Concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cervical cancer

Objective: To compare the results obtained following treatment, from a group of patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (Stage IB or higher) treated with concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy in relation to a group of patients treated exclusively with radiotherapy.

Material and method: All patients treated with concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy at the Gynaecologic Oncology Unit of the University Hospital Materno Infantil of the Canaries between 1999 and 2000, both inclusive, were included. The first group to be considered was formed by patients who received combined treatment. The second group of patients received radiotherapy exclusively, having been treated in previous years (1997-1998 period). The results were compared in relation to survival in the two following years from treatment (2000-2001) in the group of combined treatment and years 1999-2000 in the group that received only radiotherapy. To compare the survival of both groups the chi-square test and Odds Ratio were utilised.

Results: The groups compared are homogeneous when looking at the stage of the disease when diagnosed, the histological type of tumour and its degree of cellular differentiation, the CAT results and tumoral markers. Survival of more than two years was observed in the group treated with concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy in relation to the group treated exclusively with radiotherapy; chi-square 9.92, p < 0.01, OR: 0.1 (0.01-0.6).

Cervical cancer; Chemotherapy

[1] LloretM., Falcon O., Lara P. C.: "Carcinoma Infiltrante de cervix· de los aspectos clfnicos a la investigaci6n aplicada". 2001, 13.

[2] Landoni F., Maneo A., Colombo A., Placaa F., Milani R., Perego P.: "Randomised study of radical surgical vs. radiotherapy for stage IB-IIA cervical cancer". Lancet, 1997, 350, 535.

[3] National Cancer Institute. Concurrent cisplatin-based radiotherapy and chemotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer". N. Engl Med., 1999, 340, 1144.

[4] "Pelvic radiation with Concurrent Chemotherapy Compared with pelvic and paraaortic radiation for High Risk Cervical Cancer". N. Engl. Med., 1999, 340, 1137.

[5] "Cisplatin Radiation and Adjuvant Hysterectomy Compared with Radiation and Adjuvant Hysterectomy for Bulky Stage IB Cervical Carcinoma". N. Engl. Med., 1999, 340, 1154.

[6] Green J., Kirwan J., Tierney J. F.: "Survival and recurrence after concomitant chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer of the uterine cervix: a systematic review and meta - analysis". Lancet, 2001, 358, 781.

[7] "A randomised trial of standard versus partially hyperfractionated therapy with or without concurrent 5FU in locally advanced cervical cancer". Gynecol. Oneal., I 998, 69, 137.