Comparison of definitive cervical cancer management with concurrent chemotherapy and radiation between two centers with variable resources and opportunities for improved treatment delivery.

Abstract

5534 Background: Cervical cancer remains a global health challenge particularly in low to middle income countries with under resourced healthcare systems. We present the experiences of two centers practicing in variable resource environments to determine predictors of improved radiochemotherapy outcomes. Methods: This retrospective review describes baseline demographic and clinicopathologic characteristics of cervical cancer patients treated with concurrent chemotherapy and radiation between 2014 and 2017 at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Center (NRONMC) in Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana and Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA. Results: Ghanaian patients presented at an older median age (56 vs. 49 years, p < 0.001), with predominantly stage IIIB disease (43% vs. 16%, p < 0.001) and squamous cell histology (89% vs. 79%, p < 0.001). Median treatment duration was longer for Ghanaian patients (58 vs. 52 days, p < 0.001). Ghanaian patients were less likely to receive concurrent chemotherapy (68% vs. 100%, p < 0.001) and interstitial brachytherapy implants (0 vs 19%, p < 0.001). No Ghanaian patients received a radiation boost to pelvic or paraortic lymph nodes (p < 0.001). Ghanaian patients had lower local control (64% vs. 93%, p < 0.001) and overall survival (82% vs. 95%, p = 0.02) at 24 months, respectively. For stages IB, IIA, IIB, IIIB, 24 month local control rates for NRONMC vs. Moffitt patients were (60% vs. 93%; p = 0.05), (89% vs. 100%; p = 0.35), (91% vs. 91%; p = 0.89), (53% vs. 91%; p = 0.02) and 24 month OS rates were (85% vs. 100%; p = 0.06), (100% vs. 100%; p = 0.48), (85% vs. 96%; p = 0.2), (73% vs. 91%; p = 0.24), respectively. Treatment duration > 55 days predicted poorer overall survival on multivariable analysis (MVA). Stage ≥III disease predicted poorer local control on MVA. Conclusions: Significant differences were noted in treatment and disease characteristics between the two centers. Feasible improvements for patients treated at NRONMC include removing financial barriers to chemotherapy access, improving radiotherapy delivery capacity to reduce treatment delays, and screening programs to reduce advanced disease presentation.