Retrospective study of the treatment outcomes of cervical cancer in young women treated at a single institution

Authors

Keywords:

cervical cancer, treatment outcomes, young women

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer affects mostly young women from poor countries and disadvantaged populations. Limited information is available that specifically outline the presenting features and treatment outcomes of young patients treated for cervical cancer.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate treatment decisions and outcomes in young women (under the age of 39 years) with cervical cancer who were treated at a single institution in South Africa.

Design and methods: Retrospective analysis was used to review medical records of patients younger than 39 years of age with cervical cancer who were referred for radiation from January 2015 to December 2017. Data were collected on patient demographics, HIV status, stage, treatment and survival outcome.

Results: During the study period, 92 patients under the age of 39 years of age were referred for radiotherapy. The median age was 33 years of age (24–38 years). Overall, 35.9% (n = 33) were HIV-positive. Disease characteristics indicated that 65.2% (n = 60) were Stage IIIB and above. Seventy patients (76.1%) received primary chemoradiation, radiation or adjuvant chemoradiation. HIV-negative patients were significantly more likely to be prescribed curative therapy (86.2% compared to 60.6%; p = 0.05). Two-year overall survival was 71.8% (65.1–78.5%) for the primary chemoradiation cohort and 80% (78.2–81.8%) for patients who received adjuvan chemoradiation. The outcome was significantly impacted by the delivery of concurrent chemotherapy in the primary chemoradiation group but not by HIV status of the patients.

Conclusion: Young women presenting with cervical carcinoma at our institution had a high prevalence of HIV and were mostly at an advanced stage. Though the HIV status of a patient impacted treatment intent, more than 80% of the cohort received a > 40 Gy external beam radiotherapy (RT) and the two-year overall survival was greater 70% in the curative group.

Author Biographies

  • C Njovo, Stellenbosch University

    Department of Radiation Oncology, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • H Simonds, Stellenbosch University

    Department of Radiation Oncology, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Stellenbosch University, South Africa

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Published

2022-06-13

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Section

Original Research