Superselective uterine artery chemoembolization for the treatment of cervical cancer: a clinical analysis of 33 cases

Objective: To discuss the clinical therapeutic effect and side reaction of superselective uterine arterial chemoembolization therapy for the treatment of cervical cancer. Methods: Bilateral uterine arterial chemoembolization was performed in 33 patients with pathologically-proved cervical cancer. The infusion drugs included DDP or L-OHP, EADM, MMC and 5-Fu. The Gelfoam particle was employed as embolic agent. The therapeutic effect evaluated by observing the improvement of clinical symptoms and the volume reduction of the tumor. Results: Of the total 33 patients with pathologically-confirmed cervical cancer, squamous cell carcinoma was seen in 29 and adenocarcinoma in 4. Based on FIGO classification (established by Federation International of Gynecology and Obstetrics), 6, 23 and 4 patients were classified in stage Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ respectively. The angiography conducted during the procedure showed that the uterine arteries were markedly dilated, and spiral tumor-feeding arteries as well as tumor stain were also observed. Technical success together with perfect chemoembolization was achieved for 57 uterine arteries in 33 patients. Among the 33 patients, the interventional treatment was carried out three times in 2, two times in 2 and single time in 29. One week after the initial interventional procedure the remission rate of the clinical symptoms was 96% for squamous cell carcinoma and 100% for adenocarcinoma. One month after the treatment, the mean tumor volume was decreased by 30%, the tumor volume reduction for squamous cell carcinoma was 27.6% and was 50.0% for adenocarcinoma. Surgical resection after interventional therapy was carried out in 21 cases and additional radiotherapy after surgery or interventional procedure was adopted in 11 cases. The main adverse reactions after interventional procedure included fever, leucocytopenia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, etc. Conclusion: Superselective uterine arterial chemoembolization is one of effective supplementary measures for the comprehensive treatment of cervical carcinoma. (authors)