior to primary surgical treatment (PST) as a treatment option for patients with International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IB2/IIA2 cervical cancer. A retrospective review of 195 patients with early-stage bulky cervical cancer was performed. The patients were divided into two groups, according to whether they received NAPF prior to surgery. The surgical profiles and complications, risk factors of recurrence and survival were compared between the groups. The response rate to NAPF was found to be 61.2%. There were no differences in operative time and intra-operative complications between the two groups, whereas the estimated blood loss in the NAPF and PST groups were 620.1±394.9 and 434.8±233.7 ml, respectively (P=0.000). When compared with PST, NAPF remarkably reduced tumor size (22.5 vs. 93.3%, P=0.000). Furthemore, the ratio of deep stromal invasion was significantly lower in responders to NAPF compared with that in non-responders (46.7 vs. 76.3%, respectively; P=0.004) and in the PST group (46.7 vs. 70.0%, respectively; P=0.004). No reduction of high-risk factors (HRFs) was observed. The NAPF group, even the responder subgroup, exhibited no significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to the PST group. In conclusion, despite the reduction of intermediate-risk factors (IRFs), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with the NAPF regimen prior to radical surgery (RS) did not improve the prognosis in patients with FIGO stage IB2/IIA2 cervical cancer.

Is there a role for postoperative treatment in patients with stage Ib2-IIb cervical cancer treated with neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and radical surgery? An Italian multicenter retrospective study

PURPOSE

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy [NACT] followed by radical hysterectomy is an alternative therapeutic option to concurrent chemotherapy-radiotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer. However there are very few data about the effectiveness of any post-operative treatment in this clinical setting. The purpose of this study was to correlate the patterns of recurrence and the clinical outcomes of cervical cancer patients who received NACT, with postoperative adjuvant treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective multicenter study included 333 patients with FIGO stage Ib2-IIb cervical cancer who underwent platinum-based NACT followed by radical surgery. Pathological responses were retrospectively assessed as complete; optimal partial; and suboptimal response. Overall optimal response rate was the sum of complete and optimal partial response rates.

RESULTS

On the whole series, recurrence-free survival was significantly longer in patients who achieved an overall optimal response than in those who did not (p<0.0001), and in patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy compared to those who did not (p=0.0001). On multivariate analysis, consolidation therapy (p=0.0012) was the only independent prognostic variable for recurrence-free survival; whereas FIGO stage (p=0.0169) and consolidation therapy (p=0.0016) were independent prognostic variables for overall survival.

CONCLUSION

Optimal responders after chemo-surgical treatment for FIGO stage Ib2-IIb cervical cancer do not need any further treatment. Additional cycles of chemotherapy could be of benefit for patients with suboptimal response and intra-cervical residual disease. Both adjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant radiation treatments do not seem to improve the clinical outcome of patients with extra-cervical residual disease compared to no further treatment.

Clinicopathological risk factors for recurrence after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radical hysterectomy in cervical cancer

Background

Cervical cancer is one of the common gynecological malignancies with a high recurrence rate after surgery. This study aimed to analyze the clinicopathological risk factors for recurrence after the surgical treatment of cervical cancer and provide the basis for the prevention of recurrence and an improvement of prognosis.

Methods

A total of 424 cervical cancer cases between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2011 undergoing surgical treatment were studied retrospectively, of which 23 cases had recurrences. Relevant recurrence risk factors were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses between recurrence group and non-recurrence group.

Results

Using univariate analysis, tumor differentiation, clinical stage, pelvic lymph node metastasis, postoperative radiotherapy and postoperative chemotherapy were related to recurrence of cervical cancer. Multivariate COX model analysis revealed that pelvic lymph node metastasis and postoperative chemotherapy had an impact on recurrence rate. Moderately and highly differentiated tumor, advanced clinical stage, and positive pelvic lymph nodes indicated a high recurrence rate of cervical cancer. Postoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy can effectively reduce the recurrence rate.

Conclusions

In conclusion, cervical lymph node metastasis and postoperative chemotherapy are two independent factors for recurrence of cervical cancer after radical surgery.

Comparison of clinical efficacy of three different neoadjuvant approaches (chemotherapy combined vaginal intracavitary irradiation, neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone or radiotherapy) combined with surgery for patients with stage Ib2 and IIa2 cervical cancer

A total of 285 patients with stage Ib2 and IIa2 cervical cancer were categorized into three groups, and received preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with vaginal intracavitary irradiation, neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone or radiotherapy, respectively. The effective rate of 70.6 % in group 1 was much higher than 41.4% in group 2 (P=0.000) and 46.9 % in group 3 (P=0.000); The percentage of patients receiving postoperative adjuvant therapy was 44.1% in group 1, much lower than 67.8% in group 2 (P=0.001) and 64.6% in group 3 (P=0.004); The percentage of patients with no postoperative risk factor in group 1 was 52.0%, much higher than 32.2% in group 2 (P=0.006) and 35.4% in group 3 (P=0.019); The occurrence rate of surgery-related complications in groups 1, 2 and 3 were 29.4%, 28.7%, and 33.3%, respectively, with no statistical differences among the groups (P=0.981). Regarding preoperative neoadjuvant complications, none were obvious in group 3, while occurrence rates of myelosuppression in groups 1 and 2 were 89.1% and 86.6%, of nausea and vomitting were 78.4% and 78.2%, but without significant differences (all P>0.05). Among 166 patients who received postoperative adjuvant therapy in the three groups, the occurrence rates were: 65.4%, 64.3% and 61.1% respectively for myelosuppression; 42.3%, 38.1%, and 38.9% for nausea and vomiting; 9.6%, 9.5% and 9.7% for urocystitis; and 63.5%, 69.0% and 65.3% enteritis and rectitis. There were no statistically significant differences among them (all P>0.05). The five-year disease-free survival rates (DFS) in groups 1, 2, 3 were 78.3%, 75.1%, 80.9%, respectively; the five-year overall survival rates (OS) were 81.4%, 78.2%, and 81.1%, respectively. The five-year OS of 166 patients receiving postoperative in the three groups were 72.4%, 69.5%, and 71.8%, respectively, with no significant variation (all P>0.05). Although there were no differences among three groups in DFS and OS, preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with intracavitary radiotherapy may increase the effective rate and the percentage of patients with no postoperative risk factors and decrease the percentage of patients receiving postoperative adjuvant therapy, thereby decreasing complications indirectly and increasing quality of life.

Pathological response on surgical samples is an independent prognostic variable for patients with Stage Ib2-IIb cervical cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radical hysterectomy: an Italian multicenter retrospective study (CTF Study)

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this retrospective multicenter study was to correlate patterns of recurrences and clinical outcome of cervical cancer patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy [NACT] to surgery.

METHODS

This study was conducted on 333 patients with FIGO stage Ib2-IIb cervical cancer who underwent NACT to surgery with pelvic lymphadenectomy. The median follow-up was 66.5 months (range, 8-212 months). Overall optimal response rate was the sum of complete and optimal partial response rates.

RESULTS

An overall optimal response was obtained in 64 patients (19.2%). As for the 220 sub-optimal responders (66.1%), 127 patients had negative nodes and negative parametria and/or surgical margins, 75 patients had positive nodes with positive or negative parametria and/or surgical margins, and 18 patients had positive parametria and/or surgical margins with negative nodes. At the time of the present analysis, 79 (23.7%) of the 333 patients had a recurrence after a median time of 14.9 months (range, 4.5-123 months). Recurrent disease was pelvic in 50 (63.3%), extra-pelvic in 22 (27.9%), and both in 7 (8.8%). On multivariate analysis, pathological response to NACT was an independent prognostic variable for recurrence-free and overall survival. Patients who did not achieve an overall optimal response had a 2.757-fold higher risk of recurrence and a 5.413-fold higher risk of death than those who obtained an overall optimal response.

CONCLUSIONS

Results appear to suggest that the chemo-surgical approach is an effective therapeutic option for patients with stage Ib2-IIb cervical cancer and that pathological response to NACT is the strongest prognostic factor for the outcome.

Prognostic factors for locally advanced cervical cancer treated with neoadjuvant intravenous and transuterine arterial chemotherapy followed by radical hysterectomy

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify prognostic factors associated with neoadjuvant transuterine arterial chemotherapy (TUAC) followed by type III radical hysterectomy.

METHODS

The medical histories of patients with stage IB2 to IIB cervical cancer who received neoadjuvant TUAC between 1996 and 2009 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Seventy-three patients received TUAC using cisplatin combined with intravenous nedaplatin, irinotecan, paclitaxel, or etoposide administration. Forty-seven patients (64%) had squamous cell carcinoma. The radiological response rate was 96% (95% confidence interval, 91%-100%). Radical hysterectomy was completed for 95% of enrolled patients. Examination of the resected cervical specimens showed that tumor cells were absent in 19 cases and stromal invasion was less than 3 mm in 7 cases. Among these 26 patients, 23 (32%) had pathologically negative pelvic lymph nodes and no recurrence during the follow-up period. The 5-year relapse-free survival and overall survival rates were 69% and 74%, respectively. Among 23 patients with recurrence or progressive disease, the median survival time after recurrence or progression was 12 months. In multivariate analysis, a tumor size of more than 60 mm and pathological positive lymph nodes were negative prognostic factors for overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor size, pathological response, and lymph node metastases were prognostic factors for cervical cancer. The high pathological response rate associated with TUAC makes it a promising treatment for bulky cervical cancer.

Laparoscopic versus robotic radical hysterectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced cervical cancer: a case control study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the surgical outcome of robotic radical hysterectomy (RRH) versus laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH) for the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From August 1st 2010 to July 1st 2012 a prospective data collection of women undergoing RRH for cervical cancer stage FIGO IB2 to IIB, after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, was conducted at National Cancer Institute "Regina Elena" of Rome. All patients deemed operable underwent class C1 RRH with pelvic lymphadenectomy within 4 weeks from the last chemotherapy cycle.

RESULTS

A total of 25 RRH were analyzed, and compared with 25 historic LRH cases. The groups did not differ significantly in body mass index, stage, histology, number of pelvic lymph nodes removed. The median operative time was the same in the two groups with 190 min respectively. The median estimated blood loss (EBL) was statistically significant in favor of RRH group. Median length of stay was shorter, for the RRH group (4 versus 6 days, P = 0.28). There was no significant difference in terms of intraoperative and postoperative complications between groups but in the RRH group we observed a greater number of total complications compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that RRH is safe and feasible in LACC after NACT compare to LRH. However, a comparison of oncologic outcomes and cost-benefit analysis is still needed and it has to be carefully evaluated in the future.

Is neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical surgery more effective than radiation therapy for stage IIB cervical cancer?

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of the study was to compare the survival rate of patients who had received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with that of patients who had received radiation therapy for stage IIB cervical cancer. The secondary objective was to analyze the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on pathological prognostic factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who had received therapy for stage IIB cervical cancer. Based on the primary therapy, 192 patients were divided into 2 groups; patients in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy group (n =103) underwent a type III radical hysterectomy after completion of the neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients in the other group (n = 89) were treated with radiation alone or a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

RESULTS

After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the level of squamous cell carcinoma antigen, tumor size, lymph node involvement, and parametrium involvement were significantly decreased. However, 90.3% of the patients who had received neoadjuvant chemotherapy needed to have adjuvant therapy after radical surgery because of poor pathological prognostic factors. The rate of disease-free survival did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. However, the overall survival rate was significantly lower in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy group for patients who were 60 years or older (P = 0.03). The rates of disease-free survival and overall survival for patients who had a good (complete or partial) response to the neoadjuvant chemotherapy were not significantly higher than the rates for patients in the radiation therapy group.

CONCLUSIONS

Although neoadjuvant chemotherapy improved pathological prognostic factors in patients with stage IIB cervical cancer, it was not sufficiently effective to decrease adjuvant therapy. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy also did not improve the rate of patient survival compared to the rate of patient survival in the radiation therapy group.

Phase III randomised controlled trial of neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus radical surgery vs radical surgery alone for stages IB2, IIA2, and IIB cervical cancer: a Japan Clinical Oncology Group trial (JCOG 0102)

Background:

A phase III trial was conducted to determine whether neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) before radical surgery (RS) improves overall survival.

Methods:

Patients with stage IB2, IIA2, or IIB squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix were randomly assigned to receive either BOMP (bleomycin 7 mg days 1–5, vincristine 0.7 mg m⁻² day 5, mitomycin 7 mg m⁻² day 5, cisplatin 14 mg m⁻² days 1–5, every 3 weeks for 2 to 4 cycles) plus RS (NACT group) or RS alone (RS group). Patients with pathological high-risk factors received postoperative radiotherapy (RT). The primary end point was overall survival.

Results:

A total of 134 patients were randomly assigned to treatment. This study was prematurely terminated at the first planned interim analysis because overall survival in the NACT group was inferior to that in the RS group. Patients who received postoperative RT were significantly lower in the NACT group (58%) than in the RS group (80% P=0.015). The 5-year overall survival was 70.0% in the NACT group and 74.4% in the RS group (P=0.85).

Conclusion:

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with BOMP regimen before RS did not improve overall survival, but reduced the number of patients who received postoperative RT.

Phase II trial on neoadjuvant intravenous and trans-uterine arterial chemotherapy for locally advanced bulky cervical adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE

A phase II trial on neoadjuvant trans-uterine arterial chemotherapy (TUAC) followed by type III radical hysterectomy (RH) was conducted for patients with bulky cervical adenocarcinoma (AC).

METHODS

Tumors of >4 cm were eligible. The neoadjuvant regimen comprised paclitaxel (60 mg/m(2) intravenously on days 1, 8, and 15) and cisplatin (70 mg/m(2) TUAC followed by transcatheter embolization with gelatin sponge particles on day 2) repeated every 3 weeks for 3 cycles. The primary endpoints were clinical and pathological responses.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients (median age, 51 years; range, 33-75 years) were enrolled. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stages were IB2 (9 patients), IIA-IIB (8), IIIB (3), and IVA (2). The adeno/adenosquamous ratio was 16/6. The overall clinical response rate was 95.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 86.7-100%). RH was completed in 19 patients (86%), including 2 stage IVA patients who underwent anterior or posterior pelvic exenteration. Of the 19 patients, no residual malignant cells were found pathologically in 4; thus, the pathological complete response rate was 18% (4/22). No patients experienced grade 4 thrombocytopenia or febrile neutropenia or required platelet transfusions. The 5-year progression-free survival and overall survival rates in stages IB2-IIB were 70.0% (95%CI, 48.1-92.1%) and 69.5% (95%CI, 47.0-92.0%), respectively. The 2 patients with stage IVA tumors were alive without recurrence for 72 and 84 months after enrollment.

CONCLUSIONS

TUAC showed high clinical and pathological response rates. TUAC is promising for stage IB2-IIB and IVA bulky AC.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus surgery versus surgery for cervical cancer

BACKGROUND

A previous systematic review found that giving neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery improved survival compared with radiotherapy. However, the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery versus surgery alone is still unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in women with early or locally-advanced cervical cancer.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library) (to Issue 8, 2012), MEDLINE (OVID) (to Aug 2012), LILACS (to Aug 2012), Physician's Data Query (PDQ) (to Aug 2012). We sought both published and unpublished trials and undertook systematic searches of a number of trial sources with no restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised trials comparing neoadjuvant chemotherapy with surgery in women with early or locally-advanced cervical cancer who had not undergone any prior treatment likely to interfere with the treatment comparison. Trials giving radical radiotherapy for inoperable tumours and/or post-operative radiotherapy were also eligible. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS), local and distant recurrence, rates of resection and surgical morbidity.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently extracted and checked data from trial reports, Depending on the type of outcome, trial hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) were obtained or estimated from trial reports, or sought from trial investigators.

MAIN RESULTS

Six trials (1078 women) were identified for inclusion in this updated review. All six trials provided data on OS (1071 women) and PFS (1027 women). Data on resection rates and pathological response were only available for five trials (908 to 940 women) and data on recurrence were only available for four trials (737 women). Both OS (HR 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62 to 0.96, P = 0.02) and PFS (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.93, P = 0.008) were significantly improved with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The estimate for local recurrence was in favour of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.99, P = 0.04), although heterogeneity was observed. The result was no longer significant when the random-effects model was used (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.12, P = 0.11). Whilst not significant, estimates for distant recurrence (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.14, P = 0.16) and rates of resection (OR 1.55, 95% CI 0.96 to 2.50, P = 0.07) tended to favour neoadjuvant chemotherapy, although heterogeneity was observed. Exploratory analyses of pathological response showed a significant decrease in adverse pathological findings with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.73, P = < 0.0001 for lymph node status; OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.82, P = 0.002 for parametrial infiltration) which, despite substantial heterogeneity, was still significant when the random-effects model was used. There were also no differences in the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on survival according to total cisplatin dose, chemotherapy cycle length or by cervical cancer stage.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Both OS and PFS were improved with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Although the effects were less clear on all other pre-specified outcomes, they all tended to be in favour of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Whilst these results appear to indicate that neoadjuvant chemotherapy may offer a benefit over surgery alone for women with early-stage or locally-advanced cervical cancer, the evidence is based on only a small number of trials, and further research may be warranted.

Immunohistochemical expression of Annexin A2 and S100A proteins in patients with bulky stage IB-IIA cervical cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE

Abnormal expression of Annexin A2 and S100A proteins has been reported to induce sensitivity/resistance to chemotherapy in a variety of cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of Annexin A2 and S100A protein expression to predict response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and prognostic significance of these protein expressions in bulky stage IB-IIA cervical cancer patients.

METHODS

Paired tumor samples (pre- and post-chemotherapy) were obtained from 68 patients who were treated with cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radical hysterectomy at our hospital from 2006 to 2011. The expression of Annexin A2 and S100A proteins was analyzed by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients were identified as chemotherapy-response and 32 were non-response. (a). Protein expression in tumor cells: (1). Exposure of tumor cells to chemotherapy results in a change of Annexin A2 and S100A expression (P<0.05). (2). Annexin A2, S100A8 and S100A9 protein expression correlates with tumor response to chemotherapy (P<0.05). (b). Protein expression in stromal cells: (1). Expression of Annexin A2, S100A8 and S100A9 was increased, but S100A2 and S100A4 was decreased after exposure to chemotherapy (P<0.05). (2). Only S100A4 expression was associated with response to chemotherapy (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that tumor size (P=0.022), differentiation (P=0.000), Annexin A2 expression in stromal cells (P=0.009), and S100A8 expression in tumor cells (P=0.008) were independent prognostic factors for progression-free survival of cervical cancer patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Expression of some of the measured proteins in tumor and stromal cells correlates with chemotherapy exposure, response to therapy, and progression-free survival.

Phase II study of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with irinotecan hydrochloride and nedaplatin followed by radical hysterectomy for bulky stage Ib2 to IIb, cervical squamous cell carcinoma: Japanese Gynecologic Oncology Group study (JGOG 1065)

The efficacy and adverse events of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with irinotecan hydrochloride and nedaplatin were evaluated in patients with bulky stage Ib2 to IIb cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Eligibility included patients who received irinotecan (60 mg/m2) on days 1 and 8 and nedaplatin (80 mg/m2) on day 1 of a 21-day cycle. After 1-3 courses of chemotherapy, radical hysterectomy was performed. Sixty-eight patients were enrolled. Sixty-six were included in the full analysis set. Their median age was 47 years (range 22-71), the FIGO stage was Ib2 in 18 patients, IIa in 10, and IIb in 38. Radical hysterectomy was performed after NAC in 63 patients (95.5%). The number of administered courses of NAC was 1 in 13 patients, 2 in 43, and 3 in 10. The response rate, the primary endpoint of this study, was 75.8% (CR in 2 patients, PR in 48, SD in 12, PD in 0, and NE in 4). The mean number of treatment courses required for a response was 1.42 (1 course in 30 patients, 2 courses in 19, and 3 courses in 1). The incidences of grade 3 or 4 hematological toxicities were: neutropenia 72.2%, leukopenia 16.7%, anemia 13.6%, thrombocytopenia 7.6%, febrile neutropenia 1.5%, and elevations of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase 1.5%. Grade 3 or 4 non-hematologic toxicities were as follows: diarrhea 6.1%, nausea 3%, anorexia 1.5%, vomiting 1.5%, fever 1.5%, allergic reactions 1.5%, ileus 1.5% and vesicovaginal fistula 1.5%. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with irinotecan and nedaplatin was an effective and well-tolerated treatment for patients with bulky stage Ib2 to IIb squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

Surgery Versus Radiation Therapy for Stage IB2 Cervical Carcinoma: A Population-Based Analysis

Objective

The objective of the study was to examine outcomes in stage IB2 cervical cancer patients undergoing primary surgery versus radiation.

Methods

Stage IB2 cervical cancer patients were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Public-Use Database from 2000 to 2006. Patients were divided into those receiving radiation (radiation first) or surgery (surgery first) as initial treatment. Overall survival was calculated by Kaplan-Meier method and compared using log-rank test.

Results

In total, 770 patients were identified with stage IB2 cervical cancer; 369 received radiation, and 401 received surgery initially. The radiation-first group had larger mean tumor size than the surgery-first group (6.0 vs 5.5 cm, respectively; P < 0.0001). The overall survival was longer in the surgery-first group compared with the radiation-first group (72.0 vs 61.4 months, respectively; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Patients undergoing surgery as initial treatment for stage IB2 cervical cancer appear to have improved outcomes in the current era of chemoradiation; however, given the lack of chemotherapy information, a randomized trial will be necessary to see if these results remain valid.

Neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy of cervical cancer: mature results of the phase 2 PBM-PFU protocol

OBJECTIVE

The mature results of the neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy arms of the nonrandomized, phase 2 Yale University cisplatin, bleomycin, methotrexate, and 5-FU protocol are presented.

METHODS

Sixty-seven patients were prospectively accrued with a median follow-up of 5.4 years, and standard parameters of toxicity and efficacy were studied. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were applied.

RESULTS

The 5-year disease-free survival of 78% for the 25 patients in the adjuvant group, of which 80% had high-risk features including positive margins, parametria, and lymph nodes and 28% had adenocarcinomas, was comparable to recent relevant literature. Only 64% of patients in this group received consolidation radiation therapy, which did not impact on survival. Only 12% of patients recurred distantly. Notably, those who received 4 months or more of chemotherapy had prolonged survival (P = 0.012). In the neoadjuvant group, chemotherapy response rate among 42 patients (with stages 1B-IIIB cancer) was 79% (50% partial response, 29% complete response), and no patient progressed. In the subgroup of 22 patients who underwent surgery after chemotherapy, 59% had nonsquamous histology. Forty-five percent of patients with stage IIB cancer were deemed operable after chemotherapy. Ninety-five percent received postoperative radiation therapy. There was a 9% pathologic complete response rate, with positive lymph nodes found in 27%. Notably, those who received 3 months or less of chemotherapy had improved overall survival (P = 0.030). Survival rates of these 22 patients at 3 and 5 years were 73% and 63%, respectively. Although not randomized, these survival rates were similar to those achieved with chemoradiation.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there are several logistical/design features of the cisplatin, bleomycin, methotrexate, and 5-FU regimen that are not in line with the current chemotherapy era, our experience with this well-tolerated regimen can serve as a proof of principle. Our data suggests that both neoadjuvant and adjuvant cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy may have their place. It also raises the possibility that the optimal duration of chemotherapy in adjuvant cases should be longer than in neoadjuvant cases.

Neoadjuvant docetaxel combined with cisplatin and followed by radical surgery for the treatment of locally advanced (stage IB2 - IIB) cervical cancer: preliminary results of a single-institution experience

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to determine the efficacy and toxicity of treating locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) with a neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) regimen combining docetaxel and cisplatin followed by radical surgery.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of patients with stage IB2 - IIB (tumor diameter ≥ 4 cm) disease admitted between January 2007 and July 2009 who, before radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection, received two to three courses of an NAC regimen comprising docetaxel (75 mg/m²) and cisplatin (70 - 75 mg/m²).

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients with LACC received 109 cycles of NAC. The objective response rate was 86.5% (26.9% CR and 17.3% pathological CR). Stage IB2 disease had a more favorable response to NAC (95.7%, p = 0.019). Deep stromal invasion and lymph-vascular space metastasis rates were significantly lower in NAC responders (p = 0.033) than in nonresponders (p = 0.012). Most side effects of NAC were mild or moderate. Log-rank test showed the 2-year overall survival and progression-free survival rates were 100 and 90.3% for NAC responders, compared with only 57.1% (p = 0.000) and 68.6% for nonresponders (p = 0.012), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Neoadjuvant docetaxel combined with cisplatin yielded a high response rate with well tolerable toxicity for LACC and could decrease pathological risk factors in NAC responders.

Treatment of stage IB2, IIA bulky cervical cancer: a single-institution experience of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical hysterectomy and primary radical hysterectomy

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by radical hysterectomy (NAC group) with primary radical hysterectomy (RH group).

METHODS

We reviewed all patients with bulky stage IB-IIA cervical cancer treated at Seoul National University Hospital from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2006. Thirty-three patients were treated with NAC prior to radical hysterectomy, and 41 patients were treated with radical hysterectomy.

RESULTS

Clinical characteristics were not significantly different between the two groups. The response rate in the NAC group was 81.8%. Operation time, estimated blood loss, and complication rate were not significantly different between the two groups. Pathologic outcomes were improved in the NAC group. Adjuvant therapy was less frequently performed in the NAC group (51.6%) than in the RH group (82.9%) (P = 0.005). The 5-year progression-free survival was 90.7% in the NAC group and 81.3% in the RH group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.297).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that NAC may improve pathologic outcomes, decrease the need for adjuvant radiation therapy and have a comparable operation feasibility without affecting progression-free survival.

The Role of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Surgery in Cervical Cancer

The role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in "bulky" and locally advanced cervical cancer has been of interest for the last 25 years, and in many countries, NAC has become the standard of care. In the present paper, we review our 10 years' experience with high-dose-density NAC in cervical cancer management in 141 women (CervNAC I protocol). High-dose-density neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radical surgery has resulted in high clinical response rates and seems to be feasible in the management of stage IB bulky cervical cancer. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy reduces tumor volume and positivity of lymph nodes and thus minimizes the need for postoperative radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. Tumor size reduction and node negativity allows less radical surgical procedures such as modified radical hysterectomy or nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy. Early and especially late toxicity of our high-dose density chemotherapy is acceptable. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery represents a valid alternative to primary chemoradiotherapy in young and sexually active patients. Five-year survival in patients who underwent surgery in our study was 80.6%.

Currently, 3 papers with 3 approaches have been published on NAC before fertility-sparing surgery. One of the limitations of fertility-preserving surgery is deep stromal invasion and tumors larger than 2 cm. The idea underlying NAC is to reduce the size of the cervical tumor to preserve fertility. In the present paper, we also review our experience with high-dose-density NAC in fertility-sparing surgery in 15 women (LAP3-NAC protocol).

Neoadjuvant intraarterial chemotherapy for stage IIB-IIIB cervical cancer in Japanese women

Chemoradiotherapy is currently the main treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer, but neoadjuvant intraarterial chemotherapy (IA-NAC) has been reported to achieve favorable results. This study investigated the efficacy of several different IA-NAC regimens. The subjects were 55 patients with stage IIB-IIIB cervical cancer who received IA-NAC between January 1991 and April 2006. IA-NAC was administered for a total of 1-3 courses at 3-week intervals, with three different regimens being employed in chronological order. The response rate achieved with IA-NAC was 90.2% for squamous cell carcinoma, 60% for adenosquamous carcinoma and 42.9% for adenocarcinoma. Surgery was performed after IA-NAC in 36 patients, and radiotherapy alone was performed in 19 patients. The 5-year survival rate was 72.9% for patients with squamous cell carcinoma and 50% for those with adenocarcinoma or adenosquamous carcinoma. PAMF therapy (cisplatin, epirubicin, mitomycin-C and 5-fluorouracil) achieved a response rate of ≥90% for squamous cell carcinoma, as did CDDP + THP therapy (cisplatin plus pirarubicin), while PACF therapy (cisplatin, epirubicin, cyclophosphamide and 5-flurouracil) achieved a better response rate for adenosquamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Grade 3 or 4 hematological toxicity was significantly more common with PAMF therapy. In conclusion, IA-NAC improved the survival of patients with squamous cell carcinoma. CDDP + THP therapy achieved a high response rate with little hematologic toxicity. PACF therapy achieved a significantly higher response rate in patients with adenosquamous carcinoma or adenocarcinoma. Therefore, IA-NAC may be a therapeutic option for locally advanced cervical cancer, particularly using the above-mentioned regimens.

Pulmonary toxicity after a quick course of combinatorial vincristine, bleomycin, and cisplatin neoadjuvant chemotherapy in cervical cancer

Pulmonary toxicity is one of the most serious adverse effects associated with a quick course of vincristine, bleomycin, and cisplatin neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC-VBP). The aim of this study was to evaluate pulmonary toxicity related to a quick course NAC-VBP. A total of consecutive 61 patients, who underwent at most 3 cycles of NAC-VBP every 10 days in the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IB-IIB cervical cancer from 1995 to 2007, were retrospectively analyzed. Of the 61 study subjects, 7 (11.5%) were identified to have pulmonary toxicity and 2 (3.3%) died of pulmonary fibrosis progression despite aggressive treatment and the use of a multidisciplinary approach. No factor predisposing pulmonary toxicity was identified. Initial symptoms were non-specific, but bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia and interstitial pneumonitis were characteristic findings by high-resolution computed tomography of the chest. The benefit of steroid therapy was uncertain and was associated with steroid-induced diabetes mellitus requiring insulin therapy in two patients. Fatal pulmonary toxicity is a major concern of a quick course NAC-VBP. In conclusion, these patients require special monitoring for bleomycin-induced pulmonary toxicity.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus surgery versus surgery for cervical cancer

BACKGROUND

A prior systematic review found that giving neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery improved survival compared with radiotherapy. However, the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery versus surgery alone is still unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in women with early or locally advanced cervical cancer.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), (Issue 2, 2009), MEDLINE (to March 2009), LILACS (to March 2009), Physician's Data Query (PDQ) (to March 2009). Both published and unpublished trials were sought and systematic searches of a number of trial sources were undertaken with no restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing neoadjuvant chemotherapy with surgery in women with early or locally advanced cervical cancer who had not undergone any prior treatment likely to interfere with the treatment comparison. Trials giving radical radiotherapy for inoperable tumours and/or post-operative radiotherapy were also eligible. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS), local and distant recurrence, rates of resection and surgical morbidity.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data were extracted from trial reports and independently checked by two review authors. Depending on the type of outcome, trial hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) were obtained or estimated from trial reports or sought from trial investigators.

MAIN RESULTS

Six trials (1072 women) were identified for inclusion in the review. Although data on PFS was available for all six trials (1036 women), data on overall survival, resection rates and pathological response were only available for five trials (909 to 938 women) and data on recurrence were only available for three trials (604 women). Whilst PFS was significantly improved with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (HR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.62 to 0.94, p = 0.01), no OS benefit was observed (HR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.67 to 1.07, p = 0.17). Furthermore, estimates for both local (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.49 to 1.17, p = 0.21) and distant (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.41 to 1.13, p = 0.13) recurrence and rates of resection (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 0.96 to 2.50, p = 0.07) only tended to be in favour of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and heterogeneity was observed. Exploratory analyses of pathological response showed a significant decrease in adverse pathological findings with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.39 to 0.73, p = < 0.0001 for lymph node status; OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.41 to 0.82, p = 0.002 for parametrial infiltration) which despite a high level of heterogeneity was still significant when the random effects model was used. There was also no difference in the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy according to total cisplatin dose, chemotherapy cycle length or by cervical cancer stage.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Despite outcomes tending to be in favour of neoadjuvant chemotherapy few, including overall survival, were significant. Therefore, it remains unclear whether neoadjuvant chemotherapy consistently offers a benefit over surgery alone for women with early-stage or locally advanced cervical cancer.

Concurrent cisplatin-based chemoradiation International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IB2 cervical carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of primary chemoradiation for stage IB(2) cervical carcinoma.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective study of patients treated with primary chemoradiation at selected hospitals in Cleveland, OH, from 1992 to 2006 was performed. Patients with regional or distant metastasis on pretreatment imaging were excluded. Patients received pelvic teletherapy with weekly concurrent cisplatin and high- or low-dose-rate brachytherapy.

RESULTS

Forty-nine patients with a median age of 51 years were identified. The majority of patients were white (81.6%) and had squamous cell carcinomas (81.6%) and a median tumor diameter of 5 cm (range, 4.1-10 cm). The median duration of follow-up was 41 months. Progression of disease was observed in 10 (20.4%) patients. The local control rate was 86%. At 36 months, the progression-free survival (PFS) was 79% and the overall survival (OS) was 86%.

CONCLUSION

Primary chemoradiation has a high clinical response rate, PFS, and OS for women with stage IB(2) cervical cancer.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in bulky stage IB-IIA cervical cancer: results of a quick course with vincristine, bleomycin, and cisplatin

We retrospectively analyzed 51 consecutive patients with bulky International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IB-IIA cervical cancer who were treated with vincristine (1 mg/m), bleomycin (25 mg/m; days 1-3), and cisplatin (50 mg/m) every 10 days between 1995 and 2005 to assess the efficacy and the safety of a quick course of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. A clinical response occurred in 37 patients (72.5%), including 7 patients (13.7%) with a complete response and 30 patients (58.8%) with a partial response; 13 patients (25.5%) had a stable disease, and 1 patient (2.0%) had a progressive disease. Among the 50 patients who were surgically explored, 42 patients had a radical hysterectomy with pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy; radical surgery was aborted in 8 patients because of paracervical and para-aortic lymph node involvement. Hematologic toxicity was the most common adverse event with anemia occurring most frequently, followed by leukopenia. Importantly, pulmonary toxicity occurred in 7 patients, 2 of whom died of complications from pulmonary fibrosis 1 and 3 months after radical surgery. With a median follow-up of 53 months (range, 2-129 months), the estimated 2- and 5-year survival rates were 74.9% and 61.3%, respectively. In conclusion, the survival benefit of a quick course of neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisting of vincristine, bleomycin, and cisplatin may be uncertain despite the significant clinical response in bulky International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IB2-IIA cervical cancer. Special care is required to monitor bleomycin-induced pulmonary toxicity.

Treatment options in bulky stage IB cervical carcinoma

Cervical cancer is the most common female cancer in the developing countries. Treatments of bulky stage IB cervical cancer have been challenged as the local control is relatively poor compared to smaller stage I disease, whether treated by radical surgery or irradiation. The treatment options are definitive concurrent chemoradiation therapy or radical surgery with or without neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy. The treatment decision is based on the patients' status and preferences, tumor characteristics, and experiences of clinician. This study will review and compare the treatment modalities and rationales of a combination of treatment including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy for bulky stage IB cervical carcinoma.