How valid are current cervical cancer prognostic factors that are used to recommend adjunctive radiation therapy after radical surgery?

Abstract

Prognostic factors in early cervical cancer have been debated for many years and have been used as an indication for postradical hysterectomy radiation therapy. A recent Gynecologic Oncology Group protocol suggested that large lesions, deep invasion, or capillary-like space had better recurrence-free survival, but not overall survival, if postoperative radiation was given. When the published data were evaluated, the authors' conclusions were questioned. The choice of prognostic factors does not seem appropriate based on the data that were presented.