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How would you treat small cell cancer of the cervix?

Can the classic indications for post-hysterectomy radiation (eg. "Sedlis" and "Peter's" criteria) be applied? Does the histology change radiation dose/volume recommendations? Should etoposide be added to cisplatin?
1 Answer
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Radiation Oncology · Radiation Oncology And Cyberknife Treatment Ctr
Answered on

Small cell carcinoma is a rare tumor, representing less than 3% of all cervical cancers. It is tremendously different from the more common squamous and adenocarcinomas of the cervix both in terms of histological identification and its clinical course. Due to its rarity and variable inclusion on previous randomized controlled trials, all of the available data essentially comes from retrospective series, therefore trying to standardize care for these patients can be difficult. With that being said, there are some very important characteristics that sets small cell carcinoma of the cervix apart that should be considered when making treatment decisions:

  1. They have a very high propensity for vascular and lymphatic invasion
  2. Prognosis appears to be...

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