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Abstract

Background and Aims: Treatment modality of advanced, residual and recurrent cervical carcinoma is palliative. Improving the quality of life with minimal toxicity remains the key objective. Combination chemotherapy is one of the treatment strategies offered. We decided to evaluate effectiveness of paclitaxel and carboplatin chemotherapy in patients with advanced, residual and recurrent cervical carcinoma.

Methods: Records of 50 women with advanced, residual and recurrent disease of the cervix were reviewed. Among them 31 women had received a minimum of 3 cycles of carboplatin and paclitaxel every 21 days and were analyzed.

Results: There were nine women in advanced disease, five in residual and 17 women with recurrent disease. Among women with advanced disease, three received pelvic radiation and three received only palliative radiotherapy. Patients with residual and recurrent disease had received pelvic radiation. Response assessment could be done only in 28 patients as three women were non-compliant to follow up. Overall response rate was 85.7%. Complete and partial response was equal (12/28). Three patients had stable disease and one patient progressed on chemotherapy. Median survival for the entire group was 18.5 months (95% CI, 14.4 - 19.67 months). Median disease free survival for patients with residual disease was 26 months (95% CI, 21.8-30.2 months).

Conclusion: Though carcinoma of cervix is considered as relatively chemotherapy resistant, paclitaxel and carboplatin could be a viable option. Patients with advanced, residual and recurrent carcinoma of cervix who already have received radiotherapy, this combination chemotherapy may still be deliverable, resulting in better quality of life.