Superselective Intraarterial Chemotherapy into Bilateral Uterine Arteries in Uterine Cervical Carcinomas

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of superselective intra-arterial chemotherapy (SSIAC) via the bilateral uterine arteries in cases of cervical carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with stage IIa (n=10), IIb (n=7), or IIIa (n=1) cervical carcinoma underwent one (n=2) or two (n=16) courses of preoperative SSIAC with Vincristine, Cisplatin, and Mitomycin C. We estimated the extent of reduction of tumor volume and improvement of stage, comparing pre-SSIAC MRI to postoperative results. Tumor vascularity, as seen on uterine arteriography, and procedural complications, were also evaluated. RESULTS: A marked reduction in tumor volume was observed in all patients, an average reduction volume of 94.7%. Improvement of stage was noted in 16 patients, and in six of these, no residual viable tumor or microinvasive residual tumor was seen. On angiography, tumor hypervascularity was demonstrated in seven patients, but its degree was not substantially related to therapeutic response. In no case did significant systemic complications of result from chemotherapy; in one patient, however, we experienced a serious complication of necrotizing cystitis due to malpositioning of a catheter in the superior vesical artery. CONCLUSION: SSIAC via the bilateral uterine arteries is an effective complementary modality for the treatment of various stages of cervical carcinoma.