Management of cervical cancer

Abstract

Aims The aim of the article was to review the current approach to management of cervical cancer. Methods The relevant literature has served as a source for review of different options applied in the management of cervical cancer. Results Treatment of invasive cervical cancer is affected by the stage of the disease, which is based on clinical evaluation. Microinvasive carcinoma of the cervix has limited metastatic potential and therefore is most likely curable by non-radical treatment. There is no standard management of stage Ib–IIa cervical carcinoma. Both radical surgery and radical radiotherapy have proven to be equally effective, but differ in associated morbidity and complications. Most often, stage Ib1 cervical cancer is treated by radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy. Laparoscopically assisted radical vaginal hysterectomy has shown similar efficacy and recurrence rates. Radical vaginal trachelectomy with laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy may be an option in small cervical cancer where preservation of fertility is desired. There is lot of conflicting published work regarding the treatment of bulky stage Ib–IIa cervical cancer. While some centers are performing primary surgery as for Ib1 disease followed by tailored postoperative radiation with or without chemotherapy, the others are in favor of primary chemo-radiation therapy. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical surgery has emerged as a possible alternative, which may improve a survival in patients with stage Ib2 disease. Concomitant chemoradiation is becoming a new standard in treatment of advanced disease, because it has been clearly shown to improve disease-free, progression-free and overall survival. Management of recurrent disease depends on previous treatment, site and extent of recurrence, disease-free interval and patient's performance status. Conclusions Treatment decisions should be individualized and based on multiple factors including the stage of the disease, age, medical condition of the patient, tumor-related factors and treatment preferences, to yield the best cure with minimum complications.