Radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for stage IB2 cervical cancer

We wished to evaluate survival and adverse outcomes of patients with stage IB2 cervical cancer treated primarily with radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy.

A review was performed of all patients undergoing primary radical hysterectomy for stage IB2 cervical cancer at two institutions from 1987 to 2002. Patients were stratified into low, intermediate (Gynecologic Oncology Group protocol 92 criteria), and high-risk (positive nodes, margins, or parametria) groups. Survival and progression-free interval were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate analysis.

Seventy-two patients underwent primary type III radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy (72 pelvic, 58 pelvic and paraaortic). Patients were classified as low (n = 6), intermediate (n = 49), or high (n = 17) risk for recurrence. Adjuvant therapy was administered to 94%, 12%, and 0% of the high-, intermediate-, and low-risk groups, respectively. Five-year survival was 72%, while 5-year progression-free survival was 63%. Five-year overall and progression-free survival by risk group were 47% and 40% (high-risk), 80% and 66% (intermediate-risk), 100% and 100% (low-risk). Predictors of survival in multivariate analysis were Caucasian race (P = 0.001), older age (P = 0.017), inner 2/3 cervical wall invasion (P = 0.045), and absence of lymph-vascular invasion (P < 0.001). Major complications were experienced by 10/72 (13.9%) patients. Among 34 patients who received radiation therapy, two (5.9%) experienced complications attributable to radiation.

Radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy followed by tailored adjuvant therapy is a reasonable alternative to primary radiotherapy for stage IB2 cervical cancer. Patients with low- and intermediate-risk factors have satisfactory results after primary surgical management. A prospective randomized trial will clarify the optimal mode of initial therapy for patients with stage IB2 disease.