Neoadjuvant radiotherapy followed by hysterectomy in locally advanced endometrial cancer: Outcomes from a tertiary government hospital in the Philippines

Abstract

Objective

Managing endometrial cancer with suspected or gross cervical involvement lacks a standard approach. This study evaluated outcomes in patients with cervical and/or parametrial involvement treated with neoadjuvant radiation followed by hysterectomy.

Methods

Fourteen patients from 2007 to 2022 with locally advanced endometrial cancer and cervical and/or parametrial involvement were retrospectively analyzed. They received neoadjuvant external beam radiotherapy (45–50.4 Gy in 25–30 fractions) and high-dose rate brachytherapy (5.5–7.0 Gy per fraction in 3–4 fractions), followed by extrafascial hysterectomy. Clinical data, pathologic response, and survival outcomes were assessed, along with factors associated with pathologic response.

Results

Most patients (86%) had stage III disease with cervical extension, 93% had parametrial involvement, and 14% had nodal involvement. Chemotherapy was given to 86% either concurrently or adjuvantly. Post-surgery, 86% had no pathologic cervical involvement, and 93% had negative surgical margins. Pathologic complete response was seen in 43%. Locoregional recurrence occurred in 14%. Median follow-up was 30 months, with recurrence-free survival and overall survival rates of 86% and 100%, respectively. Lower grade tumors significantly correlated with pathologic complete response (Φ = 0.72, p = 0.026). No significant correlation was found between pathologic complete response and other factors. No late grade 3–4 toxicities were reported.

Conclusion

Neoadjuvant radiation followed by hysterectomy, with or without chemotherapy, is a viable strategy for managing endometrial cancer with cervical and/or parametrial involvement. This approach enhances resectability, yielding high rates of pathologic complete response and negative resection margins, showing promise for this challenging patient group.