What is the best treatment for cervical cancer?
Key Points There are different types of treatment for patients with cervical cancer. Five types of standard treatment are used: Surgery Radiation therapy Chemotherapy Targeted therapy Immunotherapy Surgery Radiation therapy Chemotherapy Targeted therapy Immunotherapy New types of treatment are ...
What is the treatment for cervical carcinoma metastatic to the brain?
Immunotherapy for Cervical Cancer Common treatment approaches Depending on the type and stage of your cancer, you may need more than one type of treatment. For the earliest stages of cervical cancer, either surgery or radiation combined with chemo may be used. For later stages, radiation combined with chemo is usually the main treatment.
Is metastatic cervical cancer curable?
Cervical cancer is the third most common cause of female cancer mortality, and it remains a major health problem in populations with limited economic resources. Metastatic disease or recurrent lesions not amenable to radical local excision or regional radiation have a poor prognosis, and are treated with palliative platinum-based chemotherapy.
How long can you live with metastatic cervical cancer?
Can metastatic cervical cancer be cured?
What is the best treatment for stage 4 cervical cancer?
Can you beat stage 4 cervical cancer?
How long can you live with stage 4 cervical cancer?
Where does cervical cancer usually metastasize to?
How long does it take for cervical cancer to metastasize?
What is the success rate of radiation therapy for cervical cancer?
How is advanced cervical cancer treated?
What is the final stage of cervical cancer?
What happens in the last stages of cervical cancer?
Can radiotherapy cure cervical cancer?
How much paclitaxel should I take for cervical cancer?
A total of 29 patients were enrolled. The maximum tolerated dose was determined to be 40 mg/m 2 for cisplatin and 40 mg/m 2 for paclitaxel administered weekly for six cycles concurrently with EFRT. The para-aortic region received 45 Gy in 30 fractions after the 25 days of pelvic radiation, whereas the pelvic region received 45 Gy in 25 fractions. A parametrial boost of 5.4 to 9.0 Gy in 1.8 Gy fractions utilizing AP/PA fields was given based on the extent of parametrial involvement. The author concluded that this modality showed a higher disease-free survival (DFS) in relation to historical data with an approximate survival rate of 56% to date and an estimated 48-month survival rate of 50% [ 40 ].
How long does a cervical cancer patient live after pulmonary resection?
One study evaluated the results of six cervical cancer patients (n=6) who underwent resection for pulmonary metastases, the median survival in those cervical cancer patients was 36 months. The authors concluded that pulmonary resection may provide a survival advantage for selected patients who have cervical malignancies with metastases isolated to the lungs [ 62 ]. In addition to that, it is beneficial for suspicious thoracic metastasis in cervical cancer patients [ 63 ].
How long do you live with pulmonary metastases?
Patients with one or two pulmonary metastases had a 5-year DFS advantage over patients with three or four metastases [ 57 ]. Pulmonary metastases were detected in 83.9% patients within 2 years after the initial treatment of cervical cancer. The median PFS was 13 months. The median survival after lung metastasis was 18 months with 2- and 5-year survival rates of 37.7% and 7.5%, respectively. The metastases were mainly distributed to the inferior lobe of the right lung. Regular CT lung screening is recommended for patients with stage IA-IIB cervical cancer during their follow-up period [ 58 ].
How often does left SCLN metastasize?
The overall frequency of left SCLN metastasis in patients with metastatic cervical cancer is approximately 8.6% with or without PALN metastasis [ 45 ]. The frequency of metastasis is much higher in the subset of patients who undergo surgical staging for their cervical cancer and who have been found to have positive PALNs. The 5-year OS rate of patients with SCLN metastasis was 16.5% [ 10 ]. For patients with SCLN metastasis, different SUVs represent different outcomes. Patients with high SUV (>8) or low SUV (<4.3) have a lower 3-year OS rate compared to those with intermediate SUVs (between 4.3 and 8) [ 23 ]. Moreover, a latency period of less than 2 years, squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) levels ≥4 ng/mL, and recurrence extending beyond SCLN were significant adverse prognostic factors [ 46 ].
What is the most common cancer in women?
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide. The outcome of patients with metastatic cervical cancer is poor. We reviewed the relevant literature concerning the treatment and diagnosis of metastatic cervical cancer. There are two types of metastasis related to different treatments and survival rates: hematogenous metastasis and lymphatic metastasis. Patients with hematogenous metastasis have a higher risk of death than those with lymphatic metastasis. In terms of diagnosis, fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) and PET-computed tomography are effective tools for the evaluation of distant metastasis. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy and subsequent chemotherapy are well-tolerated and efficient for lymphatic metastasis. As for lung metastasis, chemotherapy and/or surgery are valuable treatments for resistant, recurrent metastatic cervical cancer and chemoradiotherapy may be the optimal choice for stage IVB cervical cancer. Chemotherapy and bone irradiation are promising for bone metastasis. A better survival is achieved with multimodal therapy. Craniotomy or stereotactic radiosurgery is an optimal choice combined with radiotherapy for solitary brain metastases. Chemotherapy and palliative brain radiation may be considered for multiple brain metastases and other organ metastases.
What is the best treatment for para aortic cancer?
When para-aortic disease occurs, two types of therapy are used. The first choice is surgical resection . PALN resection not only is beneficial for detecting potential LN metastases of cervical cancer patients, but also provides a therapeutic effect [ 25 ]. Initially, the operation was performed by laparotomy, but this procedure was abandoned because of its high complication rate (10% to 16%) [ 26 ]. In the 1990s, with the development of laparoscopy and its low morbidity, short hospital stay, and reduced delay prior to RT, the concept of para-aortic surgery arose, first via the transperitoneal approach [ 27 ]. Compared to laparotomy, the extraperitoneal laparoscopic approach substantially reduces perioperative morbidity, particularly the incidence of RT-induced complications. Moreover, extraperitoneal laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy for pretherapeutic surgical staging is a safe and feasible procedure that should be considered as a tool to provide accurate information for LN positive patients who require extended-field radiation (EFRT) and/or chemotherapy [ 28, 29, 30 ]. In one study that included 44 women with histologically proven PALN metastasis, laparoscopic lymphadenectomy was performed in 40 patients. The patients underwent conventional fractionation of 50.4 Gy to the para-aortic and pelvic regions. In addition, MRI-guided brachytherapy was performed to the cervix with 5 to 6 single doses of 5 Gy for a total dose of 25 to 30 Gy. All of the patients received cisplatin-based chemotherapy, except for five patients who received carboplatin and one patient who received radiation only. Cisplatin and carboplatin were administered once per week. There was no grade 4 or 5 acute radiation toxicity. In all, 11% of the patients had grade 3 gastrointestinal late toxicities, and 19% of the patients had grade 3 genitourinary late toxicities. The 2 and 5 years OS rates were 68.4% and 54.1%, respectively. Of the 44 patients, 43 remained tumor-free in the para-aortic region. The author concluded that excellent pelvic and para-aortic control could be achieved by lymphadenectomy followed by EFRT with concurrent chemotherapy [ 31 ]. Pretreatment surgical PALN dissection or sampling is feasible with low complication rates and short delays in starting treatment [ 32 ]. However, considering the complicated laparoscopic procedure, the expensive equipment, and the recent emerging tumor recurrence complications [ 33 ], the application of surgery is limited.
What is the incidence of extrapelvic disease?
The incidence of extrapelvic disease at the initial management of patients treated for locally advanced cervical cancer is high, ranging from 10% to 30%, particularly in PALN (21%) [ 21 ]. Among patients with PALN metastasis, the tumor SUV is higher in patients with PET-positive LNs compared to others [ 22 ]. An SUV ( 18 F-FDG PET; max) greater than or equal to 3.3 and a nodal involvement greater than 5 mm for PALN are significant adverse factors of prognosis [ 23, 24 ].
What is cervix cancer?
Cervical cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the cervix.
Where does cervical cancer form?
Cervical cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus (the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a fetus grows). The cervix leads from the uterus to the vagina (birth canal). Anatomy of the female reproductive system.
How big is stage 2 cervical cancer?
Stage II cervical cancer. In stages IIA1 and IIA2, cancer has spread from the cervix to the upper two-thirds of the vagina but has not spread to the tissue around the uterus. In stage IIA1, the cancer is 4 centimeters or smaller. In stage IIA2, the cancer is larger than 4 centimeters.
What is the risk factor for cervical cancer?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the major risk factor for cervical cancer. Anything that increases your chance of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer; not having risk factors doesn't mean that you will not get cancer.
Can cervical cancer be treated during pregnancy?
The patient’s age. Treatment of cervical cancer during pregnancy depends on the stage of the cancer and the stage of the pregnancy. For cervical cancer found early or for cancer found during the last trimester of pregnancy, treatment may be delayed until after the baby is born.
Where are carcinoma in situ cells found?
In carcinoma in situ, abnormal cells are found in the innermost lining of the cervix. These abnormal cells may become cancer and spread into nearby normal tissue.
Can cervical cancer be detected early?
There are usually no signs or symptoms of early cervical cancer but it can be detected early with regular check- ups. Early cervical cancer may not cause signs or symptoms. Women should have regular check-ups, including tests to check for human papillomavirus (HPV) or abnormal cells in the cervix.
What are the treatments for cervical cancer?
Common types of treatments for cervical cancer include: Surgery for Cervical Cancer. Radiation Therapy for Cervical Cancer. Chemotherapy for Cervical Cancer. Targeted Therapy for Cervical Cancer. Immunotherapy for Cervical Cancer.
What do people with cancer need?
People with cancer need support and information, no matter what stage of illness they may be in. Knowing all of your options and finding the resources you need will help you make informed decisions about your care.
What are the best doctors for cancer?
Doctors on your cancer treatment team may include: 1 A gynecologist: a doctor who treats diseases of the female reproductive system 2 A gynecologic oncologist: a doctor who specializes in cancers of the female reproductive system who can perform surgery and prescribe chemotherapy and other medicines 3 A radiation oncologist: a doctor who uses radiation to treat cancer 4 A medical oncologist: a doctor who uses chemotherapy and other medicines to treat cancer
What kind of doctor treats cancer?
Doctors on your cancer treatment team may include: A gynecologist: a doctor who treats diseases of the female reproductive system. A gynecologic on cologist: a doctor who specializes in cancers of the female reproductive system who can perform surgery and prescribe chemotherapy and other medicines. A radiation on cologist: a doctor who uses radiation ...
What are the services offered by the American Cancer Society?
These might include nursing or social work services, financial aid, nutritional advice, rehab, or spiritual help. The American Cancer Society also has programs and services – including rides to treatment, lodging, and more – to help you get through treatment.
What to talk to your cancer care team about?
Be sure to talk to your cancer care team about any method you are thinking about using. They can help you learn what is known (or not known) about the method, which can help you make an informed decision.
Who are the specialists involved in cancer care?
Many other specialists may be involved in your care as well, including nurse practitioners, nurses, psychologists, social workers, rehabilitation specialists, and other health professionals. Health Professionals Associated with Cancer Care.
What tests are done to determine if you have cervical cancer?
Your cancer's stage is a key factor in deciding on your treatment. Staging exams include: Imaging tests.
What is the test for cervical cancer?
A Pap test can detect abnormal cells in the cervix, including cancer cells and cells that show changes that increase the risk of cervical cancer. HPV DNA test.
What tests can be done to check if you have cancer?
Tests such as X-ray, CT, MRI and positron emission tomography (PET) help your doctor determine whether your cancer has spread beyond your cervix. Visual examination of your bladder and rectum. Your doctor may use special scopes to see inside your bladder and rectum.
Is a minimally invasive hysterectomy more effective than a traditional hysterectomy
People who undergo minimally invasive surgery tend to recover more quickly and spend less time in the hospital. But some research has found minimally invasi ve hysterectomy may be less effective than traditional hysterectomy. If you're considering minimally invasive surgery, discuss the benefits and risks of this approach with your surgeon.
Does palliative care help with cancer?
When palliative care is used along with all of the other appropriate treatments, people with cancer may feel better and live longer.
Can you remove cancer from a small cervix?
Surgery to cut away the cancer only. For a very small cervical cancer, it might be possible to remove the cancer entirely with a cone biopsy. This procedure involves cutting away a cone-shaped piece of cervical tissue, but leaving the rest of the cervix intact.
Can you use chemotherapy for cervical cancer?
Sometimes both methods are used. For locally advanced cervical cancer, low doses of chemotherapy are often combined with radiation therapy, since chemotherapy may enhance the effects of the radiation . Higher doses of chemotherapy might be recommended to help control symptoms of very advanced cancer.
What is metastatic cervical cancer?
A woman receives a metastatic cervical cancer diagnosis when she has cancer that started in the cervix but has spread to affected other parts of the body.
Where does cervical cancer metastasize?
In some cases, advanced cervical cancer metastasizes to the brain or other major organ.
What is the term for cancer of the cervix?
In the other type, however, the cancerous cells spread and affect the patient’s lymph nodes, various tissues of the body, and other organs. When cancer of the cervix spreads to other parts of the body, it is often referred to as metastatic cervical cancer .
Do women with cervical cancer have a better chance of survival?
Women with cervical cancer have a much better chance of survival if the cancer is detected before it metastasizes.
Does smoking cigarettes cause cervical cancer?
Inhaling cigarette smoke can significantly increase a woman's risk of cervical cancer.
Does cervical cancer spread to lymph nodes?
The spread of cervical cancer is also assessed based on the spread of cancer to the lymph nodes. Usually, in the earliest stages of the disease, cervical cancer does not spread to affect the lymph nodes. It may do so in the later stages, however.
Can cervical cancer be palpated?
Locally recurrent cervical cancer usually presents with vaginal symptoms (ie, discharge, bleeding, dyspareunia, or pain). On pelvic exam, a mass or nodularity at the vaginal cuff, which may extend to the pelvic side wall, may be visualized or palpated. Disease within the vagina (or vaginal vault) can be tender to palpation and/or prone ...
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Is cervical cancer curable?
In the majority of cases, metastatic cervical cancer is not curable. However, for some patients who present with recurrent disease in the pelvis (locoregional recurrence) or with limited distant metastatic disease, surgical treatment is potentially curative. Histologically, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), adenocarcinoma, ...
Diagnosis
Treatment
- Treatment for cervical cancer depends on several factors, such as the stage of the cancer, other health problems you may have and your preferences. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of the three may be used.
Clinical Trials
- Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
Coping and Support
- No one can be prepared for a cancer diagnosis. You can, however, try to manage the shock and fear you're feeling by taking steps to control what you can about your situation. Everyone deals with a cervical cancer diagnosis in his or her own way. With time, you'll discover what helps you cope. Until then, you can start to take control by attempting to: 1. Learn enough about cervical c…
Preparing For Your Appointment
- Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you. If you're thought to have cervical cancer, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in treating cancers that affect the female reproductive system (gynecologic oncologist). Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment and what to expect from your doctor.