Radiation therapy of cervical cancer. New developments.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Invasive carcinoma of the cervix will be diagnosed in 13,500 women in the USA in 1992, of which a significant number will require radiation therapy.

METHODS:

Based on available information one can define optimal workup and staging, optimal radiation therapy, and the possibilities of interaction of radiation with surgery and chemotherapy in these cases.

RESULTS:

The pelvic tumor control rates achieved with radiation therapy can reach close to 100% in subclinical tumor (Stage IA), range from 91-98% in Stage IB, but can be as low as 25-34% in Stage IVA. Survival is affected by the presence of metastatic tumor deposits outside the pelvis, which when present in the inguinal or para-aortic nodal regions can be controlled with irradiation. The 5-year survival can be as high as 92% for carcinoma of the cervix Stage I and as low as 28% in Stage III.

CONCLUSIONS:

Radiation therapy can control the tumor in the pelvis in approximately 90% of patients with Stage I carcinoma of the cervix, but in only approximately 25% in patients with Stage IV disease. To increase tumor control, research is being conducted combining irradiation with chemotherapy, radiation sensitizers, hyperthermia, and new modalities such as neutron irradiation. Prophylactic para-aortic node irradiation is justified in some stages of the disease.

• Authors: V A Marcial, L V Marcial
• Journal: Cancer (Cancer) Vol. 71 Issue 4 Suppl Pg. 1438-45 (Feb 15 1993) ISSN: 0008-543X [Print] United States
• PMID: 8431877 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents

Topics

• Adult
• Antineoplastic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Combined Modality Therapy
• Female
• Humans
• Lymphatic Metastasis
• Neoplasm Staging
• Prognosis
• Survival Analysis
• Treatment Outcome
• Uterine Cervical Neoplasms (mortality, pathology, radiotherapy, therapy)