Local radiotherapy or chemotherapy for oligo-recurrent cervical cancer in patients with prior pelvic irradiation

Abstract

Background/Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of patients treated by local radiotherapy or chemotherapy for oligo-recurrent cervical cancer with prior pelvic irradiation. Patients and Methods: Forty-one patients who had received pelvic irradiation for cervical cancer developed oligo-recurrent (.5 lesions) relapses and underwent local radiotherapy (n=22) or systemic chemotherapy (n=19). Overall survival (OS), local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) and distant-free survival (DFS) were estimated, and risk factors were identified. Results: The median follow-up was 24.1 months. The group of local radiotherapy showed a significantly superior LRFS, but inferior DFS. There was no significant difference in OS. Multivariate analysis revealed that FIGO stage at initial diagnosis was associated with OS. For patients with early FIGO stages (IB-IIB), local radiotherapy provided a tendency toward longer OS than chemotherapy. Conclusion: Out-field oligo-recurrence in patients with initial early FIGO stages may be an indication of salvage radiotherapy.