Weekly systemic cisplatin plus locoregional hyperthermia: an effective treatment for patients with recurrent cervical carcinoma in a previously irradiated area

Abstract

Purpose: Patients with recurrent cervical carcinoma within a previously irradiated area respond poorly to chemotherapy. We have treated these patients with simultaneous cisplatin and hyperthermia (CDDP + HT) and investigated response, toxicity, palliative effect and survival.

Materials and methods: Between 1992 and 2005 47 patients received CDDP + HT. Response was evaluated by gynaecologic examination and CT-scan. The Common Toxicity Criteria (CTC) were used for evaluation of toxicity and palliative effect. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival, and Cox regression analysis to evaluate the influence of prognostic factors.

Results: The objective response rate was 55%, palliation was achieved in 74% and operability in 19% of patients. Two patients are currently disease free at 9 years and 18 + months following treatment and 2 remained disease free until death by other causes. The median survival was 8 months and was influenced by duration of disease free interval and tumour diameter. Grade 3-4 haematological toxicity was observed in 36% of patients and renal toxicity was maximum grade 2.

Conclusion: CDDP + HT results in a high response rate and acceptable toxicity in patients with recurrent cervical cancer.