Integration of Consolidation Chemotherapy After Concurrent Chemoradiation in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Uterine Cervical Cancer.

Background: Despite the current standard of concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT), around 30-40% are still dying from locally advanced cervical cancer. Increasing the radiation dose further was not a feasible option, but addition of chemotherapy further was tried due to the different toxicity profiles of it. So, the use of consolidation chemotherapy beyond CCRT has been studied. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy, toxicity, tumour response and loco-regional control following consolidation chemotherapy after concurrent chemoradiation in locally advanced carcinoma cervix (LACC). Methods: The patients were randomized into two arms: the conventional arm (control arm, Results: Haematological toxicity (grade 3 anaemia and grade 1 leucopenia, grade 1 and 2 thrombocytopenia) was higher in the study group. Renal, hepatic and gastrointestinal toxicity was more in the study arm. Peripheral neuropathy was mostly seen in the study arm. Median follow-up was 9 months. Treatment response was better, and the rate of recurrence was less in the study arm. Conclusion: Addition of few cycles of consolidation chemotherapy after standard treatment is beneficial in patients with LACC with manageable toxicity and good compliance.