Chemotherapy for recurrent and metastatic cervical cancer

Objectives: Our purpose is to review the chemotherapy for recurrent and metastatic cervical cancer. Methods: We reviewed the phase II and III clinical trials of chemotherapy regimens and recent advances of targeted therapy for treatment of recurrent and metastatic cervical cancer. We also reviewed chemotherapy for rare histological subtypes of cervical cancer. Results: Recent data has shown that the combination of cisplatinum and topotecan is the only regimen to demonstrate a progression-free survival and overall survival advantage over single agent cisplatin in the setting of recurrent cervical cancer. Preliminary study results indicate that targeted therapies may have an important role in the management of recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer. Conclusion: There remains a need for novel agents and further research focusing on the management of recurrent and metastatic cervical cancer. Future goals of therapy are to increase efficacy of treatment options while decreasing toxicity.