Recent developments in chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced cancer of the cervix

Patients with locally advanced cervical cancer comprise a significant propo rtion of the total population with cervical cancer, particularly in develop ing countries. The inability to control pelvic tumors is still a significan t concern. Although neoadjuvant chemotherapy is associated with a high resp onse rate, data from randomized trials clearly do not support the use of ne oadjuvant chemotherapy prior to definitive irradiation. However, the result s of concurrent cisplatin (Platinol)-based chemotherapy and radiotherapy ar e highly promising for locally advanced cancer of the cervix and should be considered as a treatment option. To decrease the risk of distant metastasi s and improve survival, more effective drugs or drug combinations seed to b e developed.