A comparative study of nab-paclitaxel versus cisplatin concurrent chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced cervical cancer

Background: Approximately, 80%–90% patients presented with locally advanced stage with bulky central disease in our center, thus induction followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) plays a predominant role in the treatment of cervical cancer. Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects, toxicities, treatment response, and progression-free survival (PFS) of nab-paclitaxel and cisplatin in the management of cervical cancer as CCRT. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, observational study performed at a tertiary care hospital. A total of 120 patients of squamous cell carcinoma of cervical cancer had received three cycles of induction chemotherapy (CT), paclitaxel 175 mg/m², and cisplatin 75 mg/m², three weekly regimen. All patients were divided into two CCRT arm, A and B. In arm A, patients received external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) with weekly cisplatin 40 mg/m² plus intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT). In arm B, patients received EBRT with weekly nab-paclitaxel 70 mg/m² plus ICBT. Results: In this study, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Stage III B, 53.33% in arm A and 46.66% in arm B. After EBRT, complete response was 48.33% in arm A and 73.33% patients in arm B, and 51.66% in arm A and 26.66% patients in arm B had partial response. Median duration of follow-up was 33 months (range 24–48). The PFS, P = 0.0093 was significant. Conclusion: With this study, we can consider the justification for future approach for locally advanced cervical cancer which incorporates induction CT followed by concurrent nab-paclitaxel with EBRT followed by ICBT.