Cytostatic treatment of metastatic cervical carcinoma

The activity of cytostatics in cervical cancer has not as yet been sufficiently investigated. This is especially true for combined cytostatic treatments. The only two cytostatics that have been adequately examined in clinical trials in a larger number of patients are 5-fluorouracil and cis-dichlorodiamineplatinum. The paper presents the results of treatment with single cytostatic agents and the combinations of different cytostatics, emphasizing the role of combined treatment using irradiation and cytostatics. It also describes the preliminary results of a Phase II trial going on at the Central Institute for Tumors in Zagreb, using a combination of cis-DDP, 5-fluorouracil and vincristine. So far the results of 11 out of 14 patients included in the trial have been evaluated. Objective remission (CR + PR) was achieved in 4 patients (33%). Toxic side-effects were mild and tolerable for the patients. In conclusion, the reasons are given why chemotherapy has not as yet gained a more important place in the treatment of advanced forms of cervical cancer.