Predictors of tumor response in carcinoma of uterine cervix: data from tertiary cancer centre in India

Aim: The current study was a retrospective analysis to identify the predictors of tumor response among cervical cancer patients treated with chemoradiation and completed the intended treatment. Methods: Hundred and twenty eight patients who completed the intended therapy as per institute protocol evaluated. Patients were treated with external beam radiotherapy to a dose of 50 Gy in 27 fractions followed by 21 Gy in three sessions by intracavitory radiotherapy to point A. Postoperative patients received 16 Gy in two sessions. Predictors of tumor response after treatment were assessed using cox regression. Results: Median time to complete tumor response was 12.2 months. Clinical stage emerged as the independent prognostic factor. Patients who completed chemotherapy treatment in fewer than five cycles had a non-significant increased chance of tumor response compared to those completing in five or more cycles. Conclusion: Poor tumor response after treatment is largely explained by advanced disease stage at diagnosis. A strategy for early detection and access to screening facilities will improve outcome. Fewer chemotherapy cycles may be beneficial in patients with locally advanced carcinoma cervix.