Role of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy followed by Concurrent Chemo-radiation in Locally Advanced Cervical Carcinoma: Our Experience

ABSTRACT

Background: Cervical carcinoma is the second most common cancer in females in India. Majority of them are reported in advanced stage. We have given platinum based neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by CTRT in our study to reduce the local recurrence and decrease the tumor burden. The primary objective of our study was to assess the efficacy of NACT in terms of clinical and radiological response at the end of completion of treatment. Methods: This was a single arm prospective study in which we enrolled 79 patients from  2015-2017 who received 3 cycles of NACT, triweekly Cisplatin and 5-FU followed by concurrent chemo radiation (Radiotherapy-External beam radiotherapy 50Gy/25# plus intracavitary brachytherapy). Response was assessed at 12 weeks of completion of treatment by MRI pelvis using RECIST criteria 1.1 and toxicities were assessed weekly using CTCAE 4.03. Results: Mean age was 54 years; compliance rate was 88.6%. Complete response rate was 58.57% and partial response rate was 18.57% at 12 weeks post-treatment. Grade 2 or higher toxicities were seen in 52.85% patients during NACT and chemo radiation. Skin toxicities were seen in 37.14% followed by rectal-32.85%, haematological-27.14% and urinary bladder-24.28%. Conclusions: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by Concurrent chemo radiation is a feasible treatment option with a good response rate with acceptable rate of treatment related toxicities.