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Published on: February 6, 2019
Novel chemotherapy approaches in chemoradiation protocols.
Lucía González-Cortijo1, N Carballo, A González-Martín
1Department of Gynecologic Oncology, M. D. Anderson International España, Madrid, Spain. lgonzalez@mdanderson.es
Chemoradiation is the standard treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer. Weekly cisplatin with radiation therapy offers survival benefits and remains the most effective chemotherapy regimen to date.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Medical Oncology
Background:
- Radiation therapy was the standard treatment for locally advanced cervical carcinoma before 1999.
- Five clinical trials demonstrated improved survival with concomitant chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolution of treatment for locally advanced cervical carcinoma.
- To highlight the efficacy of chemoradiation and ongoing research into novel agents.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical trials and NCI recommendations.
- Evaluation of various chemotherapy agents (cisplatin, fluorouracil, hydroxyurea, carboplatin, paclitaxel, gemcitabine, topotecan).
- Assessment of biologic agents and COX-2 inhibitors in clinical trials.
Main Results:
- Weekly cisplatin (40 mg/m(2)) demonstrated superior responses compared to other agents or combinations.
- Platinum-based chemotherapy is recommended by the NCI for locally advanced cervical carcinoma.
- Gemcitabine and the paclitaxel/carboplatin combination showed promise, but no agent surpassed weekly cisplatin.
- Celecoxib showed no benefit in DFS or locoregional control.
Conclusions:
- Chemoradiation is the current standard of care for locally advanced cervical carcinoma.
- Weekly cisplatin remains the benchmark chemotherapy agent in combination with radiotherapy.
- Ongoing clinical trials are investigating the integration of novel biologic agents into chemoradiation protocols.
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