Cervical squamous cell carcinoma outcomes across continents: A retrospective study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Epidemiology
• Global Health

Background:

• Cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) survival rates vary globally.
• Understanding geographical and racial influences is crucial for equitable cancer care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how geography and race affect survival outcomes in CSCC patients across Asia, Europe, and North America.
• To identify specific regional disparities impacting CSCC patient prognosis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 595 early-stage CSCC patients from 8 hospitals across three continents.
• Surgically treated patients with curative intent were included.
• Cox regression models were used to analyze survival data, considering geographical and racial factors.

Main Results:

• Patient demographics and characteristics varied significantly by region, except for tumor grade.
• Patients in European middle-income countries with limited screening had a higher mortality risk (HR 1.79) compared to North America.
• A Japanese center showed higher relapse risk (SHR 2.19) than North American centers, though overall survival did not differ.
• Race was not a significant factor globally but showed influence within North American centers.

Conclusions:

• Geographical factors and healthcare access significantly impact CSCC survival outcomes.
• Race may influence survival differently across regions, particularly in North America.
• Targeted interventions must consider geographical and racial disparities for effective CSCC management.