Super-selective chemoembolization in locally advanced cervical cancer

Aim. To investigate the effectiveness of super-selective chemoembolization (SCE) in locally advanced cervical cancer. Materials and methods. The study comprised 17 patients with stage IB2-IIIB cervical cancer who underwent SCE, which was performed using HepaSphere drug-loaded microspheres. Oxaliplatin (100 mg) was used as a cytostatic agent. The treatment response was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 3 weeks after SCE. Results. The best treatment response was observed in patients with stage IB2 disease. Stabilization was achieved in 4/17 (67%) patients. A partial response was observed in 2/17 (33%). In patients with stage IIA disease, a partial response was observed in 2/17 (67%) patients. In 1 patient, stabilization of the process was established. Among patients with stage IIIB disease, the best treatment response was achieved in 1 patient, who had a 13% reduction in tumor size. In the remaining 2 cases, the effect of treatment was negligible (5 and 6% tumor size reduction). About half (47%) of patients developed a postembolization syndrome. Conclusion. To date, sufficient experience has not yet been gained to draw definite conclusions about the effectiveness of SCE. However, the fact that this treatment modality has all the advantages of intra-arterial chemotherapy while avoiding its adverse effects, its use may offer promising results.

cervical cancer, super-selective chemoembolization, uterine artery embolization, chemotherapy, microspheres