Glassy cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix: 20-year experience from a comprehensive cancer center

Abstract

PurposeGlassy cell carcinoma (GCC) of the uterine cervix is a rare entity. This study aims at describing the clinical characteristics and outcomes of cervical GCC patients treated in a comprehensive cancer center. Material and methodsWe retrospectively reported patients and tumors characteristics, therapeutic management, overall survival (OS), progression-free progression (PFS), relapse rates, and toxicities. ResultsBetween 1994 and 2014, 55 patients were treated with curative intent. The median age at diagnosis was 41 years (range, 20–68). Among 22 patients with early stage tumors (IA2-IB1-IIA1), 17 had preoperative brachytherapy, followed by radical hysterectomy. Among 33 patients with locally advanced disease (≥IB2), 32 underwent chemoradiation±brachytherapy boost. After a median follow-up of 5.4 years (range, 0.15–21.7 years), 18/55 (33%) patients experienced tumor relapse. Local recurrence occurred in 2/22 (9%) patients with early disease (treated with upfront surgery) and in 3/32 (9%) patients with locally advanced disease. Most frequent relapses were distant, occurring in a total of 11/55 patients (20%). PFS rates at 5-year were 86.4% (95% CI: 63.4–95.4) for early stage versus 75.9% (95% CI: 55.2–89.2) for locally advanced stages, respectively (P=0.18). ConclusionLarge cohort data are warranted to guide the optimal management of GCC. From this retrospective analysis, a multimodal approach yielded to good disease control in early stages tumors. Given the high-risk of distant failure, consideration should be given to adjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced disease.