Bevacizumab efficacy and recurrence pattern of persistent and metastatic cervical cancer

Abstract

Background/Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of bevacizumab combined with cisplatin and paclitaxel for persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective review of medical records of patients with persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer. Results: Of the 52 patients, 33 (63.5%), 7 (13.5%) and 12 (23.1%) had recurrent, persistent and metastatic disease, respectively. Twenty-seven patients (51.9%) had prior platinum exposure. Possible bevacizumab-related serious adverse events included hypertension (n=3/52, 5.8%), febrile neutropenia (n=4/52, 7.7%) and fistula (n=2/52, 3.8%). Thirty-two recurrences (61.5%) and 20 deaths (38.5%) were noted. Median progression-free and overall survival was 9.8 months and 15.3 months, respectively. Recurrence included loco-regional (17/32, 59.4%), nodal (11/32, 34.4%), distant site (10/32, 31.3%) and peritoneal seeding (6/32, 18.8%). Conclusion: Bevacizumab with cisplatin and paclitaxel for treating persistent, recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer is feasible and well tolerated. Loco-regional recurrence was most frequent. Overall survival was worse with recurrence at >2 sites or distant metastases.