Early Invasive Cervical Cancer Research Articles

EP20.16: Reproductive and obstetric outcomes after radical trachelectomy in patients with early invasive uterine cervical cancer

EP20.16: Reproductive and obstetric outcomes after radical trachelectomy in patients with early invasive uterine cervical cancer

Survival outcome and prognostic factors post inadvertent hysterectomy in carcinoma cervix treated with salvage chemo-radiation.

The standard of care for treating early invasive cervical cancer is radical hysterectomy or radiation alone while chemo-radiation is a definitive treatment for advanced disease. Occasionally, a simple hysterectomy is performed in the cancer cervix and these patients merit adjuvant treatment in view of the high chances of loco-regional recurrences. The aim of the study was to analyze the survival outcome of these patients treated with salvage chemo-radiotherapy and also to determine the prognostic factors affecting survival. The medical records of all patients with cervical cancer post simple hysterectomy outside and who received salvage treatment in our department between 2014 and 2020 were retrieved. The data regarding clinical, treatment details and survival were analyzed. A total of 198 patients were included. Median follow-up duration was 45.5months. Gross disease and lymphadenopathy were seen in 60% and 28% patients, respectively. The 5-year progression-free survival(PFS) and overall survival(OS) was 75% and 76%, respectively. Concurrent chemotherapy alone or in combination with induction chemotherapy using three-drug regimens showed better survival compared to those treated by radiation alone. On multivariate analysis, factors found to be adversely affecting OS and PFS were lymph node (LN) size of more than 2cm, non-squamous histology, overall treatment time(OTT) of more than 12weeks and use of non three-drug chemotherapy regimen. Subtotal hysterectomy results in a higher incidence of local recurrence of disease. Factors that impair the outcome in this sub-group of patients are gross lymphadenopathy, non-squamous histology and prolong OTT.

Circulating HPV DNA as a Biomarker for Pre-Invasive and Early Invasive Cervical Cancer: A Feasibility Study.

High-risk HPV infection is responsible for >99% of cervix cancers (CC). In persistent infections that lead to cancer, the tumour breaches the basement membrane, releasing HPV-DNA into the bloodstream (cHPV-DNA). A next-generation sequencing assay (NGS) for detection of plasma HPV circulating DNA (cHPV-DNA) has demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in patients with locally advanced cervix cancers. We hypothesised that cHPV-DNA is detectable in early invasive cervical cancers but not in pre-invasive lesions (CIN). Blood samples were collected from patients with CIN (n = 52) and FIGO stage 1A-1B CC (n = 12) prior to treatment and at follow-up. DNA extraction from plasma, followed by NGS, was used for the detection of cHPV-DNA. None of the patients with pre-invasive lesions were positive for CHPV-DNA. In invasive tumours, plasma from one patient (10%) reached the threshold of positivity for cHPV-DNA in plasma. Low detection of cHPV-DNA in early CC may be explained by small tumour size, poorer access to lymphatics and circulation, and therefore little shedding of cHPV-DNA in plasma at detectable levels. The detection rate of cHPV-DNA in patients with early invasive cervix cancer using even the most sensitive of currently available technologies lacks adequate sensitivity for clinical utility.

Terminology for cone dimensions after local conservative treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and early invasive cervical cancer: 2022 consensus recommendations from ESGO, EFC, IFCPC, and ESP.

Local cervical treatment for squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) removes or ablates a cone-shaped or dome-shaped part of the cervix that contains abnormal cells. This Series paper introduces the 2022 terminology for cone dimensions after local conservative treatment for SIL, CIN, or early invasive cervical cancer. The terminology was prepared by the Nomenclature Committee of the European Society of Gynaecologic Oncology, the European Federation for Colposcopy, the International Federation of Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy, and the European Society of Pathology. Cone length should be tailored to the type of transformation zone. Treatment of SIL or CIN is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, which escalates with increasing cone length. There is a lack of agreement regarding terms used to report excised specimen dimensions both intraoperatively and in the pathology laboratory. Consensus is needed to make studies addressing effectiveness and safety of SIL or CIN treatment comparable, and to facilitate their use to improve accuracy of antenatal surveillance and management. This Series paper summarises the current terminology through a review of existing literature, describes new terminology as agreed by a group of experts from international societies in the field of cervical cancer prevention and treatment, and recommends use of the new terminology that will facilitate communication between clinicians and foster more specific treatment guidelines that balance obstetrical harm against therapeutic effectiveness.

Coordinated efforts to harmonise gynaecological cancer care.

Gynaecological cancers are among the most prevalent cancers in women worldwide. The types of cancers included in this group include cervical cancer, elimination of which has become a global goal in cancer control over the past two decades due to effective human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and screening programmes, and ovarian cancer, which still generally presents at a late stage due to a lack of effective screening tests and for which outcomes can be poor. In view of the prevalence of these cancers and the substantial burden these diseases have on women around the world, coordinated efforts are still very much needed to optimise treatment of women's cancers. In this issue of The Lancet Oncology, we publish a Series of two papers related to gynaecological cancers. In the first paper, Ignace Vergote and colleagues present the consensus recommendations from the sixth Gynecologic Cancer InterGroup (GCIG) Ovarian Cancer Consensus Conference on Clinical Research. In the second paper, Maria Kyrgiou and colleagues present the 2022 consensus recommendations on the terminology for cone dimensions after local conservative treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and early invasive cervical cancer, in a concerted effort from the European Society of Gynaecologic Oncology, the European Federation for Colposcopy, the International Federation of Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy, and the European Society of Pathology.

Does radical trachelectomy (RT) during pregnancy have higher obstetrical and oncological risks than RT before pregnancy?

Radical trachelectomy (RT) with pelvic lymphadenectomy has become a new treatment option for young patients with uterine cervical cancer stages 1A2-1B1 who desire the preservation of their fertility. However, the application of RT for pregnant patients is still controversial. We comparatively studied both obstetrical and oncological outcomes of pregnant patients who underwent vaginal RT during pregnancy and those who underwent vaginal RT before pregnancy. Both obstetrical and oncological results of eight patients who underwent vaginal RT with pelvic lymphadenectomy during pregnancy in our institute between 2010 and 2020 (Group A), and ten pregnant patients who underwent vaginal RT with pelvic lymphadenectomy before pregnancy during the same period (Group B) were reviewed based on their medical charts. There were neither significant differences in blood loss, surgical time, or surgical completeness between Group A and Group B, nor were there significant differences in obstetrical outcomes between the two groups. However, two of the eight patients in Group A had recurrence of the cancer. None of the patients in Group B has shown any signs of recurrence thus far. Vaginal RT during pregnancy does not affect the obstetrical prognoses of patients with early invasive uterine cervical cancer, and it might be a tolerable treatment modality for them. However, oncologically, it should be performed carefully as there is a risk of recurrence.

Surgery for Early Stage Invasive Cervical Cancer. Experience of the Oncology Department of Ledantec Hospital

Background: Surgery is the treatment for early-stage cervical cancer. Radiochemotherapy is used in the treatment of locally advanced stages. But the choice of treatment can be difficult. Objective: The objective of this work was to evaluate the therapeutic aspects of cervical cancer in the early stages IA to IIA in the oncology department of A Ledantec Hospital in Dakar. Patients and methods: This was a descriptive retrospective study, from January 2015 to December 2020, in the oncology department of A Ledantec Hospital, including all the patients who had been treated for early-stage invasive cervical cancer. Results: We included 28 patients. The average age was 49.54 years old. There were 11 patients (39.3%) with a stage ≤ IB1. Surgery was the first in 14 patients (50%). The initial approach was a midline supra and subumbilical laparotomy. The surgery was R0 in 65.22%. Postoperative complications were found in 4 patients including 1 case of operative wound suppuration, 1 case of dysuria, 1 case of postoperative eventration and 1 case of rectovaginal fistula. Concomitant Radiochemotherapy was neoadjuvant in 7 cases (25%), adjuvant in 14 cases (50%). The chemotherapy was neoadjuvant in 09 cases (56.25%) and adjuvant in 7 cases (43.75%) with minor toxicities. We had recorded 2 deaths. Conclusion: The treatment of the early stages of invasive cervical cancer is based on surgery. Neoadjuvant treatments may be useful in particular situations.

Abdominal Radical Trachelectomy.

Abdominal radical trachelectomy is a fertility-sparing surgery for early invasive cervical cancer. The surgical steps involved in abdominal radical trachelectomy are similar to those for radical hysterectomy prior to removal of the uterus. The difference is that in trachelectomy, the uterine corpus and infundibulopelvic ligament are conserved and the cervical remnant is connected to the vaginal wall. Surgeons should pay close attention to avoiding postsurgical complications such as infection and ileus, which might interfere with subsequent fertility treatments.

Visual Inspection of Cervix with Acetic Acid (VIA): An Effective Method of Screening for Cervical Cancer

Objective: To assess diagnostic accuracy of visual inspection of cervix with 3-5% acetic acid(VIA) as a screening method for early detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and early cervical cancer.Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Gynecology & Obstetrics Department Unit-1, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi, from April 2017 to September 2018. Participants were included in the study through non-probability convenience sampling technique. Married, non-pregnant and sexuallyactive women aged between 21-50 years were included in the study. Demographic information and relevant history was taken followed by the procedure for VIA. Acetowhite changes were noted after application of 5% acetic acid on the cervix. The result of the test was documented as positive or negative. Colposcopy was done in all VIA positive cases and suspicious cases with abnormal looking cervix. Biopsy of the cervix was taken for histopathology to assess the results of VIA. SPSS version-20 was used for statistical analysis.Results: There were 323 subjects with a mean age of 35.5 ± 7.6.Out of 323 participants only 6 were found VIA positive (1.86). On histopathology, only two cases were found positive (0.62%), one early invasive cervical cancer and one CIN1. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of visual inspection of cervix after acetic acid application was 100%, 57%, 40%, 100%respectively and the diagnostic accuracy was 66.7%.
 Conclusion: Visual inspection of cervix with 3-5% acetic acid is highly sensitive, screening method for cervical cancer. It is quite simple, affordable and better screening modality for detecting cervical cancer at an early stage.

Building workforce capacity for the surgical management of cervical cancer in a fragile, low-income African nation-Democratic Republic of the Congo.

ObjectivesSurgery is a cornerstone of the management of cervical cancer. Women diagnosed with cervical cancer in sub-Saharan Africa have very little access to specialised (gynaecologic oncology) surgical services. We describe our experiences and challenges of training local general gynaecologists to surgically treat early stage invasive cervical cancer at a private sector healthcare facility in a fragile, low-income African nation.MethodsImplementation of the training curriculum began with assigned self-directed learning. It continued with on-site training which consisted of preoperative surgical video reviews, pre- and intra-operative assessment of disease status, deconstruction of the designated surgical procedure into its critical subcomponents and trainees orally communicating the steps of the surgical procedure with the master trainers. High-volume repetition of a single surgical procedure over a short time interval, intra-operative bedside mentoring, post-operative case review and mental narration were critical to the process of surgical skills transfer.ResultsNineteen radical abdominal hysterectomies were successfully performed over four training visits; trainees were able to perform the procedure alone after eight cases; surgical complications decreased over time. The trainees have continued to perform the surgical procedures independently.ConclusionLife-saving surgical capacity for the treatment of cervical cancer has been established and sustained at a private sector healthcare facility in a fragile, low-income African setting, through an innovative model of surgical training.

Type 3 Transformation Zone of the Cervix and Risk of Missed Lesions during Cervical Cancer Screening with Visual Methods: A Case Report from Cameroon

Type 3 transformation zone (TZ) of the cervix poses a challenge in cervical cancer screening with visual techniques because of the potential for missing important precancerous lesions. This paper presents two case reports of women with Type 3 TZs who were screened with visual methods at the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, had reassuring screening results, but presented soon after with invasive cervical cancer (ICC). It is likely that at the time of their initial screening, they already had high grade precancer or early ICC that were involving the TZ beyond the examiner's view.

Dynamics of Fecal Microbiota with and without Invasive Cervical Cancer and Its Application in Early Diagnosis.

Simple SummaryThe fecal microbiome has been suggested to be linked to invasive cervical cancer (ICC). Considering that ICC is common in women, it is important to identify bacterial signatures from fecal microbiota that contribute in classifying cervical cancer. Although previous studies have suggested possible biomarkers based on fecal microbiota, limited information exists in terms of the diagnostic ability using gut microbiota-derived signatures for detecting early ICC. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential association between early ICC and fecal microbiota and to examine whether fecal microbiota-derived markers can be utilized as a non-invasive tool to diagnose early ICC using machine learning (ML) techniques. Further studies to incorporate quantitative and qualitative characterization of identified individual bacterial genus and validate our model in larger cohorts are imperative in terms of causality for the association between cervical cancer and microbes.The fecal microbiota is being increasingly implicated in the diagnosis of various diseases. However, evidence on changes in the fecal microbiota in invasive cervical cancer (ICC) remains scarce. Here, we aimed to investigate the fecal microbiota of our cohorts, develop a diagnostic model for predicting early ICC, and identify potential fecal microbiota-derived biomarkers using amplicon sequencing data. We obtained fecal samples from 29 healthy women (HC) and 17 women with clinically confirmed early ICC (CAN). Although Shannon’s diversity index was not reached at statistical significance, the Chao1 and Observed operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in fecal microbiota was significantly different between CAN and HC group. Furthermore, there were significant differences in the taxonomic profiles between HC and CAN; Prevotella was significantly more abundant in the CAN group and Clostridium in the HC group. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis was applied to validate the taxonomic differences at the genus level. Furthermore, we identified a set of seven bacterial genera that were used to construct a machine learning (ML)-based classifier model to distinguish CAN from patients with HC. The model had high diagnostic utility (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.913) for predicting early ICC. Our study provides an initial step toward exploring the fecal microbiota and helps clinicians diagnose.

Robotic Radical Trachelectomy Using the Double Bipolar Method- Aiming for a Bloodless Operative Field

Study ObjectiveTo report the application of the double bipolar technique in a patient with 1b1 cervical cancer who wished to preserve her fertility potential.DesignAfter experiencing 105 cases of laparoscopic and robotic radical trachelectomy with a 5 year survival rate of 98% and the birth of 29 babies from 51 of these patients who attempted pregnancy, we introduced the double bipolar method to overcome technical difficulties of the procedure due to the necessity for precise dissection and reconstruction in the deep pelvis. We will show our operative techniques, such as nerve sparing radical trachelectomy and retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy for early invasive cervical cancer in a bloodless operative field.SettingUrban general hospital.Patients or ParticipantsRobotic radical trachelectomy using the double bipolar method was performed in three patients with 1b1 cervical cancer.InterventionsAfter Robotic radical trachelectomy using monopolar scissors in 30 cases of stage Ib1 cervical cancer, we considered techniques for a more bloodless operative field. The double bipolar method (DBM) was originated by a robotic gastrointestinal surgeon, Prof Ichiro Uyama. Using robotic Maryland forceps as a cutting device allows for pinpoint accuracy that cannot be found in other instruments. It is important for bladder and ureteral dissection and exposure of vessels. Cuts are made at a very limited point by a lightning strike mechanism, meaning there is minimal thermal spread to adjacent organs.Measurements and Main ResultsBlood loss was 250ml in the cases presented. In surgeries not using the DBM(n=34), the blood loss ranged from 350ml(100-1200ml). While there is no supporting data, the dissection of the ureter was very smooth.ConclusionA bloodless operative field allows for accurate dissection and can prevent intraoperative injuries. The double bipolar method is able to provide precision cutting and limit thermal spread to adjacent tissue, reducing injury and allowing for a clear operative field.

Distribution patterns of lymph node metastasis in early stage invasive cervical cancer.

The spatial distribution of lymph node (LN) metastasis was analyzed to provide data for an evidence-based approach to radiotherapy field design, particularly for guiding intensity-modulated radiation therapy. A total of 1886 postoperative patients were retrospectively reviewed. Pelvic LNs were classified as common iliac nodes, external iliac nodes, internal iliac nodes/obturator nodes, and deep inguinal nodes. The distribution of LN metastasis in these subgroups was calculated, and the distribution patterns of LN metastasis according to the pathologic types were investigated.We identified 392 eligible patients with LN metastasis. The frequency and number of external iliac node metastasis were higher in the left side in both single subgroup (P < .01) and cosubgroup (P = .04) analyses, whereas few differences were found in other subgroups. Among patients with squamous cell carcinoma, left external iliac node metastasis was observed in 102 (15.13%) patients, whereas right metastasis was observed in 65 (9.64%) patients, and the difference was significant (P < .01).The present results indicated uneven distribution of LN metastasis in the different subgroups, which could help surgeon focus on the dissection of the left subgroups, and help oncologists define margins, refine target volumes for radiation, and improve the accuracy of postoperative radiotherapy especially in patients with squamous cell carcinoma.

Pregnancies after vaginal radical trachelectomy (RT) in patients with early invasive uterine cervical cancer: results from a single institute

BackgroundRadical tracheletomy (RT) with pelvic lymphadenectomy has become an option for young patients with early invasive uterine cervical cancer who desire to maintain their fertility. However, this operative method entails a high risk for the following pregnancy due to its radicality.MethodsWe have performed vaginal RT for 71 patients and have experienced 28 pregnancies in 21 patients. They were followed up carefully according to the follow-up methods we reported previously. Their pregnancy courses and prognoses after the pregnancy were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsAll the vaginal RTs were performed safely without serious complications, including 6 patients who underwent the operation during pregnancy. The median time to be pregnant after RT was 29.5 months. 13 patients (46%) became pregnant without artificial insemination by husband or assisted reproductive technology. Cesarean section was performed for all of them. The median time of pregnancy was 34 weeks, and emergent cesarean section was performed for 7 pregnancies (25%). The median birth weight was 2156 g. Four patients had trouble with cervical cerclage, and they suffered from sudden premature preterm rupture of the membrane (pPROM) during the second trimester of pregnancy. We underwent transabdominal cerclage (TAC) for all of them and careful management for the prevention of uterine infection was performed. One patient had a recurrence of cancer during pregnancy.ConclusionsBoth the obstetrical prognosis and oncological prognosis after vaginal RT have become favorable for pregnant patients after vaginal RT.

Human papillomavirus Posttreatment Clearance Time in Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia and Invasive Cervical Cancer.

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to determine an appropriate follow-up schedule for human papillomavirus (HPV) detection by evaluating the clearance time of HPV after treatment.Materials and MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on 97 high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2–3) patients and 437 early invasive cervical cancer (CC) (stages Ia–IIa) patients who received radical surgery at the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University. Patient medical information, including personal information, pathological diagnosis, HPV infection status, and therapeutic methods, was obtained through the hospital's historical medical records management system. The clearance time of HPV was determined using Kaplan-Meier method analysis, and clearance time of HPV among different age groups, different grades, and different clinical stages were compared using the log-rank test.ResultsThe median clearance time of all patients was 10.4 months. The median clearance time was longer in HSIL patients than in early invasive CC patients (p < .05). No statistical significance was found among different HSIL grades, CC stages, or patient age groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionsDelaying first posttreatment follow-up to 9 months in patients at high risk of noncompliance could potentially reduce burden of cost and repeated clinical visits. This follow-up approach could be consistently applied to all women regardless of age, severity, and extent of disease.

A Study of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy for Early Invasive Cervical Cancer with Nano-Carbon Combined with Indocyanine Green

Study Objective This study was the first to investigate the application of phthalocyanine green and nano-carbon suspension injection as a lymphatic tracer in laparoscopic radical resection of cervical cancer. The comparative value of its application in lymphatic imaging and sentinel lymph node identification was analyzed. The factors of the tracer results provide a reference for the application of clinical tracers. Design The patients were divided into nano-carbon group and indocyanine green group. Setting Xinxiang City Central Hospital Gynecologic Oncology, China. Patients or Participants Seventy-five patients with early stage cervical cancer were enrolled. Interventions Nano-carbon suspension injection and indocyanine green were injected from the cervix before operation, and black was recognized under laparoscopy. Lymph nodes and fluorescent lymph nodes were taken as SLN and excised. All patients underwent laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy plus extensive hysterectomy (+ abdominal para-aortic lymph node sampling). All specimens were sent to routine examination. Measurements and Main Results There were no significant differences in age, tumor stage, and histological type between the two groups (P>0.05). SLN was detected in 25 cases of phthalocyanine green group, totaling 1006, the detection rate was 100%; the accuracy of SLN biopsy was 100%. There were 50 cases of nano-carbon suspension group, 39 cases of SLN were detected, a total of 1476, the discovery rate was 78%, the specificity was 76%; there was no statistical difference between the two groups (P> 0.05) However, the difference in the operation time between the two groups was statistically significant (P Conclusion The application of phthalocyanine green and nano-carbon suspension in the detection of SLN in cervical cancer is feasible, but the phthalocyanine green fluorescence detection method is more prominent in visual effect, which can significantly shorten the operation time.

Aiming for Recurrence-Free MI-RH/RT for Early Invasive Cervical Cancer - Focusing on Complete Resection and No-Touch Isolation Techniques 1

Video Objective To demonstrate techniques to regulate and improve the safety and completeness of laparoscopic and robotic radical hysterectomy/radical trachelectomy (L-RH/RT+R-RH/RT=MI-RH/RT) for early invasive cervical cancer. We will present our techniques and skills as well as data on our long-term outcomes for MI-RH/RT patients. Setting Urban general hospital in Japan. Interventions 170 early invasive cervical carcinoma stage IA1(LSVI+)-IB1 who underwent MI-RH/RT between 2006-2015 were reviewed. Cases who underwent neo-adjuvant therapy were excluded from this study. In laparoscopy, knowledge laparoscopic anatomy and how to dissect are the most important points for reaching the goals of the surgery. Setting landmarks for dissection boundaries ensures completeness of dissection. For our type C radical hysterectomy/ trachelectomy, our goal is to remove the full length of the cardinal ligament. This is to prevent recurrence. To prevent the scattering of tumor cells, we create a vaginal cuff as an initial stage of our procedure and don't use a uterine manipulator as there is the concern that this could stimulate any tumors in the vicinity. When extracting the specimen, we use a large protection bag. This bag prevents spillage of tumor cells in the abdominal cavity and prevents possible port site/ extraction site contamination. Of the patients included in this study, disease-free survival is 97.1% and the 5 year overall survival in 98.2%. Conclusion In our retrospective study, minimally invasive approach for early-stage non-bulky cervical cancer is feasible and safe in terms of oncological outcomes.

Use of Appropriate Technology to Improve Cervical Cancer Prevention and Early Detection: Experience in Jos, Nigeria

PURPOSE In absolute numbers, Nigeria is one of the countries with the highest burden and mortality as a result of invasive cervical cancer (ICC), with more than 53 million women at risk. The coverage for available cervical cancer screening by conventional cytology is less than 9% of the population. Also, the lack of a national human papillomavirus vaccination program and organized cervical cancer screening services could partly be responsible for the more than 14,000 new ICC cases and 8,000 deaths attributable to ICC in Nigeria every year. Furthermore, the prevailing challenges of diagnosis at advanced stages in more than 80% of ICC cases with a paucity of trained oncologists and poor treatment infrastructures often result in high death rates. These problems make the use of appropriate technology to improve screening, early detection, and treatment of precancerous conditions a novel strategy for achieving quality cancer care in our setting. The objective of this study was to discuss our experience with use of available and resource-appropriate technology to improve cervical cancer care and outcomes in Jos, Nigeria. METHODS A critical review of cervical cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment facilities and outcomes in Nigeria was done. This background information provided justification for the use of resource-appropriate technology for improving quality of cervical cancer prevention and treatment outcomes in resource-limited settings. We also gleaned from specific experiences of cervical cancer screening, follow-up, and treatment of both precancer and early invasive cervical cancer in Jos, Nigeria. RESULTS The main factors responsible for increasing burden and poor cervical cancer outcomes in Nigeria and other resource-limited settings in sub-Saharan Africa include: HIV infection; lack of organized cervical cancer screening programs, with poor coverage even when opportunistic screening is available; weak health care system; illiteracy; and poor human papillomavirus vaccination coverage. Some of the major challenges in treatment of cervical cancer include: late presentation, with poor treatment infrastructures; paucity of trained gynecologic oncologists, medical oncologists, and other disciplines needed to improve quality of cancer care; and poor access to available prevention and treatment services, with limited/no health insurance coverage. CONCLUSION Resource-limited settings should leverage the widespread availability of mobile phones to improve cervical cancer education and scheduling for screening, follow-up, and treatment of precancerous conditions. Also, the use of radio talks can reach women in remote locations. Adoption and use of novel testing technology, such as self-sample collection for human papillomavirus DNA testing, is also advocated. Our team in Jos, with collaboration with Northwestern University, is also looking ahead through molecular research on how epigenetic and microbiome biomarkers could improve prevention and early detection of precancer and ICC as a strategy for improving outcomes in our population. Also, the utility of low-cost treatment modalities, such as battery-operated thermocoagulation, could improve coverage for treatment of cervical precancer. Finally, resource-limited settings should train general gynecologists with interest in oncology to acquire specific competencies for locoregional surgical control, particularly for early-stage cervical cancer. Given the identified challenges, the judicious use of these resource-appropriate technologies may improve quality of cancer care and outcomes in resource-limited settings.

Obstetrical prognosis of patients who underwent vaginal radical trachelectomy during pregnancy.

Radical trachelectomy (RT) with pelvic lymphadenectomy has become an option for young patients with early invasive uterine cervical cancer who decide to maintain their fertility. However, this operative method entails a high risk for the following pregnancy due to its radicality. Therefore, RT for pregnant patients can be a challenge both for gynecologic oncologists and obstetricians. We have performed vaginal RT for five pregnant patients with uterine cervical cancer stage 1B1 according to the method of Dargent et al. The operations were performed between 16 and 26 weeks of pregnancy, and the patients were followed up carefully according to the follow-up methods we reported previously. Vaginal RT was performed for five patients without any troubles. Four of the patients continued their pregnancies until almost 34 weeks or longer under our previously published follow-up schedule. The pregnancy of one patient was terminated at 26 weeks due to recurrence of the cancer. Expansion of vaginal RT for pregnant patients with uterine cervical cancer could be a practical option for pregnant patients with early invasive uterine cervical cancer.