Stage IB or IIA-B carcinoma of the intact uterine cervix greater than or equal to 6 cm in diameter: is adjuvant extrafascial hysterectomy beneficial?

Adjuvant hysterectomy following primary chemoradiation for stage IB2 and IIA2 cervical cancer: a retrospective comparison of complications for open versus minimally invasive surgery

Background

Adjuvant hysterectomy following chemoradiation for bulky, early stage cervical cancer has been shown to decrease local relapse rate. The objective of this study is to compare complications and recurrences between minimally invasive and open adjuvant hysterectomy for early stage cervical cancer.

Methods

Patients were identified who had undergone adjuvant hysterectomy following chemoradiation for 2009 FIGO stage IB2 and IIA2 cervical cancer from August 2006 to June 2018. Demographic information, treatment course, complications, recurrence data were retrospectively extracted from the medical record. Frequency of complications was compared with Fisher exact test or chi-square test as appropriate and inverse probability of treatment propensity score weighting was used to calculate the disease-free survival.

Results

Fifty-four patients met inclusion criteria with a median follow up time of 60.4 months (interquartile range 28.0–98.1 months). There were 24 (44%) open versus 30 (56%) minimally invasive hysterectomies performed. The overall grade 2 or worse complication rate was 43%. There were 8 (27%) patients with complications in the minimally invasive group compared to 4 (17%) in the open group (OR 1.82 (95% CI 0.5–7.0)). There were 9 vaginal cuff defects, dehiscences and/or fistulas in the minimally invasive group compared to 3 in the open group (OR 3.0 (95% CI 0.8–11.2)). There was no statistically significant difference between disease free survival and overall survival among the two groups, however there was a trend towards decreased disease-free survival in the minimally invasive group.

Conclusions

Among women undergoing adjuvant hysterectomy following chemoradiation for bulky, early stage cervical cancer, there was no difference in complication rates between an open or minimally invasive surgical approach. However, the overall complication rate was high, including a high rate of vaginal cuff defect, dehiscence and/or fistulas. Our findings suggest that an adjuvant hysterectomy should be reserved for patients in which chemoradiation is not anticipated to successfully treat the primary tumor and, if performed, an open approach should be considered.

Should simple hysterectomy be added after chemo-radiation for stage IB2 and bulky IIA cervical carcinoma?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Management of bulky cervical tumours is controversial. We describe the addition of high dose rate brachytherapy with concomitant chemotherapy to an attenuated protocol of radiation followed by simple hysterectomy in the management of bulky cervical tumours.

METHODS

Between January, 2003 and December, 2006, 23 patients diagnosed with bulky cervical tumours underwent a fixed chemo-radiation protocol followed by simple hysterectomy. Fractionated external beam pelvic radiation (4500 cGy) followed by two high-dose rate applications of brachytherapy (700 cGy - prescription dose to point A) was given with weekly concomitant cisplatin (35 mg/m(2)). Patients then underwent simple hysterectomy. Clinical information was prospectively collected and patient charts were then further reviewed.

RESULTS

Twenty patients had stage IB2 and three bulky IIA. Median tumour size was 5 cm. Sixteen patients (70%) achieved a clinical complete and seven (30%) a clinical partial response. All patients had a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (TAH BSO). On final pathology, 12 patients (52%) had a pathological complete response, whereas 11 patients (48%) had residual carcinoma in the cervix. Surgical margins were not involved. With a median follow-up time of 20 months (range 10-50 months), four patients (17.4%), all from the pathological partial response group, have suffered a pelvic recurrence, within 6 months from therapy; nineteen patients (82.6%) remain free of disease.

CONCLUSIONS

This attenuated protocol of chemo-radiation using HDR brachytherapy followed by simple hysterectomy is a viable option in the treatment of bulky cervical carcinomas. The rate of residual cervical disease after chemo-radiation is substantial, but simple hysterectomy achieved negative surgical margins in all cases.

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.

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.

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

Long-term survival after concomitant chemoradiotherapy prior to surgery in advanced cervical carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To report the long-term survival of 35 patients who underwent surgery after concomitant chemoradiation for locally advanced cervical cancers.

METHODS

From 1988 to 1992, 20 bulky IB-IIB patients and 15 stage III-IVA patients underwent surgery after concurrent chemotherapy (CDDP and 5-FU) and radiotherapy. 26 had a hysterectomy, 8 had an exenteration, 1 had no tumor resection. 21 had a para-aortic lymphadenectomy. Endpoints were recurrence and distant metastasis rates, overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) at 5 and 10 years. Analysis included FIGO stage, type of surgery (palliative or curative), response to chemoradiation or para-aortic lymphatic status.

RESULTS

Surgery had been only palliative in 6 cases (17.1%). A pelvic control has been achieved in 31 patients (88.6%). Pelvic recurrences occurred after a median interval of 7 months. Distant metastases occurred in 10 patients (28.6%), after a median interval of 20 months. So far, 16 patients have died (45.7%). The 10-year DFS is 56.7% in the whole series. Only the type of surgery significantly affected the OS. Only the para-aortic lymphatic status significantly affected the DFS.

CONCLUSION

Associating chemoradiation with curative surgery, we obtained a 10-year DFS of 66.4% (OS 57.7%). Adjuvant surgery may increase the survival as it reduces the risk of local relapse.

Results of Hysterectomy in Patients With Bulky Residual Disease at the End of Chemoradiotherapy for Stage IB2/II Cervical Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

We assessed the clinical outcome after hysterectomy in patients with bulky residual disease after chemoradiotherapy for stage IB2/II cervical carcinoma.

METHODS

Subjects were 10 patients who had bulky (>2 cm) residual disease in the cervix after external radiotherapy (45 Gy) combined with concomitant chemotherapy (cisplatin 40 mg/m2/week) and uterovaginal brachytherapy (15 Gy).

RESULTS

Extrafascial hysterectomy was performed in three patients, type II radical hysterectomy was performed in six patients, and pelvic exenteration was performed in one patient. Pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed in eight patients, and para-aortic lymphadenectomy was performed in eight. Five patients had nodal involvement (pelvic nodes in four and para-aortic nodes in four), and six had lymphovascular space involvement. Surgical margins were free in nine patients. Seven patients developed grade 2 (n = 3) and/or grade 3 (n = 4) complications. The median duration of follow-up after surgery was 22 months (range, 1-37 months). With follow-up available in nine patients, seven relapsed, and only two remained disease free.

CONCLUSIONS

This series confirms the high rate of nodal spread in patients with bulky residual cervical disease after chemoradiotherapy. Furthermore, patients who underwent hysterectomy had a high complication rate. Only two patients are alive and disease free. The results of surgery are disappointing; surgery does not seem to improve the survival of these patients.

Treatment of stage IB2 (bulky) cervical carcinoma

Tumour size is an important prognostic factor in patients with stage IB cervical cancer. The patient with stage IB2 (bulky) cervical cancer represents a therapeutic challenge. Neither radical hysterectomy nor primary radiation therapy are sufficiently effective and are associated with significant treatment-related complications including ovarian failure and psychosexual deficits. A number of phase III studies have explored alternative management approaches in this patient population. It appears that extrafascial hysterectomy following radiation therapy does not improve overall survival relative to radiation therapy alone. Consistent with results seen in locally advanced cervical carcinoma, chemoradiation therapy is superior to radiation therapy alone as primary treatment for stage IB2 cervical cancer and as adjuvant therapy for surgically treated patients with high-risk factors for recurrence. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has resulted in high clinical response rates and operability rates. There are two phase III trials suggesting an improvement in survival with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical hysterectomy versus either surgery (and selected postoperative radiation) or radiation therapy alone. These emerging treatments should be scrutinized in prospective controlled trials.

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is a serious health problem, with nearly 500000 women developing the disease each year worldwide. Most cases occur in less developed countries where no effective screening systems are available. Risk factors include exposure to human papillomavirus, smoking, and immune-system dysfunction. Most women with early-stage tumours can be cured, although long-term morbidity from treatment is common. Results of randomised clinical trials have shown that for women with locally advanced cancers, chemoradiotherapy should be regarded as the standard of care; however, the applicability of this treatment to women in less developed countries remains largely untested. Many women with localised (stage IB) tumours even now receive various combinations of surgery and radiotherapy, despite unresolved concern about the morbidity of this approach compared with definitive radiotherapy or radical surgery. Treatment of recurrent cervical cancer remains largely ineffective. Quality of life should be taken into account in treatment of women with primary and recurrent cervical cancer.

[Caring for stage IB cancer of the cervix. Proposal for a protocol based on a review of the literature]

A review of the literarure indicates that there are two essential prognostic factors in stage Ib cancer of the cervix: the size of the tumour (determined by a physical examination and MRI) and invasion of the lymph nodes (determined by lymphadenectomy). Of the available means of treatment, many workers use surgery at stage Ib1 and a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy at stage Ib2. Hence, our pre-therapeutic assessment usually includes a physical examination under general anaesthesia, MRI of the abdomen and pelvis, and laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy for stage Ib1 and laparoscopic lumbo-aortic lymphadenectomy for stage Ib2. For stage Ib1 < 2 cm, if extemporaneous examination of the pelvic lymph nodes is positive, we perform lymphadenectomy of the lumbo-aortic lymph nodes and initiate treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. If pelvic lymphadenectomy gives negative results in a woman who does not wish to remain fertile, we carry out radical vaginal hysterectomy (Schauta-Stoeckel) rather than radical hysterectomy (Piver 2) by laparotomy or laparoscopy. If the margins are healthy and devoid of vascular or lymphatic involvement, no further treatment is given. If this is not the case, we suggest a postoperative radio-chemotherapy. For patients who wish to retain their fertility, we carry out radical cervicectomy. For tumours measuring between 2 and 4 cm, and if pelvic lymphadenectomy is positive, we propose radio-chemotherapy, or radical hysterectomy as for small tumours. For Ib2 tumours, and if no lumbar adenopathy is seen at MRI, we perform a lumbo-aortic lymphadenectomy, followed by a radio-chemotherapy. If invasion of lumbar lymph nodes is suspected at MRI, we perform a biopsy on the left scalenic lymph nodes; if invasion is present at this level, we give palliative treatment with simple pelvic radiotherapy. If lumbo-aortic lymphadenectomy reveals invasion, radiotherapy is directed at these nodes. If, at the end of combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy, some remaining tumour is discovered at the MRI assessment, we carry out extrafacial hysterectomy.

Operable Stages IB and II cervical carcinomas: a retrospective study comparing preoperative uterovaginal brachytherapy and postoperative radiotherapy

PURPOSE

To evaluate our data concerning prognostic factors and treatment toxicity in a series of operable cervical carcinomas.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Between May 1972 and January 1994, 414 patients with cervical carcinoma, staged according to the 1995 FIGO staging system (286 Stage IB1, 38 Stage IB2, 56 Stage IIA, and 34 Stage IIB with 1/3 proximal parametrial involvement), underwent radical hysterectomy with (n = 380) or without (n = 34) bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection (N+: n = 68). Group I included 168 patients who received postoperative radiation therapy (RT): 64 patients had low-dose-rate vaginal brachytherapy with a median total dose (MTD) of 50 Gy; 93 patients had external beam pelvic RT (EBPRT) with an MTD of 45 Gy over 5 weeks, followed by low-dose-rate vaginal brachytherapy (MTD: 20 Gy); and 11 patients had EBPRT alone (MTD: 50 Gy over 6 weeks). Group II included 246 patients treated with preoperative low-dose-rate uterovaginal brachytherapy (MTD: 65 Gy); 32 of these 246 patients also received postoperative EBPRT (MTD: 45 Gy over 5 weeks) delivered to the parametria and pelvic nodes. Mean follow-up from the beginning of treatment was 106 months.

RESULTS

First events included isolated locoregional recurrences (35 patients), isolated distant metastases (27 patients), and locoregional recurrences with synchronous metastases (13 patients). The 10-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 88% for Stage IB1, 44% for Stage IB2, 65% for Stage IIA, and 48% for Stage IIB. Multivariate analysis showed that independent factors influencing the probability of DFS were as follows: cervical site (exocervical or endocervical vs. both endo- and exocervical, relative risk [RR]: 1.77, p = 0.047), vascular space invasion (no vs. yes, RR: 1.95, p = 0.041), age (>51 years vs. <or=51 years, RR: 1.90, p = 0.013), 1995 FIGO staging system (IB1 vs. IIA, RR: 2.95, p = 0.004; IB1 vs. IB2, RR: 3.49, p = 0.0009; and IB1 vs. IIB, RR: 4.54, p = 0.00002), and histologic pelvic lymph node involvement (N- vs. N+, RR: 2.94, p = 0.00009). The sequence of adjuvant RT did not influence the probability of DFS (Group I vs. Group II, p = 0.10). In Group II, after univariate analysis, DFS was significantly influenced by histologic residual cervical tumor in the hysterectomy specimen (yes vs. no: 71% vs. 93%, respectively, p < 10(-6)) and by the size of the residual tumor (<or=1 cm vs. >1 cm: 83% vs. 41%, respectively, p = 0.001). The overall postoperative complication rate was 10% in Group I and 9% in Group II (p = 0.7). The rate of postoperative ureteral complications requiring surgical intervention was lower in Group I than in Group II (0.6% vs. 2.3%, respectively, p = 0.03). The overall 10-year rate for Grade 3 and 4 late radiation complications was 10.4%. Postoperative EBPRT significantly increased the 10-year rate for Grade 3 and 4 late radiation complications (yes vs. no: 22% vs. 7%, respectively, p = 0.0002).

CONCLUSION

The prognosis for patients with cervical carcinoma was not influenced by the sequence of adjuvant RT (preoperative uterovaginal brachytherapy vs. postoperative RT) for Stages IB, IIA, and IIB with 1/3 proximal parametrial involvement. However, postoperative EBPRT increased the risk of late radiation complications.

[Operable stage IB and II cancer of the uterine neck: retrospective comparison between preoperative utero-vaginal curietherapy and initial surgery followed by radiotherapy]

PURPOSE

To identify prognostic factors and treatment toxicity in a series of operable stages IB and II cervical carcinomas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between May 1972 and January 1994, 414 patients (pts) with cervical carcinoma staged according to the 1995 FIGO staging system underwent radical hysterectomy with (n = 380) or without (n = 34) bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection. Lateral ovarian transposition to preserve ovarian function was performed on 12 pts. The methods of radiation therapy (RT) were not randomised and depended on the usual practices of the surgical teams. Group I: 168 pts received postoperative RT (64 pts received vaginal brachytherapy alone [mean total dose (MD): 50 Gy], 93 pts had external beam pelvis RT (EBPRT) [MD: 45 Gy over 5 weeks] followed by vaginal brachytherapy [MD: 20 Gy], and 11 pts had EBPRT alone [MD: 50 Gy over 6 weeks]. Group II: 246 pts received preoperative utero-vaginal brachytherapy [MD: 65 Gy], and 32 of theses 246 pts also received postoperative EBPRT [MD: 45 Gy over 5 weeks] delivered to the parametric and the pelvic lymph nodes with a midline pelvic shield. The mean follow-up was 106 months.

RESULTS

The 10-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 80%. From 75 recurrences, 35 were isolated locoregional. Multivariate analysis showed that independent factors decreasing the probability of DFS were: both exo and endocervical tumour site (p = 0.047), lymph-vascular space invasion (p = 0.041), age < or = 51 yr (p = 0.013), 1995 FIGO staging system (stage IB1 vs stage IIA, p = 0.004, stage IB1 vs stage IB2, p = 0.0009, and stage IB1 vs stage IIB with 1/3 proximal parametrical infiltration, p = 0.00002), and histological pelvic involved lymph nodes (p = 0.00009). Methods of adjuvant RT did not influence the probability of DFS (group I vs group II, p = 0.10). The postoperative complication rate was 10.2% in group I and 8.9% in group II (p = 0.7) but the postoperative urethral complication rate necessitating surgical intervention with reimplantation was lower in group I than in group II (0.6% vs 2.3%, respectively, p = 0.03). The 10-year rate for grade 3 and 4 late radiation complications according to the LENT-SOMA scoring system was 10.4%. EPRT significantly increased the 10-year rate for grade 3 and 4 late radiation complications (yes vs no: 22% vs 7%, respectively, p = 0.0002).

CONCLUSION

In our series, the methods of adjuvant RT (primary surgery vs preoperative uterovaginal brachytherapy) do not seem to influence the prognosis of the stage IB, IIA, and IIB (with 1/3 proximal parametrical involvement only) cervical carcinomas. The postoperative EPRT applied according to histopathological risk factors after surgical treatment increases the risk of late radiation complications.

[Epidermoid carcinoma of the uterine cervix at operable bulky stages IB and II treated with combined primary radiation therapy and surgery]

PURPOSE

To identify prognostic factors and treatment toxicity in a series of operable bulky stages I and II cervical carcinomas treated with a therapeutic modality combining primary irradiation and surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between July 1982 and May 1996, 66 patients with bulky squamous-cell cervical carcinomas (stage IB2, IIA, and IIB with 1/3 proximal parametrial invasion) underwent primary external beam pelvic radiation therapy (37.40 Gy to 40 Gy over 4.5 weeks) and low-dose-rate uterovaginal brachytherapy (20 Gy) followed, 5 to 6 weeks later, by class II modified radical hysterectomy with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy. The four last patients received concomitant chemotherapy during the first and the fourth radiation week combining 5-FU and cisplatin. A clinical pelvic lymph node involvement had been observed in 7 patients. The clinical median tumor size was 5 cm in diameter (range: 4.5-8 cm). The median follow-up was 97 months.

RESULTS

Pathologic complete tumor response in specimen of hysterectomy were observed in 46 patients. Six patients had pathologic unilateral iliac lymph node involvement. The 5- and 10-year specific survival rates were 79 and 74%, respectively. The 5- and 10-year disease-free survival rates were 76% and 71%, respectively. The 10-year local control rate was 85%. The 10-year probability for pelvic recurrence was significantly influenced by the pathologic tumor response: 26% in the residual group vs 5% in the complete tumor response group, P = 0.024). After multivariate analysis, the independent factors decreasing the probability of disease-free survival were: pathologic pelvic lymph node involvement (P = 0.029), and parametrial invasion (P = 0.031). Five late severe complications requiring surgical intervention were observed: 2 bowel obstructions, 1 ureteral stenosis, 1 vesicovaginal fistula, and 1 radiation induced unilateral femoral necrosis.

CONCLUSION

A good local control is obtained after combined primary radiation therapy and surgery for bulky stages I and II cervical carcinomas. In our more recent practice, the treatment combines primary concomitant chemoradiation followed by surgery including pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy.

The American Brachytherapy Society recommendations for low-dose-rate brachytherapy for carcinoma of the cervix

PURPOSE

This report presents guidelines for using low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy in the management of patients with cervical cancer.

METHODS

Members of the American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) with expertise in LDR brachytherapy for cervical cancer performed a literature review, supplemented by their clinical experience, to formulate guidelines for LDR brachytherapy of cervical cancer.

RESULTS

The ABS strongly recommends that radiation treatment for cervical carcinoma (with or without chemotherapy) should include brachytherapy as a component. Precise applicator placement is essential for improved local control and reduced morbidity. The outcome of brachytherapy depends, in part, on the skill of the brachytherapist. Doses given by external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy depend upon the initial volume of disease, the ability to displace the bladder and rectum, the degree of tumor regression during pelvic irradiation, and institutional practice. The ABS recognizes that intracavitary brachytherapy is the standard technique for brachytherapy for cervical carcinoma. Interstitial brachytherapy should be considered for patients with disease that cannot be optimally encompassed by intracavitary brachytherapy. The ABS recommends completion of treatment within 8 weeks, when possible. Prolonging total treatment duration can adversely affect local control and survival. Recommendations are made for definitive and postoperative therapy after hysterectomy. Although recognizing that many efficacious LDR dose schedules exist, the ABS presents suggested dose and fractionation schemes for combining external beam radiotherapy with LDR brachytherapy for each stage of disease. The dose prescription point (point A) is defined for intracavitary insertions. Dose rates of 0.50 to 0.65 Gy/h are suggested for intracavitary brachytherapy. Dose rates of 0.50 to 0.70 Gy/h to the periphery of the implant are suggested for interstitial implant. Use of differential source activity or loading minimizes excessive central dose rates. These recommendations are intended only as guidelines. The responsibility for medical decisions ultimately rests with the treating radiation oncologist.

CONCLUSION

Guidelines are suggested for LDR brachytherapy for cervical cancer. Practitioners and cooperative groups are encouraged to use these guidelines to formulate their treatment and dose-reporting policies.

Gynecologic brachytherapy I: Proper incorporation of brachytherapy into the current multimodality management of carcinoma of the cervix

The incidence of carcinoma of the cervix has continuously declined over the past decades because of effective screening. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) clinical staging, though universally used, is considered inadequate either to determine the type of treatment or to predict treatment outcome. Over the last 10 years, treatment of cervical cancer has become increasingly sophisticated with advances in external beam and brachytherapy in the radiotherapeutic management of this carcinoma. In particular, brachytherapy plays a major role in enhancing both local control and survival. Experience to date suggests that either high-dose-rate (HDR) or low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy, when properly applied, can be effective and give similar rates of local control with minimal complications. This article analyzes the current literature regarding treatment techniques of radiotherapy with special emphasis on brachytherapy integration to optimize radiotherapy treatment outcome.

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.

Pilot study of concurrent cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and external beam radiotherapy prior to radical surgery +/- intraoperative electron beam radiotherapy in locally advanced cervical cancer

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to describe the feasibility of a combined preoperative chemoradiation program followed by radical surgery in advanced cervical cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From February 1988 to April 1997, 40 patients with carcinoma of the cervix were treated with preoperative external beam radiotherapy to 45 Gy in 5 weeks. Patients received concurrent continuous infusion cisplatin (20 mg/m2) and 5-fluorouracil (1500 mg) chemotherapy during the first (days 1-4) and fifth (days 22-25) weeks of the radiation course. Radical surgery was performed 4-6 weeks after the completion of the preoperative treatment. Intraoperative radiotherapy was given to 20 patients, based on intraoperative assessment.

RESULTS

Toxicity associated with chemoradiation was usually mild except in two patients who presented WHO grade 4 bone marrow aplasia. Three patients developed postoperative ureterovaginal fistula, and five patients developed long-term hydronephrosis that needed ureteral stenting. Clinical response was observed in 95% of the patients (55% complete response). The analysis of the surgical specimens revealed complete pathological response in 67.5% of the cases and partial pathological response in 32.5%. As expected, the degree of pathological response was predicted by the degree of clinical response (P = 0.001). Nine-year local control, distant metastases-free survival, disease-free survival, and overall survival were 86, 84, 81, and 85%, respectively. Patients displaying a complete pathological response had statistically significant improved local control (P = 0.004), distant metastases-free survival (P = 0.009), disease-free survival (P = 0.002), and overall survival (P = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

Cisplatin plus 5-fluorouracil preoperative chemoradiation is active and usually well tolerated in locally advanced carcinoma of cervix, inducing a high rate of clinical and pathological complete responses. When this therapy is followed by radical surgery, the local control rates are excellent, even in patients with advanced stages or poor response. These improved local control rates may be achievable only through extensive surgical resection, with a parallel increase in the complication rates.

Bulky, barrel-shaped cervical carcinoma (stages IB, IIA, IIB): the prognostic factors for pelvic control and treatment outcome

The purpose of this study was to assess the prognostic factors for pelvic control and the treatment outcome in bulky, barrel-shaped cervical carcinomas. Between September 1980 and December 1992, 65 patients with stage IB or stage IIA-B carcinoma of the uterine cervix classified as barrel-shaped or concentrically expanded (i.e., at least 5 cm in greatest diameter) were treated with curative intent. Forty patients had stage IB or stage IIA carcinoma (according to the classification of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics [FIGO]), and 25 patients had FIGO stage IIB carcinoma. Seventy-two percent of the patients were treated with radiotherapy (RT) alone and 28% with radiotherapy followed by extrafascial hysterectomy (RT + S). The median follow-up time of surviving patients was 68 months (range 33-172). Survival and control rates were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. The 10-year actuarial pelvic control rate was 75% for all patients. The likelihood of pelvic control was not affected by FIGO stage, tumor size, patient's age, histologic features, or treatment modality (RT vs. RT + S). The extent of tumor regression following external beam radiotherapy correlated with the likelihood of local control (p = 0.02). For patients treated with RT alone, increased brachytherapy dose was associated with an increased likelihood of local control. The 10-year actuarial overall and cause-specific survival rates were 53% and 68%, respectively, and did not differ significantly between treatment groups. It is concluded that for most patients with bulky cervical carcinoma, RT alone provides good local control and survival. However, for patients with tumors that respond poorly to external beam radiotherapy, local control and survival are poor. More aggressive treatment protocols should be considered for these patients. The routine use of adjuvant hysterectomy is not recommended.

Patterns of radiotherapy practice for patients with squamous carcinoma of the uterine cervix: patterns of care study

PURPOSE

To determine the impact of research findings and evolving technology on the patterns of radiotherapy practice for patients with carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Sixty-two radiation therapy facilities participated in the study after having been selected from a random sample, proportionally stratified according to practice type, of all United States facilities. Each facility submitted a list of patients treated during 1992-1994 with radiation for squamous carcinoma of the cervix. Cases for review were randomly selected from each institution after excluding those of patients who had distant metastases or initial hysterectomy. A total of 471 patients' records were reviewed in the treating institutions to obtain information about patients' characteristics, diagnostic evaluation, tumor extent, treatment approach, and radiotherapy techniques.

RESULTS

Of the 61 facilities that treated eligible cases of intact cervical cancer during the 3-year survey period, 35 (57%) treated fewer than three eligible patients per year. Thirty-four (83%) of 41 non-academic facilities vs. 1 (5%) of 20 academic facilities treated fewer than three patients per year. FIGO stages were I, II, III, and IV in 32%, 40%, 24%, and 3% of patients, respectively. Computed tomography (CT) was the most common method of lymph node evaluation, but surgical evaluation, which was performed in 76 (16%) patients, had increased from previous surveys. Fields were designed using a dedicated simulator in 95% of patients; a dedicated CT unit was used for treatment planning in 119 (30%) cases. External beam irradiation was most often given using a four-field technique at 180 cGy per day on a 10-20 MV linear accelerator. The average daily fraction size had decreased from previous surveys, and 13% of patients were treated with daily doses of 170 cGy or less. Most patients were treated with a combination of external beam and low dose-rate (LDR) intracavitary irradiation. Of 425 patients who had treatment with curative intent that included brachytherapy, 362 (85%) had LDR brachytherapy, 45 (11%) had high dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy, 3 had a combination of HDR and LDR, and 15 had incomplete information about the brachytherapy dose-rate. Forty-six (23%) of 197 patients with Stages I-IIA disease were treated with radiation followed by extrafascial hysterectomy. Of 111 patients treated with curative intent for Stage III-IV disease, 72 (65%) had a combination of external beam and intracavitary radiation therapy, 22 (20%) had external beam plus interstitial brachytherapy, and 17 (15%) were treated with external beam irradiation only. For patients who completed treatment with curative intent and did not have adjuvant hysterectomy or HDR brachytherapy, the median total dose at point A was 82.5 Gy. For all patients who completed treatment with radiation alone, the median total duration of treatment was 63 days; more than 70 days were taken to complete treatment in 33% of cases. Twenty-nine percent of patients received chemotherapy, usually concurrent with their radiation therapy. Only 27% of these patients were on investigational protocols.

CONCLUSIONS

Greater participation in well-designed prospective trials might help clinicians address important clinical questions and reduce current inconsistencies in the use of adjuvant treatments. Radiation oncologists should take steps to avoid unnecessary treatment protraction and to improve patient compliance. Future studies will be needed to determine whether the small number of cases being treated in most nonacademic facilities will influence the outcome for patients with invasive cervical carcinoma.

Tumor size, irradiation dose, and long-term outcome of carcinoma of uterine cervix

PURPOSE

To assess the impact of tumor size and extent, and dose of irradiation on pelvic tumor control, incidence of distant metastases, and disease-free survival in carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Records were reviewed of 1499 patients (Stages IA-IVA) treated with definitive irradiation (combination of external beam plus two intracavitary insertions to deliver doses of 65-95 Gy to point A, depending on stage and tumor volume). Follow-up was obtained in 98% of patients (median 11 years, minimum 3 years, maximum 30 years). The relationship between outcome and tumor size was analyzed in each stage. Pelvic tumor control was correlated with total doses to point A and to the lateral pelvic wall.

RESULTS

The 10-year actuarial pelvic failure rate in Stage IB was 5% for tumors <2 cm, 15% for 2.1-5 cm, and 35% for tumors >5 cm (p = 0.01); in Stage IIA, the rates were 0%, 28%, and 25%, respectively (p = 0.12). Stage IIB unilateral or bilateral nonbulky tumors <5 cm had a 23% pelvic failure rate compared with 34% for unilateral or bilateral bulky tumors >5 cm (p = 0.13). In Stage IIB, pelvic failures were 18% with medial parametrial involvement only, compared with 28% when tumor extended into the lateral parametrium (p = 0.05). In Stage III, unilateral parametrial involvement was associated with a 32% pelvic failure rate versus 50% for bilateral extension (p < 0.01). Ten-year disease-free survival rates were 90% for IB tumors <2 cm, 76% for 2.1-4 cm, 61% for 4.1-5 cm, and 47% for >5 cm (p = 0.01); in Stage IIA, the rates were 93%, 63%, 39%, and 59%, respectively (p < or = 0.01). Patients with Stage IIB medial parametrial involvement had better 10-year disease-free survival (67%) than those with lateral parametrial extension (56%) (p = 0.02). Stage III patients with unilateral tumor extension had a 48% 10-year disease-free survival rate compared with 32% for bilateral parametrial involvement (p < or = 0.01). The presence of endometrial extension or tumor only in the endometrial curettings had no significant impact on pelvic failure. However, in patients with Stage IB disease, the incidence of distant metastases was 31% with positive curettings, 15% with negative curettings, and 22% with admixture (p < or = 0.01). In Stage IIA, the corresponding values were 51%, 33%, and 18% (p = 0.05). The 10-year disease-free survival rates in Stage IB were 67% with positive curettings, 81% for negative curettings, and 77% for admixture (p = 0.02); in Stage IIA, the rates were 45%, 66%, and 67%, respectively (p = 0.14). Because this is not a prospective Phase II dose-escalation study, the correlation of doses of irradiation with pelvic tumor control in the various stages and tumor size groups is not consistent. Nevertheless, with Stage IB and IIA tumors <2 cm in diameter, the pelvic failure rate was under 10% with doses of 70-80 Gy to point A, whereas for larger lesions even doses of 85-90 Gy resulted in 25% to 37% pelvic failure rates. In Stage IIB with doses of 70 Gy to point A, the pelvic failure rate was about 50% compared with about 20% in nonbulky and 30% in bulky tumors with doses > 80 Gy. In Stage III unilateral lesions, the pelvic failure rate was about 50% with < or =70 Gy to point A versus 35% with higher doses, and in bilateral or bulky tumors it was 60% with doses <70 Gy and 50% with higher doses.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical stage and size of tumor are critical factors in prognosis, therapy efficacy, and evaluation of results in carcinoma of the uterine cervix. The doses to point A suggest that for lesions <2 cm, doses of 75 Gy result in < or =10% pelvic failures, whereas in more extensive lesions, even with doses of 85 Gy, the pelvic failure rate is about 30%; and in Stage IIB-III tumors, doses of 85 Gy result in 35-50% pelvic failures. Refinements in brachytherapy techniques and/or use of agents to selectively sensitize the tumors to irradiation will be necessary to improve the present results in invasive carcinoma of t

Radical radiotherapy for carcinoma of the uterine cervix using external beam radiotherapy and a single line source brachytherapy technique: the Clatterbridge technique

At the Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology, a single line source brachytherapy technique using the Selectron (Nucletron) low dose rate remote afterloading equipment has been developed for use in conjunction with homogenous whole pelvis external beam radiotherapy in the radical treatment of carcinoma of the cervix. The technique incorporates several modifications aimed at reducing treatment related morbidity while maintaining satisfactory local tumour control and cure rates. A flexible dose prescription system has been devised to allow individualization of the brachytherapy isodose distribution according to the clinical findings and the estimated normal tissue doses. Modifications of source loading distributions are carried out to limit the point "A" dose rate to a narrow range to take into account the dose rate effect on the risk of complications. Source loading distributions are also modified according to the estimated normal tissue doses in order to respect normal tissue tolerance. This paper describes the technique and its underlying principles.

Carcinoma of the intact uterine cervix treated with radiotherapy alone: a French cooperative study: update and multivariate analysis of prognostics factors

PURPOSE

To determine independent prognostic factors in a group of 1875 patients with invasive carcinoma of the intact uterine cervix treated with radiotherapy alone in a French cooperative study from 1970 to 1993.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients were staged according to the UICC-FIGO and MDAH substaging. The distribution per FIGO stage was Ia-Ib: 25.5%; IIa: 12%; IIb: 29%; IIIa: 5%; IIIb: 25%, and IV: 3.5%. Ninety-two percent had squamous cell carcinoma. The maximum diameter of the clinically detectable cervical disease was less than 3 cm in 24.5% of Stages I-II and in 10% of Stages III-IV, more than 5 cm in 13.5% of Stages I-II, and in 16% of Stages III-IV. Nodal involvement was shown on lymphangiogram in 16% of Stages I-II and in 32.5% of Stages III-IV.

RESULTS

1) Univariate analysis of Stages I and II: stage, cervical disease diameter, and nodal involvement are significant prognostic factors. Five-year specific survival rate (5ySS) is 83.5% in Stage Ib, 81% in IIa and 71% in IIb. Five-year disease-free survival rate (5yDFS) is 86% in tumors less of 3 cm, 76% in tumors of 3 to 5 cm, and 61.5% in tumor larger than 5 cm. Lymphangiogram strongly influences the 5-year pelvic disease-free survival rate (5yPDFS): respectively, 90% in nonpositive lymphangiogram vs. 65% when positive. A significant drop in specific and disease-free survival is observed (10 and 14%, respectively (p = 0.04) when comparing adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Age is a significant prognostic factor for specific survival because patients aged less than 30 years old have 91% vs. about 75% for patients over 30 years (p = 0.03). 2) Univariate analysis of Stages III-IV: Stage and positive lymphangiogram are predictive factors for relapse and death. The MDAH substaging is more reliable to predict the probability of pelvic disease-free survival in Stage III. At 5 years, the FIGO Stages IIIa and IIIb have a rather similar PDFS (65% vs. 59%). Conversely, the difference of survival rates between MDAH Stage IIIA and Stage IIIB is more demonstrative (69% vs. 47.5%). 3) Multivariate analysis (Cox P. H. R. model). Nodal involvement and stage remain significant for all three models in all stages (p < 0.0001). Age above 70 years influences specific survival for Stage I-II (p = 0.01). Tumors larger than 5 cm and adenocarcinoma also appear to be independent prognostic factors for specific and disease-free survival in Stage I-II (p = 0.05 and p = 0.005, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The relevance of tumor size (less or greater than 4 cm) is now recognized in the 1995 revised FIGO staging in Stage Ib but unfortunately not in other stages. Tumor size per stage and nodal status should be systematically recorded to allow a better prediction of failure rates and to compare literature reports.

Analysis of prognostic factors in stage IIB-IVA cervical carcinoma treated with radiation therapy: value of computed tomography

PURPOSE

To define the influence of the tumor size measured by computed tomography (CT) and lymph node involvement detected by CT in patients treated with radiation therapy for Stage IIB-IVA carcinoma of intact uterine cervix.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

This was a retrospective analysis of 233 patients with uterine cervical cancer managed with both external irradiation and high-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy (HDR-ICR) at Kanagawa Cancer Center. The results were analyzed for the end points of absolute survival (AS), disease-free survival (DFS), pelvic control (PC), and central control (CC). The parameters of stage, CT-measured anterior-posterior (AP) cervix size, and CT-detected lymph node metastases were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

The stage, AP cervix size, and lymph node involvement were significant pretreatment factors in univariate analysis with respect to AS, DFS, PC, and CC. Multivariate analysis confirmed that significant risk was associated with certain prognostic parameters. Those in terms of AS, in order of decreasing significance, were lymph node involvement, AP cervix size, age, and total HDR-ICR dose. When DFS was studied, lymph node involvement and AP cervix size were demonstrated to have a significant effect. Stage and lymph node involvement significantly affected PC.

CONCLUSION

Because the International Federation of Gynecological Obstetrics staging system fails to incorporate important prognostic information about tumor volume and lymph node involvement, CT-detected lymph node metastases as well as CT-measured cervix size should be determined as complementary additional prognostic measures.

Residual disease in the uterus after preoperative radiotherapy and hysterectomy in stage IB cervical carcinoma

Sixty-one patients with FIGO IB cervical cancer treated with planned preoperative radiotherapy (dose to point A: 52-93 Gy, mean 73 Gy) and hysterectomy from 1969 to 1993 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient characteristics and treatment parameters and their association with residual tumor in the hysterectomy specimen were analyzed. Glandular (adenocarcinoma and adenosquamous) tumors were smaller than squamous tumors: 6/11 (55%) were < 6 cm in diameter, versus 12/50 (24%) squamous tumors (p = 0.03). Glandular tumors had a higher incidence of residual disease: 10/11 (91%) versus 24/50 (48%) (p = 0.01). There was no association between presence of pathologic residual disease in the hysterectomy specimen and tumor size, morphology (endophytic vs. exophytic), patient age, dose to point A, time to deliver radiotherapy, or interval between radiotherapy and hysterectomy. Overall 34/61 (56%) patients had residual disease in their hysterectomy specimens after planned preoperative radiotherapy. There were significantly more glandular tumors than squamous tumors with residual disease, even though glandular tumors were a group of smaller tumors.

Treatment of carcinomas of the uterine cervix which remain bulky after initial external beam radiotherapy: a pilot study using integrated cytotoxic chemotherapy prior to brachytherapy

The use of cytotoxic chemotherapy (CT) between external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and intracavitary brachytherapy (BT) in patients with bulky carcinomas of the uterine cervix which regress poorly after initial EBRT has been evaluated in a pilot study. The aim of CT was to limit tumour clonogen repopulation while awaiting further tumour regression in order to improve the BT dose distribution. Between 1989 and 1992, 22 patients with FIGO Stage IIA, IIB and IIIB cervical carcinomas were given two to three cycles of cisplatin-based CT between EBRT and intracavitary BT. Patients were selected for CT if there was bulky residual tumour extending beyond the range of point "A" after completion of EBRT. The median survival of patients with Stage IIA/B and Stage IIIB disease was 24 months and 13 months, respectively. The 5 year actuarial survival rate for patients with Stage IIA/B disease was 42%. There were no long-term survivors among patients with Stage IIIB disease. Survival difference between Stage IIA/B patients and Stage IIIB patients was statistically significant (p < 0.04). 5 year actuarial pelvic control rates were 38% and 0% for Stage IIA/B and Stage IIIB patients, respectively. There were no serious late radiation complications in the entire study group. Bulky carcinomas of the cervix which respond poorly to initial EBRT have a particularly poor prognosis. For Stage IB-IIB patients with persistent bulky disease after EBRT, published reports suggest that a 5 year actuarial survival rate of around 40% can be obtained using higher doses of radiation alone, but the risk of serious late morbidity is considerable. The results of our study suggest that in Stage IIA/B carcinomas of the cervix which remain bulky after initial EBRT, the use of integrated cytotoxic chemotherapy prior to intracavitary BT can give similar 5 year survival rates but with minimal treatment related morbidity.

Cervical cancer (cervix uteri)

This synthesis of the literature on radiotherapy for cervical cancer (cervix uteri) is based on 59 scientific articles, including 8 randomized studies, 1 prospective study, and 36 retrospective studies. These studies involve 34,024 patients. Due to favorable anatomy and exceptionally good radiation tolerance of nearby pelvic organs, particularly the uterus, radiotherapy has become the dominant treatment method for cervical cancer. Surgery alone is used at the earliest stages where small tumor volumes are involved. Further pathological findings, where cancer is more extensive than expected preoperatively, or when lymph node metastases are discovered, motivate postoperative radiotherapy even at early stages. There is general agreement that advanced cervical cancer should be treated by radiotherapy alone. Clinical trials are under way that combine radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and even surgery. Two different methods of intracavitary brachytherapy are currently in use, low-dose rate therapy and high-dose rate therapy. High-dose rate therapy appears to be economically more favorable. The possibility of higher risks for later complications associated with high-dose rate therapy has not been fully studied.

Time course and incidence of late complications in patients treated with radiation therapy for FIGO stage IB carcinoma of the uterine cervix

PURPOSE

To determine the time course and incidence of late complications from radiation therapy in patients treated with radiation for FIGO Stage IB carcinoma of the uterine cervix, and to evaluate patient and tumor factors associated with an increased probability of treatment complications.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The medical records of 1784 patients with FIGO Stage IB cervical carcinoma who were treated with initial radiation therapy between 1960 and 1989 were retrospectively reviewed. Follow-up was obtained from clinic visits and correspondence with patients and their physicians. Treatment complications were graded retrospectively. Complication rates were calculated actuarially; patients who died of disease or intercurrent illness without experiencing a major complication were censored at the time of death. There were 1241, 924, 548, and 274 patients followed for more than 5, 10, 15, and 20 years, respectively.

RESULTS

Of patients treated for Stage IB cervical carcinoma, 7.7% and 9.3% had experienced major (> or = Grade 3) complications at 3 and 5 years, respectively. After 5 years, there was a small but continuous risk of approximately 0.34% per year, resulting in an overall actuarial risk of having had major complications of 14.4% at 20 years. The risk of developing major urinary tract complications was approximately 0.7% per year for the first 3 years of follow-up, decreasing to about 0.25% per year for at least 25 years. In contrast, the risk of developing rectal complications was about 1% per year during the first 2 years, with a subsequent sharp decline to about 0.06% per year between Years 2 and 25. The risk of fistula formation was approximately doubled in the 234 patients who underwent adjuvant extrafascial hysterectomy (5.3 vs. 2.6% at 20 years; p = 0.04) and in the 111 patients who had pretreatment laparotomy (5.2 vs. 2.9%; p = 0.007). The risk of developing small bowel obstruction was increased in patients who underwent pretreatment laparotomy (14.5 vs. 3.7% at 10 years; p < 0.0001) and in patients who weighed < 120 pounds (8.2 vs. 3.6%; p = 0.004), but was not increased in patients who underwent adjuvant hysterectomy. A significantly greater risk of gastrointestinal complications was observed in black and non-Hispanic white patients than in Hispanic women (p = 0.01), even though there was no difference in the rate of developing urinary tract complications (p = 1.0). There was no correlation between the actuarial risk of developing major complications and the patients' age at the time of treatment, but the cumulative risk was greater for patients who were treated at a young age because these patients were more likely to survive to be exposed to a very long period of risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Using techniques described by Fletcher and Delclos, the risk of major complications from aggressive irradiation for Stage IB carcinoma of the cervix is low and does not warrant compromises in the intensity of treatment that might decrease the high cure rates achieved in such patients. The long time course of some late complications also suggests that continued surveillance of survivors, by physicians experienced in the diagnosis and management of the sequelae of the curative radiation treatment of cervical cancer, is important.

Prognostic factors for local and distant recurrence in stage I and II cervical carcinoma

PURPOSE

The effects of tumor size, parametrial involvement, and other variables on treatment outcome for patients with Federation Internationale de Gynecologie et d'Obstetrique (FIGO) Stage I or II cervical carcinoma, as well as treatment complications, were analyzed retrospectively.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Records of 125 patients with FIGO Stage I or II carcinoma of the uterine cervix selected for curative radiotherapy between January 1980 and December 1990 were reviewed. Twelve patients (9.9%) underwent adjuvant extrafascial hysterectomy and 8 patients (6.4%) received chemotherapy. Median age was 55 years. Median follow-up time was 40 months, and minimum follow-up time was 24 months. The data were analyzed for site of first relapse, survival, overall incidence of complications, and incidence of grade 4 complications.

RESULTS

The overall 5-year survival was: Stage IA: 100%, Stage IB: 72%, Stage IIA: 90%, and Stage IIB: 72%. The 5-year survival with no evidence of disease (NED) was: Stage IA: 100%, Stage IB: 67%, Stage IIA: 90%, and Stage IIB: 50%. Patients with bulky (> 5 cm) tumors had a shorter overall and NED survival than patients with nonbulky tumors (53% vs. 83%; p = 0.0008 and 44% vs. 78%; p = 0.0001, respectively). Thirty-nine tumor recurrences (39 out of 125 = 31%) occurred and were scored as local (23 out of 125 = 18.3%), if initial failure had a local component, or distant (16 out of 125 = 12.7%), if initial failure was distant only. Patients with bulky (more than 5 cm) tumors (32 out of 125) were more likely to experience a recurrence (18 out of 32 = 56%) than patients with nonbulky tumors (21 out of 93 = 22%; p = 0.0004). The initial site of recurrence was more likely to be local for bulky tumors (14 out of 18 = 78%) than for nonbulky tumors (9 out of 21 = 43%; p = 0.03). The probability of a recurrence increased with the number of involved parametria (none: 20 out of 78 = 25%; one: 12 out of 34 = 35%; two: 7 out of 13 = 54%; p = 0.04 for linear trend), as did the probability that the initial failure was distant rather than local (none: 4 out of 20 = 20%; one: 7 out of 12 = 58%; two: 5 out of 7 = 71%; p = 0.01 for linear trend). Positive lymph nodes, vessel invasion, and low hemoglobin level all correlated with an increased risk of a recurrence (RR 2.41, p = 0.004; RR 2.20, p = 0.01; OR 2.02, p = 0.01, respectively). There were 46 complications among 37 (29%) patients. The incidence of grade 4 complications was 8.8% (11 out of 125). History of pelvic surgery and bulky tumor were significant predictors of a grade 4 complication (p < 0.0001 and 0.021, respectively). Also, a dose rate to point A of > 0.6 Gy/h increased the chance of a grade 4 complication (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

For patients with FIGO Stage I or II cervical carcinoma, tumor size was more predictive of local recurrence than was overall stage, and the extent of parametrial involvement was strongly predictive of distant recurrence, as was the stage. These findings suggest that tumor size and extent of parametrial involvement should be incorporated into the staging system. Patients with bulky tumors had a shorter survival and were more likely to experience a grade 4 toxicity of therapy. Dose rate to point A of > 0.6 Gy/h was associated with the increased risk of grade 4 complications.

Prognostic factors in patients with cervix cancer treated by radiation therapy: results of a multiple regression analysis

A retrospective analysis of 965 patients with invasive cervix cancer treated by radiation therapy between 1976 and 1981 was performed in order to evaluate prognostic factors for disease-free survival (DFS) and pelvic control. FIGO stage was the most powerful prognostic factor followed by radiation dose and treatment duration (P values = 0.0001). If the analysis was limited to patients treated with radical doses of 75 Gy or more, dose was no longer significant. Young age at diagnosis, non-squamous histology and transfusion during treatment were also adverse prognostic factors for survival and control. Para-aortic nodal involvement on lymphogram was associated with a reduction in DFS (P = 0.0027), whereas pelvic lymph node involvement alone was not. In patients with Stage I and IIA disease, tumour size was the most powerful prognostic factor for survival (P = 0.0001) and the extent of pelvic sidewall involvement was significant in patients with Stage III tumours (P = 0.007). Histological grade appeared to be a predictive factor but was only recorded in 712 patients. These features should be considered in the staging of patients and in the design of clinical trials.

Irradiation alone or combined with surgery in stage IB, IIA, and IIB carcinoma of uterine cervix: update of a nonrandomized comparison

PURPOSE

Definitive radiation therapy alone or combined with surgery in carcinoma of the uterine cervix yields comparable tumor control and survival in Stages I and IIA when patients are adequately treated with either modality. Our 30-year institutional experience is described.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

This is a nonrandomized comparison of treatment results of 415 patients with Stage IB, 137 with Stage IIA, and 340 with Stage IIB carcinoma of the uterine cervix treated with irradiation alone and 197 with Stage IB, 44 with Stage IIA, and 65 with limited Stage IIB treated with pre- or postoperative irradiation and surgery. Irradiation alone consisted of a combination of external beam therapy and intracavitary insertions to deliver doses of 70 to 85 Gy to point A for patients with Stages IB and IIA disease and 80 to 90 Gy for patients with bulky or Stage IIB tumors. For patients treated with irradiation and surgery, various combinations of external beam and intracavitary therapy were used to deliver 60 to 75 Gy to point A. Surgical procedures consisted of radical hysterectomy with or without lymph node dissection in 130 patients with Stage IB, 28 patients with Stage IIA, and 10 patients with limited Stage IIB. Fifty-seven patients had total abdominal or conservative hysterectomy with or without lymph node dissection, and 3 had vaginal hysterectomy. In addition, 51 patients with Stage IIB tumors underwent pelvic lymphadenectomy after definitive irradiation.

RESULTS

The 5-year cause-specific survival (CSS) rates for patients with Stage IB nonbulky tumors treated with irradiation alone or irradiation combined with surgery were 90 and 85%, respectively, and the 10-year survival rate was 84% with either modality. In patients with bulky tumors (> 5 cm), the 5-year CSS rates were 61% with irradiation alone and 63% with irradiation plus surgery; at 10 years the rates were 61 and 68%, respectively (p = 0.5). For those with Stage IIA nonbulky tumors, the 5-year CSS rates were 75% with irradiation alone and 83% with combined irradiation and surgery, and 10-year CSS rates were 66 and 71%, respectively. In patients with Stage IIA bulky tumors, the 5-year CSS rates were 69% with irradiation alone and 60% with irradiation plus surgery, and at 10 years, 69 and 44%, respectively (p = 0.05). In patients with Stage IIB nonbulky tumors treated with irradiation alone or combined with surgery, the 5- and 10-year CCS rates were 72 and 65%, respectively; the corresponding survival rates with bulky tumors or bilateral parametrial involvement were 56 and 50%. Incidence of pelvic failures, alone or with distant metastasis, for Stage IB was 10% (43 out of 415) with irradiation alone and 14% (28 of 197) with irradiation plus surgery; for Stage IIA, 17% (23 out of 137) with irradiation alone and 20% (9 our of 44) with irradiation plus surgery; and for Stage IIB, 23% (88 out of 391) with irradiation alone and 29% (4 out of 14) with irradiation plus surgery. Grade 3 sequelae were comparable in both groups (irradiation alone, 5% to 11%; irradiation combined with surgery, 8% to 12%); the differences are not statistically significant. The most frequent major sequelae in 892 patients receiving irradiation only were rectovaginal fistula (13 cases, 1.5%), proctitis (10, 1.1%), small bowel obstruction (16, 1.8%), ureteral stricture (16, 1.8%), and vesicovaginal fistula (8, 0.9%). In 306 patients treated with irradiation plus surgery, the most commonly recorded major sequelae were small bowel obstruction/perforation (13 cases, 4.2%), ureteral stricture (8, 2.6%), vesicovaginal fistula (5, 1.6%), and rectovaginal fistula (4, 1.3%).

CONCLUSION

Irradiation alone or combined with surgery yields comparable pelvic tumor control, survival, and morbidity in patients with Stage IB, IIA, and limited IIB carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

Carcinoma of the cervix: predictive value of clinical and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging assessment of prognostic factors

PURPOSE

This retrospective study assesses the predictive value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify high risk cervical cancer patients.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The MRI evaluation of morphologic risk factors in patients with invasive cervical carcinoma treated with definitive radiation therapy were correlated with clinical factors and with complete tumor regression (CTR) at 6 months, tumor local control (TLC), and patient outcome at 12 months after irradiation. Sixty-six patients, median age 44.5 years, with bulky Stage I or greater disease were included in the study.

RESULTS

In univariate analysis, clinical International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage had significant correlation with patient outcome, but it correlated poorly with complete tumor regression and tumor local control. In contrast, MRI stage showed significant correlation with complete tumor regression, tumor local control, and disease-free survival at 12 months. When each stage was analyzed separately, the greatest difference was demonstrated between clinical and MRI assignment of stage Ib disease. MRI Stage Ib disease significantly correlated with all three categories analyzed, while clinical Stage Ib did not. Superiority of MRI assessment of low stage disease was also evident in the detection of lymph node metastasis. Significant risk for nodal metastasis was related to tumor size greater than 4 cm, invasion of the parametria and urinary bladder, and stage of the disease.

CONCLUSION

The multivariate analysis demonstrated that the most related variables in order of significance were the presence of juxta-regional and paraaortic lymph nodes, patient age, tumor size, and MRI tumor stage. This study demonstrates the value of MR imaging as an adjunct to clinical assessment of bulky invasive cervical cancer, rendering more complete assessment of morphologic risk factors important in patient prognosis.

Bulky endocervical carcinoma: a 23-year experience

Between 1962 and 1985, 371 patients had initial treatment for bulky endocervical carcinomas of the uterine cervix at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. All patients had concentric expansion of the cervix by tumors that measured at least 6 cm in greatest transverse diameter. Of the 361 patients treated with curative intent, 211 (57%) had FIGO Stage I disease that was believed to be confined to the uterus, 59 (16%) had FIGO Stage IIA disease, and 101 patients (27%) had FIGO Stage IIB disease. Median follow-up time of surviving patients was 130 months. Actuarial survival rates of 361 patients treated with curative intent were 54% and 48% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. The actuarial pelvic disease control rate was 76% at 10 years. Patients whose tumors were less than 8 cm in maximum diameter (279 patients) had a better survival rate than those with tumors greater than or equal to 8 cm in diameter (92 patients) (p less than 0.01). Of the 282 patients who underwent lymphangiography, survival rate was significantly better for those with negative studies than it was for the 113 patients (40%) with positive or suspicious studies (p less than 0.01). There was no correlation between FIGO stage and survival rate (p = 0.64) or pelvic control rate (p = 0.59). Of patients treated with curative intent, treatment was by radiation alone (RT) in 244 (68%) or by radiation followed by hysterectomy (RT+S) in 117 (32%). Although there has been an overall shift in policy away from the use of adjuvant hysterectomy during the past decade, many patient selection factors also influenced the choice of treatment during the study years, resulting in a significantly higher proportion of patients with adverse prognostic features in the RT group. Patients chosen for treatment with RT alone had a greater likelihood of having tumors greater than or equal to 8 cm (p = 0.03), FIGO stage IIB (p less than 0.01), positive lymphangiogram (p = 0.02), and persistent palpable parametrial disease after external radiotherapy (p less than 0.01). Patients treated with RT alone also had a lower overall survival rate at 10 years than patients treated with RT+S (45% vs 64%, p less than 0.01). Although multivariate analysis suggested that treatment had an independent influence upon survival rate, it was difficult to draw firm conclusions about the value of adjuvant surgery because of the numerous biases in patient selection, some of which may have been difficult to quantify.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Stage IB or IIA-B carcinoma of the intact uterine cervix treated with irradiation: a multivariate analysis

Although treatment results for Stage IB-IIA-B carcinoma of the cervix are generally stratified only by stage, several authors have found that other parameters such as tumor size, patient age, histology, and pretreatment hematocrit may influence pelvic control and/or survival. This is an analysis of 306 patients with carcinoma of the cervix treated with irradiation alone at the University of Florida between October 1964 and June 1984. Results were analyzed for the end points of pelvic control, distant metastasis, relapse-free survival, and overall survival. Stage for stage, there was a decrease of at least 20 percentage points in pelvic control rates of tumors greater than or equal to 6 cm versus those of tumors 0 to 3 cm in diameter, by univariate analysis; a similar pattern was also observed for the end point of relapse-free survival. When patients were stratified by Stages IB-IIA (greater than or equal to 6 cm and less than 6 cm) and IIB (greater than or equal to 6 and less than 6 cm), there was a clear pattern of improved pelvic control and relapse-free survival for patients over 50 years old and for patients with pretreatment hematocrits greater than 40%. The parameters of stage, tumor size, patient age, histology, and pretreatment hematocrit were evaluated in a multivariate analysis. For the end points of pelvic control, distant metastasis, and relapse-free survival, only tumor size was of independent prognostic significance for all three end points with p-values of 0.022, 0.003, and 0.0006, respectively. Stage did not show independent prognostic significance for any of these end points with p-values of 0.257, 0.878, and 0.284, respectively. The data suggest that tumor size is an important prognostic factor and should be incorporated into the reporting of cervical cancer treatment results.