Uterine evacuation with misoprostol during radiotherapy for cervical cancer in pregnancy

Kathryn Ostrom, A. Ben-Arie, C. Edwards, A. Gregg, J. K. Chiu, Alan L. Kaplan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Radiotherapy as definitive treatment for invasive cervical cancer during pregnancy causes spontaneous abortion in most cases. Surgical evacuation of the uterus is indicated when abortion does not occur, exposing patients to additional morbidity. Two Latin American women, diagnosed with FIGO stage IB2 cervical cancer at approximately 15 weeks gestation, underwent radiotherapy with radiosensitizing chemotherapy. After intrauterine fetal demise was detected, both women underwent induction with misoprostol. Results included one complete abortion and one incomplete abortion without complications or delays in treatment. These cases demonstrate that induction with misoprostol appears to be a safe and effective alternative to surgical evacuation of the uterus when spontaneous abortion fails to occur during radiotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)340-343
Number of pages4
JournalInternational Journal of Gynecological Cancer
Volume13
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1 2003

Keywords

  • Cervical cancer
  • Misoprostol
  • Pregnancy
  • Radiotherapy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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