Carcinoid tumors of the uterine cervix: Response to combination chemotherapy and radiotherapy

Abstract

Two cases of advanced (Stage III) carcinoid. tumors of the cervix are presented. Initial treatment in both cases consisted of combination chemotherapy (CCNU, cyclophosphamide and methotrexate) administered in the same regimen used in the treatment of small cell carcinoma of the lung. Initial response in the first case was remarkable, but toxic side effects delayed further treatment. Local tumor progression followed resulting in bilateral complete ureteric obstruction. Radiation therapy was discontinued before an effective dose could be delivered, and the patient expired in uremic coma. In the second case, initial response to chemotherapy was not as effective, but radiation therapy seemed to produce local control of the disease. Review of the English literature produced 21 additional cases of carcincoid tumors of the cervix: eight Stage I, seven Stage II, four Stage III, and one Stage IV. No firm conclusions with regard to therapy could be drawn from such small numbers.