Endoscopic assessment of radiological stage IVA cervical cancer: A bivariate meta-analysis supporting an evidence-based staging algorithm proposal

Objective: To optimize the use of confirmatory endoscopic exams (cystoscopy/proctoscopy) in the staging of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC), the present study evaluates the predictive value of radiological exams (CT and MRI) to detect bladder/rectum invasion. Methods: A systematic search of databases (PubMed and EMBASE) was performed (CRD42021270329). The inclusion criteria were: a) cervix cancer diagnosis; b) staging CT and/or MRI (index test); c) staging cystoscopy and/or proctoscopy (standard test); and d) numbers of true positives (TP), true negatives (TN), false positives (FP), and false negatives (FN) provided. A random-effects bivariate meta-analysis of positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) was performed with moderator analyses by imaging modality (CT and MRI) and prevalence. Results: Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria, totaling 3480 and 1641 patients for bladder and rectum analyses, respectively. For bladder invasion (prevalence ranged from 0.9% to 34.5%), the overall PPV was 45% (95% confidence interval, 33%–57%, based on 19 studies). Per subgroup, the PPV was 31% for MRI/prevalence ≤6%, 33% for CT/prevalence ≤6%, and 69% for CT/prevalence >6%. For rectal invasion (prevalence ranged from 0.4% to 20.0%), the overall PPV was 30% (95% confidence interval, 17%–47%, based on 8 studies). Per subgroup, the PPV was 36% for MRI/prevalence ≤1%, 17% for MRI/prevalence >1%, and 38% for CT/prevalence >1%. The overall NPV for bladder invasion and rectal invasion were 98% (95% confidence interval, 97%–99%) and 100% (95% confidence interval, 99%–100%), respectively. Considering prevalence and radiological modality, the point estimate of NPV varied from 95% to 100% for bladder invasion and from 99% to 100% for rectum invasion. Conclusions: Due to low PPV (<50%) of radiological staging, endoscopic exams may be necessary to correctly assess radiological stage IVA LACC. However, they are not necessary after negative radiological exam (NPV ≥95%).