Surgical management and follow-up of patients with cervical cancer: survey of gynaecological oncologists in the UK.
We investigated current surgical management and follow-up of women with cervical cancer focusing on treatment of recurrent disease and the use of routine imaging during follow-up among gynaecological oncologists in the UK. A questionnaire including questions regarding perioperative management of primary disease in cervical cancer, follow-up post-treatment, assessment and management of recurrent cervical cancer, was sent to 84 gynaecological oncologists. Some 87% responded. Considerable variations in surgical management and follow-up were identified. With central recurrence of cervical cancer without prior radiotherapy, 90% would recommend radiotherapy instead of an exenteration. For central recurrence in irradiated women, only three (4%) would not recommend an exenteration. In women with pelvic sidewall relapse without prior radiotherapy, 65 responders (96%) would offer radiotherapy, while in pelvic sidewall relapse post-radiation 25 (37%) would recommend pelvic sidewall resection in a specialised centre. A total of 21% used routine imaging during follow-up. The wide variation in clinical practice indicates that there is a need to establish national guidelines for surgical management and follow-up of primary and recurrent cervical cancer.
Department of Gynaecological Oncology, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Fulham Road, London, UK. marielle.nobbenhuis@rmh.nhs.uk
M A E
MA
Nobbenhuis
L
L
Balasubramani
D F
DF
Kolomainen
D P J
DP
Barton
D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000601:surgery*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D006113:United Kingdom; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*