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

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.