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

A cost comparison of two strategies for treating stage IB2 cervical cancer

Patients with stage IB2 cervical cancer at our institution are treated primarily with definitive chemoradiation, or chemoradiation followed by adjuvant hysterectomy. We sought to compare the cost differences associated with these two strategies. We identified all patients with stage IB2 cervical cancer who received their entire treatment regimen at our institution between 1995 and 2004. All patients received a combination of chemotherapy, external beam radiation, and one brachytherapy procedure, followed by either a second brachytherapy procedure or a simple hysterectomy. We retrieved cost data associated with hospitalization for the completion of respective treatment, including pharmacy, laboratory and pathology, radiation, and operating room services, as well as the costs of supplies and room and board. We identified 46 patients with stage IB2 cervical cancer, 23 who received a second brachytherapy procedure and 23 who underwent simple hysterectomy. Patients displayed similar demographics and similar disease characteristics including initial tumor diameter and histology. The cost of care for adjuvant hysterectomy group was greater ($8,316.70 vs 5,508.70, P < 0.0001). Specific differences included higher operating room costs ($1520 vs 414, P < 0.0001), pharmacy costs ($675 vs 342, P < 0.0001), and laboratory/pathology costs ($597 vs 89, P < 0.0001). We conclude that definitive chemoradiation appears to be associated with lower costs for management of stage IB2 cervical cancer when compared to simple adjuvant hysterectomy.

Radiotherapy in the adjuvant setting of cervical carcinoma: treatment, results, and prognostic factors

To evaluate the efficacy of postoperative radiotherapy and to investigate prognostic factors for early-stage cervical cancer patients. From December 1993 to December 2001, 141 patients with stage I-II cervical cancer without para-aortic lymph node (LN) metastases and treated by surgery and postoperative radiotherapy (RT) were included in this study. Indications for postoperative external RT were based on pathologic findings, including LN metastasis, positive surgical margins, parametrial involvement, pT2 tumor, and presence of any two minor risk factors like lymphvascular space involvement, deep stromal invasion, and tumor diameter between 2-4 cm. Sixty-six (47%) patients received RT alone, whereas 59 (42%) were treated with RT and concomitant chemotherapy (CT), and 16 received neoadjuvant CT. Patients with positive vaginal margins also received 27.5 Gy high-dose rate vaginal cuff brachytherapy in five fractions. Median follow-up time was 55 months. The actuarial 5-year overall (OS), disease-free (DFS), locoregional recurrence-free (LRFS), and distant metastases-free (DMFS) survival rates are 70%, 68%, 77%, and 88%, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that level and number of metastatic LNs and concomitant CT were unique significant prognostic factors for OS, DFS, and LRFS. Endometrial involvement, on the other hand, was proven to be significant for DFS and DMFS. Patients with less than three LN metastases or having only obturator LN involvement showed similar prognosis with their counterparts having no LN metastases. On the other hand, patients with either common iliac LN or more than three LN metastases had significantly worse outcome. Our results indicate that level and number of metastatic LNs are the most important prognostic factors determining the survival rates, and patients with upper lymphatic involvement or more than three metastatic LNs seem to need more effective treatment approaches.

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Followed by Radical Surgery in Patients Affected by FIGO Stage IVA Cervical Cancer

BACKGROUND

Concomitant chemoradiotherapy represents the standard treatment for patients affected by locally advanced cervical cancer. Survival rates in patients affected by FIGO stage IVA disease remain poor. Some authors have suggested that neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical surgery might be a valid alternative to standard treatment. The objective of this study was to analyze the feasibility and results obtained by neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients affected by stage IVA disease.

METHODS

Eighteen patients affected by FIGO stage IVA cervical cancer were treated with 175 mg/m(2) paclitaxel and 75 mg/m(2) cisplatin every 21 days for three courses followed by radical surgery when feasible.

RESULTS

All patients were subjected to the three planned chemotherapy courses. Two patients achieved a complete clinical response, and 10 patients achieved a partial clinical response. Ten patients were subjected to anterior pelvic exenteration, whereas the remaining eight patients were treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and concomitant chemoradiotherapy. The estimated 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates were 47.4% and 31.6%, respectively. Patients eligible for surgery benefited from significantly longer survival rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical surgery is feasible in approximately half of patients affected by FIGO stage IVA cervical cancer. Overall survival rates appear similar to those reported with concomitant chemoradiotherapy. Patients who are amenable to radical surgery after chemotherapy may benefit from long-term survival rates.

Salvage chemotherapy with a combination of paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatin for the patients with recurrent carcinoma of the uterine cervix

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and toxicities of a combination of paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatin (TIP) for recurrent carcinoma of the uterine cervix. Fifty-three patients with recurrent cervical carcinoma were treated with ifosfamide 1500 mg/m(2) intravenously over 3 h on days 1-3, paclitaxel 135 mg/m(2) as a 3-h intravenous infusion, and cisplatin 50 mg/m(2) intravenously over 30 min on day 1. The chemotherapy was repeated every 3 weeks until there was disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Forty-five patients received at least three courses of treatment and were evaluable for their response. Twenty-one patients (46.7%) showed objective responses, including 4.4% complete responses and 42.2% partial responses. The median time to progression and the overall survival for all the patients were 8.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.1-8.9 months) and 19.0 months (95% CI, 11.9-26.1 months), respectively. The median duration of response was 9.0 months. Patients who had previously been treated with another chemotherapy after tumor recurrence showed a moderate response rate (29.4%) but a shorter time to progression (6 vs 8 months, P= 0.0421) and a shorter survival (11 vs 39 months, P= 0.0018). Patients with good performance status showed a higher response rate (63.6% vs 30.4%, P= 0.026) and a longer time to progression (9 vs 7 months, P= 0.0049). Patients with recurrent disease only outside the previous radiotherapy (RT) field exhibited a slightly higher response without statistical significance (60.0% vs 36.0%, P= 0.109). Grade 3 or 4 toxicities included neutropenia in 13% of patients and neurotoxicity in 5%. Three deaths during treatment were observed, but two of them were due to disease progression. We conclude that the combination chemotherapy with TIP yields a high response rate with acceptable toxicity for patients with recurrent cervical carcinoma, including those patients who have failed to respond to prior platinum-based chemotherapy.

Efficacy of different types of treatment in FIGO stage IB2 cervical cancer in Korea: results of a multicenter retrospective Korean study (KGOG-1005)

The purpose of this study is to review FIGO stage IB2 cervical cancers in Korea for the past 10 years, and evaluate the most frequently employed and appropriate management strategy, and also assess the survival benefits of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). This is a retrospective chart review of 727 FIGO stage IB2 patients from 1995 to 2005. Six hundred ninety-two patients were enrolled, and all dates on which the patients died were double checked through the "National Registry of Death Statistics" of the Korea National Statistical Office. Management strategies were divided into five groups according to the primary treatment modality. The most frequently employed primary treatment modality for stage IB2 cervical cancer in Korea during the past 10 years was radical hysterectomy (RH). The next was NAC, followed by radiotherapy (RT) and/or extrafascial hysterectomy, concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) and/or extrafascial hysterectomy, in descending order. The surgery group showed the best results, with an 89% 5-year disease-free survival rate. However, there was no statistical difference between the surgery, NAC, and CCRT groups. For FIGO stage IB2 cervical cancer during the past 10 years in Korea, RH and adjuvant RT or CCRT was the most frequently employed treatment strategy. As a primary modality, RH, NAC, and CCRT showed similar survival rates. However, RH demonstrated the best survival rate among the above treatment strategies.

Phase II study of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with mitomycin-c, vincristine and cisplatin (MVC) in patients with stages IB2–IIB cervical carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

The efficacy and toxicity of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with mitomycin-C, vincristine and cisplatin (MVC) were assessed in bulky cervical carcinoma patients.

METHODS

Forty-six patients with stage IB2 to IIB cervical cancer were treated with intravenous combination of mitomycin-C 10 mg/m(2), vincristine 1 mg/m(2) and cisplatin 75 mg/m(2) every 3 weeks. After three cycles of NAC, the patients either underwent surgery or radiation therapy, depending on their suitability for radical hysterectomy.

RESULTS

All 46 patients enrolled in this study were suitable for surgery after NAC. Twenty (44%) patients had risk factors after surgery and received postoperative radiation. Toxic nonhematologic reactions consisted primarily of grades 1-2 nausea and vomiting (87%) and the most common hematologic toxicity was anemia (60%). Clinical responses occurred in 83% (38/46) of patients, including 24% (11/46) with a complete response (CR) and 13% (6/46) with a pathologically determined complete response. For a median follow up period of 28 months, the 3-year disease-free and overall survival rates were 74% and 80%, respectively. Pathologically confirmed lymph node metastasis or parametrial involvement and an initial tumor size > or =4 cm were associated with shorter disease-free survival (P=0.040, P=0.000, P=0.025, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Intravenous administration of MVC as a NAC seems to be well tolerated and beneficial in patients with stage IB2 to IIB cervical cancer.

Angiogenesis in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and early-staged uterine cervical squamous cell carcinoma: clinical significance

The objective of this study is to evaluate angiogenesis in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma (MIC), and early-staged squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), stage IB-IIA of the cervix. Microvessel density (MVD) was evaluated and correlated with other pathologic prognostic factors and disease outcomes. Four hundred seventy-four cervical specimens were studied. Among these, 100 were designated normal cervix, 30 CIN1, 32 CIN2, 178 CIN3, 74 MIC, and 60 early-staged SCC. MVD per high-power field (x400) of early-staged SCC, MIC, and CIN3 were significantly higher in comparison to CIN2, CIN1, and control subjects (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in MVD between control group, CIN1, and CIN2. In early-staged SCC, no correlation between MVD and pelvic lymph node status, parametrial involvement, depth of stromal invasion, and lymphovascular space invasion was found. Patients with bad outcomes (recurrence or death) showed no statistically different MVD from the ones who had unremarkable clinical courses.

Is intraoperative frozen section analysis of pelvic lymph nodes accurate after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with cervical cancer?

OBJECTIVE

Intraoperative frozen section examination of pelvic lymph nodes is frequently used in patients with cervical cancer, some of whom have received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). However, NACT can cause necrosis, fibrosis, or keratinization of tumor deposits in extirpated lymph nodes, and it is unclear whether intraoperative frozen section analysis of extirpated nodes is accurate after NACT. We analyzed the accuracy of frozen section examination of pelvic lymph nodes in patients after NACT for cervical cancer.

METHODS

We reviewed 134 patients with invasive cervical cancer who underwent surgery including systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy with intraoperative frozen section examination of pelvic lymph nodes. Results of frozen section examination were related to definitive histology and compared between patient groups of NACT and primary surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 1670 pelvic lymph nodes were evaluated intraoperatively by frozen section examination, and 6689 pelvic lymph nodes were analyzed by final histopathology. Overall frozen section analysis had nine false negative results among 53 patients with positive lymph nodes (false negative rate, 16.9%). After NACT, there were two false negative diagnoses in twelve patients with node metastases (false negative rate, 16.7%). No false positive cases were noted. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of frozen section examination were 83% and 82%, respectively, in patients after NACT, and 83% and 91% at primary surgery.

CONCLUSION

NACT does not appear to compromise the diagnostic accuracy of intraoperative frozen section examination of pelvic lymph nodes in patients with cervical cancer.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radical surgery compared to radical surgery alone in bulky stage IB-IIA cervical cancer

AIM

The aim of this study was evaluation of the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and radical hysterectomy on long-term survival in stage IB-IIA locally advanced cervical cancer as compared with radical surgery alone.

METHODS

We reviewed all patients with cervical cancer stage IB-IIA who were treated with two treatment modalities, i.e. NACT followed by radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy, and radical hysterectomy alone between March 1996 and March 2004. There were 22 patients in the NACT group (group 1) and 160 patients in the immediate radical surgery group (group 2). All patients in group 1 were followed for more than 108months, and long-term survival and factors affecting recurrence were evaluated.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients in the NACT arm underwent radical surgery. Pelvic lymph node metastasis was found in 8 patients in this group and in 36 in the radical surgery group. Eighteen patients in the NACT group and 96 patients in the radical surgery group were scheduled for adjuvant postoperative chemoradiation. During the 9-year follow-up, recurrence rate was 47.1% and 30.2% in NACT and control groups, respectively. In the NACT group lymph node metastasis was a significant independent risk factor for recurrence. Overall survival in the NACT arm was not statistically significantly lower than the control arm (p=0.06).

CONCLUSION

NACT did not improve long-term overall survival of bulky early-stage cervical cancer patients compared to primary radical surgery.

Survival benefits of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical surgery versus radiotherapy in locally advanced chemoresistant cervical cancer

The aim of this study was to analyze long-term survivals in patients with stage IB to IIA cervical cancer treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy setting. Between February 1989 and January 1998, 94 women with previously untreated stage IB to IIA carcinoma of the uterine cervix who received cisplatin based neoadjuvant chemotherapy were enrolled in this study. All of patients with chemoresponse (complete response, n=15; partial response, n=47) and 16 patients with chemoresistance received radical surgery (RS group). The other 16 patients with chemoresistance received radiotherapy for definite treatment (RT group). In the RS group, the 10 yr survival estimation in patients with bulky tumors (diameter > or =4 cm, n=26) was similar to that with non-bulky tumors (83.3% vs. 89.3%, p=NS). In selected patients with chemoresistance, those treated by radiotherapy (n=16) showed significantly poorer survivals than those treated by radical surgery (n=16) (10 yr survival rates of RT (25%) vs. RS (76.4%), p=0.0111). Our results support that a possible therapeutic benefit of neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus radical surgery is only in patients with bulky stage IB to IIA cervical cancer. In cases of chemoresistance, radical surgery might be a better definite treatment option.

Prevalence and prognostic significance of COX-2 expression in stage IB cervical cancer

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the prevalence of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), correlation with various clinicopathologic factors and prognostic significance of COX-2 in stage IB cervical cancer patients.

METHODS

89 paraffin-embedded specimens of patients with stage IB cervical cancer underwent radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital during 1 January 1997-31 December 2002 and were stained with polyclonal goat antiserum against COX-2 using immunohistochemical method. Medical records were reviewed; clinicopathological variables were retrieved and used for analysis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of positive COX-2 expression in stage IB cervical cancer in this study was 49.4%. Positive COX-2 expression in cervical adenocarcinoma was higher than squamous cell carcinoma (86.7% versus 40.6%, P < 0.05) and significantly expressed when lymph node metastasis was presented (100% versus 46.4%, P < 0.05). However, COX-2 expression was possibly associated with parametrial involvement (80% versus 47.6%, P > 0.05). There was no correlation between COX-2 expression and patient's age, tumor size, depth of stromal invasion and lymphovascular space invasion. Five-year disease free survival and 5-year overall survival in patients with positive COX-2 expression were 81% and 98% which were not differed from patients with negative COX-2 expression (92% and 95%, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Strong correlation was found in cervical adenocarcinoma and lymph node metastasis. However, COX-2 expression failed to demonstrate as a significant prognostic factor in stage IB cervical cancer.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in cervical cancer: a 67 patients experience

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. Between 1992 and 2003, all consecutive women with locally advanced cervical cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy were identified. Sixty-seven patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy: 34 had stage I disease, 28 had stage II disease, and 5 had stage III disease. Clinical response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy occurred in 61 patients, including six with complete and 55 with partial response; five women showed stable disease and one progressed. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 58 women underwent surgery, whereas the remaining nine received radiation. Hematologic toxicity was seen in 14 patients, with most of them consisting in severe anemia. The 5-year survival rate and median survival were 63% and 93 months. In univariate analysis, response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, treatment after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, cervical stromal invasion >50%, and lymph node involvement were important prognostic factor responsible for survival. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery seems to be tolerated and active in the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer and might be an alternative choice of therapy to chemoradiation. A prospective randomized trial with a larger number of cases is needed.

A case of successful pregnancy after treatment of invasive cervical cancer with systemic chemotherapy and conization

BACKGROUND

The standard therapy for invasive uterine cervical cancer causes loss of the woman's fertility. We report a successful pregnancy in a patient who desired fertility-sparing management of invasive cervical cancer and was treated with systemic chemotherapy and conization.

CASE

A 28-year-old nulliparous woman was diagnosed with a large 30-mm-diameter stage IB1 squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix. The patient received 4 courses of systemic chemotherapy with consecutive low-dose BOMP (cisplatin, bleomycin, vincristine and mitomycin C), which produced complete pathological response assessed by examination of specimens from conization. Two years later, the patient became pregnant, resulting in the birth of a healthy infant.

CONCLUSION

This procedure is one method of conservative management to preserve fertility in invasive cervical cancer.

Arguments for a magnetic resonance imaging-assisted FIGO staging system for cervical cancer

FIGO staging of cervical cancer is based on anatomic compartmental spread of cervical cancer. This was necessary in the evaluation of surgical resectability in each patient. Even if the surgical resection was not deemed satisfactory, surgical findings and subsequent accurate anatomic pathology findings could be used to prescribe tailored adjuvant therapies. Recently, the management of cervical cancer has been influenced by the evidence from several surgical-pathologic studies and phase II and III combined modality treatment trials. However, the patient selection criteria used in these clinical studies were almost always refined by modern medical imaging and surgical techniques not prescribed in the FIGO staging system. The results obtained from these studies would not correlate with those from the patient population similarly treated but selected strictly along the FIGO staging criteria. This selective, heterogenous, and arbitrary refinement of FIGO staging has certainly given insight into cervical cancer biology but in the process has rendered the current FIGO staging of this disease quite inadequate. Prior knowledge of these factors through modern imaging in these patients could be used in staging and selecting the optimum treatment modality while minimizing the treatment-related morbidity. A magnetic resonance imaging-assisted FIGO staging system for cervical cancer as proposed here could be used for selecting patients appropriately for a given treatment package.

Chemotherapy in the primary treatment of cervical carcinoma

Two major treatment modalities in cervical cancer include radiotherapy and surgery. In an attempt to improve the outcome, these modalities have been increasingly supplemented by chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can be combined with local therapies in various sequences. Of the two possible strategies using chemotherapy and radiotherapy (sequential or concomitant), the latter seems to be more effective. Platinum-based regimens applied concurrently with both definitive and post-operative radiation therapy were demonstrated to provide survival benefit in five of the six recently published randomised trials. The positive impact of chemotherapy added to radiotherapy has also been shown in a meta-analysis including 1894 patients in 19 randomised studies. This strategy, however, is accompanied by increased early toxicity. The benefit of chemotherapy applied prior to surgery remains debatable. The role of new cytotoxic and biological substances, as well as agents combating tumour hypoxia, warrants further clinical investigation.

Operative management of cervical cancer

Radical abdominal hysterectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection remains the treatment of choice for most patients with early-stage cervical cancer. The radicality and extent of lymph node dissection and parametrial resection should be tailored to tumour- and patient-related risk factors. Adjuvant therapy after radical surgery improves local control in high-risk patients and some intermediate-risk patients. The absolute indications for adjuvant therapy include multiple or macroscopically involved nodes, parametrial invasion and positive surgical margins. Adjuvant therapy may be given as chemoradiation or as radiotherapy alone, depending on risk assessment and expected morbidity. Primary chemoradiation is an equally effective alternative, but adjuvant surgery or finishing hysterectomy after pelvic radiation is not beneficial. Promising new developments include neo-adjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery for bulky early-stage disease, tailoring radicality to reduce therapeutic morbidity and integrating minimal access surgical techniques into current treatment protocols.

Neoadjuvant gemcitabine and cisplatin followed by radical surgery in (bulky) squamous cell carcinoma of cervix stage IB2

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of gemcitabine in combination with cisplatin as neoadjuvant therapy in patients with cervical carcinoma stage IB2.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Chemotherapy-naive patients with histologic diagnosis of squamous cell cervical carcinoma staged as IB2 were treated with 2 cycles of cisplatin (70 mg/m(2) on day 1) and gemcitabine (1000 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 8), given every 21 days. After chemotherapy, patients underwent radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy. Patients judged to have a non-resectable disease were treated with standard pelvic radiation.

RESULTS

Between September 2000 to March 2004, 28 patients were enrolled in the study, of which 27 were evaluable for efficacy and toxicity. The mean age was 39 years (30-55). The overall clinical response rate was 88.9% (24/27), with complete response (CR) in 9/27 patients (33.3%) and partial response in 15/27 patients (55.5%). Three patients (11.1%) did not respond and nobody progressed. A pathological CR was noted in 2 of 24 patients who underwent radical surgery. The 3 non-responding patients were subsequently treated with radiation and achieved CR. Grades 3 or 4 neutropenia, anemia, or thrombocytopenia was observed in 18.5%, 7.4%, and 3.7% patients respectively. Non-hematological toxicity was mild except grade 3 nausea/vomiting in 18.5% patients. At median follow-up time of 36.7 months (range 7-51 months), the 3-year survival was 88.9%.

CONCLUSION

Neoadjuvant treatment with gemcitabine/cisplatin combination for patients with cervical cancer (stage IB2) appears encouraging, with manageable and acceptable toxicity profile.

Management strategies for stage IB2 cervical cancer: A cost-effectiveness analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the potential effectiveness and medical costs of three common strategies to manage Stage IB2 squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix (CXCA).

METHODS

A decision analysis model compared three strategies to manage Stage IB2 CXCA: (1) radical hysterectomy with pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy followed by tailored chemoradiation therapy for high-risk patients (RHYST); (2) primary chemoradiation therapy for all patients (CTRT); and (3) neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical hysterectomy and tailored chemoradiation therapy for high-risk patients (NAC).

RESULTS

RHYST was the least expensive strategy with a cost of 284 Million (M) per 10,000 women and a 5-year disease free survival (5-DFS) of 69%. Both NAC and CTRT had similar 5-DFS (69.3% and 70%, respectively); however, both NAC and CTRT were more expensive than RHYST at 299 M and 508 M, respectively. This translated into a higher cost-effectiveness ratio for NAC and CTRT ($43,197 and $72,613, respectively) when compared to RHYST ($41,212). NAC yielded 30 additional survivors compared to RHYST but at a cost of $499,783 per survivor. CTRT was more effective than RHYST with 100 additional survivors but at a substantial cost of $2,240,000 per survivor.

CONCLUSIONS

RHYST is the most cost-effective strategy to manage Stage IB2 CXCA and would be favored in settings where resources are limited. Although NAC and CTRT are reasonable treatment strategies, policymakers must be willing to spend approximately $500,000 per additional survivor (NAC) or $2.2 M per additional survivor (CTRT).

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in cervical cancer: a new trend

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Although there is effective screening for cervical cancer, it continues to be a healthcare problem in developing countries. To increase survival rates, different strategies with neoadjuvant chemotherapy have been developed. Nearly all trials that analysed neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus surgery demonstrated an improved outcome, but most phase III trials that compared neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus radiotherapy with radiotherapy alone have failed to show further benefit. Recent data on neoadjuvant chemotherapy could change that assumption, so revision is needed.

RECENT FINDINGS

A meta-analysis by the Medical Research Council (UK) based on individual patient data (2074 patients, median follow-up 5.7 years) showed that there was no benefit of survival in patients treated with radiotherapy. Some interesting results were obtained when the trials were grouped together according to cycle length and dose intensity. Trials that gave more intensive chemotherapy in terms of a shorter cycle or a higher dose intensity tended to show an advantage for neoadjuvant chemotherapy. When analysing neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery, data from meta-analysis showed a reduction in the risk of death of 35% and an absolute gain of 14% in the 5-year survival. The reasons for this could be that short cycle length chemotherapy was used in this subgroup or the surgery may have removed radioresistant cell clones.

SUMMARY

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may play a role in the treatment of women with cervical cancer. In future, it may be reasonable to compare it with concomitant chemoradiotherapy in terms of efficacy and toxicity.

Use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to radical hysterectomy in cervical cancer: monitoring tumour shrinkage and molecular profile on magnetic resonance and assessment of 3-year outcome

The objective of this study is to assess tumour response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to radical hysterectomy in cervical cancer using magnetic resonance (MR) to monitor tumour volume and changes in molecular profile and to compare the survival to that of a control group. Eligibility included Stage Ib-IIb previously untreated cervical tumours >10 cm(3). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in 22 patients (methotrexate 300 mg x m(-2) (with folinic acid rescue), bleomycin 30 mg x m(-2), cisplatin 60 mg m(-2)) was repeated twice weekly for three courses and followed by radical hysterectomy. Post-operative radiotherapy was given in 14 cases. A total of 23 patients treated either with radical surgery or chemoradiotherapy over the same time period comprised the nonrandomised control group. MR scans before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and in the control group documented tumour volume on imaging and metabolites on in vivo spectroscopy. Changes were compared using a paired t-test. Survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. There were no significant differences between the neoadjuvant chemotherapy and control groups in age (mean, s.d. 43.3+/-10, 44.7+/-8.5 years, respectively, P=0.63) or tumour volume (medians, quartiles 35.8, 17.8, 57.7 cm(3) vs 23.0, 15.0, 37.0 cm(3), respectively, P=0.068). The reduction in tumour volume post-chemotherapy (median, quartiles 7.5, 3.0, 19.0 cm(3)) was significant (P=0.002). The reduction in -CH(2) triglyceride approached significance (P=0.05), but other metabolites were unchanged. The 3-year survival in the chemotherapy group (49.1%) was not significantly different from the control group (46%, P=0.94). There is a significant reduction in tumour volume and -CH(2) triglyceride levels after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, but there is no survival advantage.

'Quick course' neoadjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin, bleomycin and vincristine in advanced cervical cancer

To evaluate the response and safety of 'quick course' neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 30 patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of cervix were given cisplatin, bleomycin, and vincristine weekly for 3 courses. The response was evaluated by subjective parameters and by standard response criteria. In addition to the marked improvement in symptoms, the overall objective response was 60% with a complete pathological response of 6.6%. Tumor volume decreased significantly (p=0.002) after chemotherapy. Patients with stage IB and 27% (3 of 11) of patients with stage II disease who became technically stage IB (stage reduction) after chemotherapy underwent surgery. Radiotherapy was given to the remaining patients. All patients tolerated the chemotherapy.

Long-term clinical outcomes of postoperative pelvic radiotherapy with or without prophylactic paraaortic irradiation for stage I-II cervical carcinoma with positive lymph nodes: retrospective analysis of predictive variables regarding survival and failure patterns

We performed retrospective analysis to classify the risk hazard of patients with stage I-II cervical cancer with lymph node metastases treated with postoperative radiotherapy. From 1981 to 1995, 106 patients with early stage cervical carcinoma who received adjuvant pelvic radiation were entered in the analysis. The median patient age was 53.0 years (range 21-73). The median dose of 45.3 Gy (range, 32.1-56.4 Gy) was delivered over the whole pelvis. Seventy patients also received prophylactic paraaortic radiation (median 44 Gy; range 22-46 Gy). The 5/10-year overall survival (OAS), disease-free survival (DFS), pelvic control, and distant metastasis-free survival rates were 69.1/63.5%, 62.4/58.1%, 85.7/84.3%, and 74.1/71.6%, respectively. In the uni-/multivariate analyses, the significant prognostic factors of OAS and DFS proved to be disease stage, duration period between operation and radiotherapy, histology, and presence or absence of common iliac lymph node metastasis. Using the results of these analyses, we devised a predictive model for DFS. In this model, the 5-year DFS rates of patients with low (N = 35), intermediate (N = 59), and high-risk factors (N = 12) were 88.1%, 56.7%, and 16.7%, respectively (p < 0.0001). The majority of analyzed patients did not have adequate DFS estimates in this series. High-risk patients should receive a more intensive strategy, such as concurrent chemoradiotherapy. On the other hand, the effort to reduce toxicity should be considered carefully.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual patient data from 21 randomised trials

Despite the enrollment of more than 3000 women in randomised trials, the benefits and risks of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer remain uncertain. We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual patient data to assess the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in two comparisons. In the first comparison, of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical radiotherapy compared with the same radiotherapy alone, we obtained data from 18 trials and 2074 patients. When all trials were considered together, a high level of statistical heterogeneity suggested that the results could not be combined indiscriminately. A substantial amount of heterogeneity was explained by separate analyses of groups of trials. Trials using chemotherapy cycle lengths of 14 days and shorter (Hazard Ratio (HR))=0.83, 95% Confidence Interval (CI)=0.69-1.00, P=0.046) or cisplatin dose intensities greater than or equal to 25 mg/m2 per week (HR=0.91, 95% CI=0.78-1.05, P=0.20) tended to show an advantage for neoadjuvant chemotherapy on survival. In contrast, trials using cycle lengths longer than 14 days (HR=1.25, 95% CI=1.07-1.46, P=0.005) or cisplatin dose intensities lower than 25mg/m2 per week (HR=1.35, 95% CI=1.11-1.14, P=0.002) tended to show a detrimental effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on survival. In the second comparison, of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery compared with radical radiotherapy alone, data from 5 trials and 872 patients were obtained. The combined results from all trials (HR=0.65, 95% CI=0.53-0.80, P=0.0004) indicated a highly significant reduction in the risk of death with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, but there were some differences between the trials in their design and results. Despite some unexplained heterogeneity, the timing and dose intensity of cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy appears to have an important impact on whether or not it benefits women with locally advanced cervical cancer and warrants further exploration.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced cervix cancer

BACKGROUND

Despite the enrollment of more than 3000 women in randomised trials, the benefits and risks of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer remained uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review and individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis aimed to assess the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in two comparisons: (1) neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical radiotherapy compared to the same radiotherapy alone; and (2) neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery compared to radical radiotherapy alone.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Medline and CancerLit searches were supplemented with information from trial registers and by hand searching relevant meeting proceedings and by discussion with relevant trialists and organisations. These searches have been updated regularly until December 2002.

SELECTION CRITERIA

To be included, trials had to be properly randomised and had to include patients with locally advanced cervical cancer who had received neoadjuvant cytotoxic chemotherapy before radiotherapy or surgery or both treatments. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy trials were not included. The comparisons had to be unconfounded by use of additional agents or interventions. Patient enrollment should have started after 1 January 1975 and be completed by September 2000.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We collected, validated and re-analysed updated trial data on all randomised patients from all relevant trials. Any queries were resolved and the final database entries verified by the responsible trial investigator, data manager or statistician. Two separate sets of analyses (by intention-to-treat) were carried out according to the treatment comparisons (1 and 2) already described. For all outcomes, we obtained overall pooled hazard ratios using the fixed effect model. To explore the potential impact of trial design, we pre-planned analyses that grouped trials by important aspects of their design that might influence the treatment effect. To investigate the effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy within pre-specified subgroups of patients stratified logrank analyses were done on the primary endpoint of survival.

MAIN RESULTS

In the first comparison, we obtained data from 18 trials and 2074 patients. When all trials were considered together, a high level of statistical heterogeneity suggested that the results could not be combined indiscriminately. A substantial amount of heterogeneity was explained by separate analyses of groups of trials. Trials using chemotherapy cycle lengths shorter than 14 days (HR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.69 to 1.00, p = 0.046) or cisplatin dose intensities greater than 25 mg/m2 per week (HR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.78 to 1.05, p = 0.20) tended to show an advantage for neoadjuvant chemotherapy on survival. In contrast, trials using cycle lengths longer than 14 days (HR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.07 to 1.46, p = 0.005) or cisplatin dose intensities lower than 25 mg/m2 per week (HR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.11 to 1.14, p = 0.002) tended to show a detrimental effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on survival. In the second comparison, data from 5 trials and 872 patients were obtained. The combined results from all trials (HR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.53 to 0.80, p = 0.0004) indicated a highly significant reduction in the risk of death with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, but there were some differences between trials in their design and results.

REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS

Despite some unexplained heterogeneity, the timing and dose intensity of cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy appears to have an important impact on whether or not it benefits women with locally advanced cervical cancer and warrants further exploration.

Induction chemotherapy with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin for locally advanced cervical carcinoma

Induction chemotherapy followed by surgery, particularly with newer agents or combinations, remains to be explored in locally advanced cervical cancer. Gemcitabine cisplatin is a very active combination for this tumor, therefore we explored the activity of gemcitabine in combination with oxaliplatin. Ten untreated patients with histologic diagnosis of cervical carcinoma and staged as IB2 to IIIB were treated with 3 21-day courses of oxaliplatin 130 mg/m day 1 and gemcitabine 1,250 mg/m days 1 and 8 followed by locoregional treatment with either surgery or concomitant chemoradiation. Response and toxicity were evaluated at the end of chemotherapy. All patients were evaluable. The overall clinical response rate was 80%, being complete in 3 patients (30%) and partial in 5 (50%). Seven (70%) patients underwent surgery, and three (30%) had chemoradiation as definitive treatment. Hematologic toxicity was moderate, with leukopenia grades III-IV in 17 and 0%; granulocytopenia grades III-IV in 23 and 3%, respectively. Eight patients had grade I oropharyngeal toxicity. At a median follow-up of 11 months (range: 10-12), all patients are disease free. Gemcitabine oxaliplatin is a very active and well-tolerated combination for locally advanced cervical cancer.

Systemic therapy for gynecological neoplasms: ovary, cervix and endometrium

Early-stage endometrial carcinomas should be treated by total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. In a small subset of patients, who wish to have children, conservative treatment (hormonal therapy) could be considered. The most effective agents for palliation of advanced disease are doxorubicin plus cisplatin.

Concomitant chemoradiation versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced cervical carcinoma: results from two consecutive phase II studies

BACKGROUND

Randomized studies comparing induction chemotherapy followed by surgical resection with radiation alone found that the neoadjuvant approach produces better results. So far, this latter modality has not been compared with standard concomitant chemoradiation. The objective of this report was to compare the results of two consecutive phase II studies: neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery or chemoradiation for the unresectable cases versus standard cisplatin-based chemoradiation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From February 1999 to July 1999, 41 patients with cervical carcinoma, stages IB2-IIIB, were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Treatment consisted of three 21-day courses of cisplatin 100 mg/m(2) on day 1 and gemcitabine 1000 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 8, followed by either surgery or concomitant chemoradiation for the non-operable cases. From August 1999 to December 1999, an equal number of patients having comparable clinicopathological characteristics were treated with six weekly courses of cisplatin 40 mg/m(2) during standard pelvic radiation.

RESULTS

A total of 82 patients were analyzed. Both groups were similar with regard to age, histology, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, tumor size, pretreatment hemoglobin levels, parametrial infiltration and performance status. In the neoadjuvant arm the overall response rate to induction chemotherapy was 95% (95% confidence interval 88% to 100%). Twenty-three patients had surgery and 14 underwent chemoradiation. In the definitive chemoradiation study, 38 patients completed treatment, the median number of cisplatin courses was six for a dose intensity of 33 mg/m(2)/week. Doses to points A and B were 85 Gy (range 68-95) and 55 Gy (range 51-65), respectively. Chemoradiation was delivered in 44.6 (range 28-113) days. Complete response rates after all treatment were similar: 97% and 87% in the neoadjuvant and chemoradiation groups, respectively. At a median follow-up of 28 (range 2-33) and 24 (range 3-30) months, respectively, there were no differences in overall survival. To date, 15 and 13 patients in the neoadjuvant and chemoradiation groups, respectively, have died of disease (P = 0.8567).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this non-randomized comparison suggest that induction chemotherapy followed by surgery or chemoradiation is at least as effective in terms of response and survival as standard cisplatin-based chemoradiation. A randomized study is needed to confirm these findings.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radical surgery versus exclusive radiotherapy in locally advanced squamous cell cervical cancer: results from the Italian multicenter randomized study

PURPOSE

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and radical surgery (RS) have emerged as a possible alternative to conventional radiation therapy (RT) in locally advanced cervical carcinoma. In 1990, a phase III trial was undertaken to verify such a hypothesis in terms of survival and treatment-related morbidity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with squamous cell, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IB2 to III cervical cancer were eligible for the study. They received cisplatin-based NACT followed by RS (type III to V radical hysterectomy plus systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy) (arm A) or external-beam RT (45 to 50 Gy) followed by brachyradiotherapy (20 to 30 Gy) (arm B).

RESULTS

Of 441 patients randomly assigned to NACT+RS or RT, eligibility was confirmed in 210 and 199 patients, respectively. Treatment was administered according to protocol in 76% of arm A patients and 72% of arm B patients. Adjuvant treatment was delivered in 48 operated patients (29%). There was no evidence for any significant excess of severe morbidity in one of the two arms. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 58.9% and 55.4% for arm A and 44.5% and 41.3% for arm B (P =.007 and P =.02), respectively. Subgroup survival analysis shows OS and PFS rates of 64.7% and 59.7% (stage IB2-IIB, NACT+RS), 46.4% and 46.7% (stage IB2-IIB, RT) (P =.005 andP =.02), 41.6% and 41.9% (stage III, NCAT+RS), 36.7% and 36.4% (stage III, RT) (P =.36 and P =.29), respectively. Treatment had a significant impact on OS and PFS.

CONCLUSION

Although significant only for the stage IB2 to IIB group, a survival benefit seems to be associated with the NACT+RS compared with conventional RT.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients younger than 50 years with high-risk squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the response rate and toxicity and to improve survival, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) was utilized in patients younger than 50 years with locally advanced cervical squamous cell carcinoma.

METHODS

Twenty-one patients were treated with preoperative NAC. Eligibility included patients with previously untreated stage IB or IIA with deep stromal invasion assessed by magnetic resonance imaging or bulky tumor or IIB squamous cell carcinoma who were younger than 50 years. The NAC consisted of cisplatin (60 mg/m(2)) on day 1, vinblastine (4 mg/m(2)/day) on days 1 and 2, and peplomycin (10 mg/day) on days 1, 8, and 15 (PVP). Treatment was repeated every 3 weeks for a total of two cycles. All 21 patients underwent radical hysterectomy following NAC. Postoperative radiotherapy was given to 18 patients. We used 21 patients who underwent radical hysterectomy and postoperative radiation therapy as a nonrandomized control group.

RESULTS

The response rate for NAC was 86% (18/21). Two patients required discontinuation of PVP treatment after one administration because of grade 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, and decreased carbon monoxide diffusion capacity, respectively. In the NAC group, stromal invasion was significantly reduced (P = 0.0103), and the incidence of lymph node metastasis was decreased. No patients had positive parametrial and vaginal margins. The overall 5-year survival rate was 84.0% in the NAC group, which was significantly better than that in the control group (58.9%) (P = 0.0434).

CONCLUSIONS

NAC for younger patients with locally advanced cervical carcinoma is thought to be safe, well tolerated, effective, and useful for increasing operability, decreasing pathological risk factors, and improving survival.

Phase I-II study of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by radical surgery in locally advanced cervical cancer

The usefulness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) regimens has been reported; however, the effect of NAC for advanced stages (especially stage III-IVA) is thought to be insufficient. We conducted a phase I-II study of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy consisting of intra-arterial (i.a.) infusion of carboplatin and intracavitary brachytherapy in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer to achieve the new NAC method. Sixteen eligible patients included those with previously untreated stage IIB, III or IVA cancer with bulky tumor. Brachytherapy using iridium-192 was performed with concurrent i.a. chemotherapy with carboplatin (200, 300 and 400 mg/m2). Treatment was repeated every 4 weeks for a total of two cycles. Both hematologic and non-hematologic toxicities were generally mild. Grade 4 hematologic toxicity was observed in 12.5% and there were no grade III or IV non-hematologic toxicities. The optimal dose of carboplatin was determined to be 400 mg/m2. Among 16 patients, six showed complete response (37.5%) and nine showed partial response (56.3%), for an overall response rate of 93.8%. All 15 responding patients underwent radical surgery with a pelvic lymphadenectomy and postoperative radiotherapy. The combination of brachytherapy and i.a. chemotherapy with carboplatin is a promising regimen for NAC in locally advanced cervical cancer.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in cervical carcinoma: regulators of cell cycle, apoptosis, and proliferation as determinants of response to therapy and disease outcome

To evaluate whether cellular markers predict the responsiveness to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in cervical cancer, 21 patients with stages I and II cervical carcinomas treated by NAC before surgery were followed up for a mean of 52.3 months. Pre-NAC biopsy and operative specimens were subjected to counting of apoptotic (AI/V) and mitotic (MI/V) indices, detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA, and immunohistochemical analysis of cell cycle and proliferation markers (p21, p53, pRb, proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA], Ki-67) and multidrug resistance gene (MDR1), as related to NAC response (RAC), recurrence-free (RFS), and overall (OS) survival. Adenosquamous histology and lymph node involvement were significant determinants of nonsurvival. All carcinomas contained HPV DNA. In univariate analysis, p21, pRb, and MDRI in the biopsy specimen and PCNA, Ki-67, and pRb in the surgical sample significantly predicted RAC, while age, AI/V number of lymph nodes removed, and MI/V predicted RFS. Highly significant predictors of OS were AI/V number of lymph nodes removed, post-NAC MDR1 expression, MI/V and recurrence. Multivariate analysis confirmed the strong post-NAC effects of histologic type, AI/V, and MDR1 expression for RFS, and recurrence, age, and Ki-67 expression for OS. NAC responders with slightly decreased AI/V and increased MI/V had a poor prognosis.

Radical abdominal hysterectomy

Radical abdominal hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy remain the gold standard procedures for the treatment of early cervical cancer. Over the years, the establishment of formal gynecologic oncology training programs, general medical advancements, and new surgical techniques have resulted in a satisfactory tumor resection, with improved overall therapeutic index and reliable cure rates. The role of neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy continues to be defined as the results from randomized trials emerge.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in gynecologic oncology

The use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in conjunction with surgery in squamous carcinoma of the uterine cervix can reduce the surgical treatment extent (to be confirmed) in small-volume tumors (diameter < 4 cm) and increase overall survival and disease-free interval in localized median-volume tumors (< or = 8 cm) and improve the quality of life of patients with large, locally advanced tumors, due to longer disease-free period. These issues have yet to be completely resolved (three randomized trials have confirmed these data), but in the meantime, neoadjuvant chemotherapy could be used as an alternative treatment in locally advanced tumors or large localized tumors. It is necessary to use high-dose chemotherapy to achieve a good tumor response and satisfactory "down-staging." Surgical treatment after neoadjuvant chemotherapy seems to be the most appealing option, especially in patients with poor response to chemotherapy. The proper extension of surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is an unexplored matter for the gynecologic oncologist, and no trial has been developed to address this issue, but it seemingly must be performed according to the initial size and extension of the tumor (prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy) despite the tumor response to it.

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Using Low-Dose Consecutive Intraarterial Infusions of Cisplatin Combined with 5-Fluorouracil for Locally Advanced Cervical Adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this work was to evaluate response rate, toxicity, and survival in treatment with intraarterial 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin in a neoadjuvant setting; this combination was administered to patients with locally advanced cervical adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

Eleven patients were treated with preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Those eligible included patients with previously untreated stage IB, II, or III adenocarcinoma with good performance status. Treatment consisted of bilateral internal iliac artery infusion of cisplatin (a total of 10 mg/day) for 30 min, followed by 5-FU (a total of 250 mg/day) given by 24-hour continuous infusion for 10 days. Treatment was repeated every 3 weeks for a total of two or three cycles. All except one patient with progressive disease underwent radical hysterectomy following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Postoperative radiotherapy was given to the whole pelvis to 6 patients; 3 of the 6 patients with involved common iliac nodes received radiotherapy to a paraaortic field in addition to the whole pelvis.

RESULTS

Among 11 eligible patients, 7 had a partial response (64%). Stable disease was observed in 3 cases (27%) and progressive disease in 1 (9%). Histopathological changes related to chemotherapy, however, revealed only mild effects. Of the 24 treatment cycles administered, no Grade 3 or 4 toxicity was observed and there were no therapy-related deaths. The median follow-up period was 30 months (range, 1-65 months). The mean survival period was 34.7 months and the 5-year survival rate was 21.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraarterial neoadjuvant chemotherapy effectively reduced tumor size in patients with locally advanced cervical adenocarcinoma; however, a survival advantage was not clear.

Type III radical hysterectomy after induction chemotherapy for patients with locally advanced cervical carcinoma

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery is a promising approach in locally advanced cervical carcinoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, technical aspects, and clinical results of surgery after induction chemotherapy in this patient population. Forty-one untreated cervical carcinoma patients staged as IB2 to IIIB received three 21-day courses of cisplatin 100mg/m2 on day 1 and gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 followed by surgery or concomitant chemoradiation. The response to chemotherapy, operability, surgical/pathological findings, disease-free period, and survival of the surgically treated patients were evaluated. All 41 patients were evaluated for toxicity and 40 were evaluated for response. The overall objective response rate was 95% (95% confidence interval 88%-100%), and was complete in three patients (7.5%) and partial in 35 (87.5%). Granulocytopenia grades 3/4 occurred in 13.8% and 3.4% of the courses, respectively, whereas nonhematological toxicity was mild. Twenty-three patients underwent type III radical hysterectomy. Mean duration of surgery was 3.8 h (range 2:30-5:20), median estimated blood loss was 670 ml and median hospital stay was 5.2 days. Intraoperative complications occurred in one case (venous injury). In all but one case the resection margins were negative. Four patients (17%) had positive nodes (one node each); six (26%) had complete pathologic response, three (13%) had microscopic; and 14 (60%) macroscopic residual disease. At 24 months of maximum follow-up (median 20), the disease-free and overall survival rates were 59% and 91%, respectively. Induction chemotherapy with cisplatin/gemcitabine produced a high response rate and did not increase the difficulty of surgery. Operating time, blood loss, intraoperative complications, and hospital stay were all within the range observed for type III hysterectomy in early stage patients. We therefore conclude that type III radical hysterectomy is feasible in locally advanced cervical cancer patients who respond to chemotherapy.

A phase II study of gemcitabine and cisplatin combination as induction chemotherapy for untreated locally advanced cervical carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Cisplatin-based chemoradiation for locally advanced cervical carcinoma is now the standard of care for most patients with cervical carcinoma. However, induction chemotherapy followed by surgery, particularly with newer agents or combinations remains to be explored. This study was undertaken to evaluate the antitumor activity and toxicity of gemcitabine in combination with cisplatin for untreated locally advanced cervical carcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Open-label, single center, phase II, non-randomized study of neoadjuvant gemcitabine plus cisplatin. Forty-one patients with histologic diagnosis of cervical carcinoma, with no previous treatment and staged as IB2 to IIIB, were treated with three 21-day courses of cisplatin 100 mg/m2 day I and gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 days 1 and 8, followed by locoregional treatment with either surgery or concomitant chemoradiation. Response and toxicity were evaluated before each course and at the end of chemotherapy.

RESULTS

All patients were evaluated for toxicity and 40 for response. The overall objective response rate was 95% (95% confidence interval (CI): 88%-100%) being complete in 3 patients (7.5%) and partial in 35 (87.5%). A complete pathological response was found in 6 (26%) of the 23 patients that underwent surgery. Granulocytopenia grades 3-4 occurred in 13.8% and 3.4% of the courses, respectively, whereas non-hematological toxicity was mild.

CONCLUSIONS

Induction chemotherapy with the combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin is highly active for untreated cervical cancer patients and has an acceptable toxicity profile.

The bulky 6-cm barrel-shaped lesion of the cervix: primary surgery and postoperative chemoradiation

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this report is to detail what appears to be the largest reported experience of primary radical hysterectomy for bulky barrel-shaped cervical cancers of 6 cm or greater in diameter, followed in all instances by radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

METHODS

Twenty-two unselected cases were operated primarily. One had unresectable aortic node disease. Twenty-one were treated with intent to cure. All patients received extended field radiation therapy beginning 4 weeks after surgery. All patients also received infusion chemotherapy during weeks 1, 4, and 7 of their radiation therapy. Initially, 5-FU was the drug of choice; more recently, Platinol has been employed.

RESULTS

The Berkson-Gage relative survival of the total 22 cases was 71.3%. For the 21 cases treated with intent to cure, the survival was 75.4%. Complications were minimal.

CONCLUSION

The experienced pelvic surgeon can accomplish this exercise with a high degree of safety; and this multimodality approach is offered as another therapeutic alternative for these high-risk patients.

Chemoradiation for carcinoma of the cervix: advances and opportunities

Although it is possible to cure many patients with locally advanced cervical cancer using radiation therapy alone, loco-regional relapse continues to be a component of most recurrences. To improve control rates, clinicians have investigated ways of combining chemotherapy and radiation for more than 30 years. Despite encouraging results from phase II trials of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, randomized trials failed to improve on the results with radiation therapy alone. For a number of reasons, early trials of concurrent chemoradiation were inconclusive. However, recent reports of five large prospective randomized trials demonstrated dramatic improvements in survival and local control rates when cisplatin-containing chemotherapy was given during radiation therapy. These results also suggest a number of avenues for future research.

A randomised, prospective, phase III clinical trial of primary bleomycin, ifosfamide and cisplatin (BIP) chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy versus radiotherapy alone in inoperable cancer of the cervix

BACKGROUND

Phase II studies have shown primary (neo-adjuvant) chemotherapy with bleomycin, ifosfamide and cisplatin (BIP) is active against inoperable cervical cancer. We present here results of a randomised phase III multicentre trial comparing radical radiotherapy with neo-adjuvant BIP chemotherapy followed by radical radiotherapy in patients with inoperable cervical cancer, designed to discover whether this combination might improve survival.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with inoperable cervical carcinoma were randomised to pelvic radiotherapy alone [RT] or two to three cycles of bleomycin 30 units/24-hour infusion, ifosfamide 5 g/m2/24 hours, and cisplatin 50 mg/m2) chemotherapy followed by pelvic radiotherapy (BIP + RT). Randomisation was stratified by stage and radiotherapy centre.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy-two eligible women were randomised into this trial; eighty-six to RT and eighty-six to BIP + RT. A total of 190 cycles of chemotherapy were given. Median follow-up for the 47 patients still alive is 9 years with a minimum follow-up of 3 years. Complete or partial response occurred in 51 of 86 (59%) of those randomised to RT and 60 of 86 (69%) of those randomised to BIP + RT. The difference between response rates does not reach statistical significance (chi2 = 2.06, P = 0.15). Median survival is two years with an actuarial survival at five years of 32% (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 25%-39%). There is no significant difference between the treatment groups (chi2log-rank = 0.11, P = 0.74).

CONCLUSIONS

This study does not show any survival benefit from the use of neo-adjuvant BIP chemotherapy in advanced cervical cancer.

Radiotherapy and radical surgery for treatment of patients with bulky stage IB and II cervical carcinoma

The aim of this study was to evaluate prognostic factors and to study combination radiotherapy-surgery as treatment for patients with bulky stage Ib and II cervical carcinoma. From 1985 to 1994, 187 patients with cervical cancer >/= 4 cm, were treated by combined radiation therapy and radical surgery including systematic para-aortic lymphadenectomy. Complications were observed in 34 (18%) patients. In a multivariate analysis, young age, tumor size less than 5 cm, metastatic nodes with capsular rupture, and bilateral nodes were independent prognostic factors. Overall survival at 3 years was 85%, 56%, and 40% in patients with negative nodes, positive pelvic nodes, and positive para-aortic nodes, respectively (P < 0.001). These results confirm the prognostic significance of young age, tumor size, and nodal involvement. Radical surgery combined with radiotherapy is feasible, with an acceptable rate of complications and yields satisfactory survival results in patients with bulky stage IB and II cervical carcinoma. Recent randomized published studies have demonstrated that concomitant chemotherapy and radiotherapy should be the gold standard in this setting. The role of surgery is questioned.