Advances in the management of cervical cancer

In the last decade a number of advances have occurred ib the treatment of c ervical cancer. These advances have resulted in a variety of benefits, incl uding improved survival, improved quality of life and preservation of ferti lity in selected patients with early-stage disease. Because cervical cancer affects women earlier than it does any other adult cancer, appropriate phy sician decisions can significantly affect longevity. This article reviews r ecent advances in the management of cervical cancer, including conservative surgery for microinvasive tumors, radical trachelectomy, adjuvant therapy for high-risk early-stage disease, use of chemotherapy as part of multimoda lity primary treatment and improvements in the management of recurrent dise ase. Recognition of these advances is important for the practicing obstetri cian/gynecologist.