Chemo-conization in early cervical cancer

The aim of the present study is to support the safety and feasibility of chemo-conization for early-stage cervical tumor in young patients wishing to preserve their fertility.

Between October 2004 and November 2006, eleven patients were scheduled for conservative treatment. Subjects were selected for this treatment on the basis of favorable cervical tumors (<3 cm) and a desire to maintain fertility. All patients underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by conization or conization alone with pelvic lymphadenectomy. Obstetrical and oncologic outcomes were evaluated.

The mean age of the eleven patients was 32 (range: 24-41), Figo Stage was IB1 in 8 cases and 3 cases were Stage IA2. Histological findings were squamous cell carcinoma in 5 patients and adenocarcinoma in 6 patients. Two patients were treated with TEP regimen every 3 weeks for three courses, while one patient had adjuvant chemotherapy with TEP. No recurrences were observed after a median follow-up of 20 months (range 7-29 months). Three pregnancies occurred during the follow-up period. Although the number is small, in selected patients this conservative approach seems to be feasible to cure early-stage cervical cancer therefore maintaining fertility.