CLINICAL OUTCOMES AND PROGNOSTIC FACTORS OF RADIOTHERAPY IN LOCALLY ADVANCED CERVICAL CARCINOMA

Abstract

Locally advanced cervical carcinoma (LACC) remains a major global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where late presentation is common. Radiotherapy, combined with concurrent chemotherapy, is the standard treatment; however, clinical outcomes vary significantly due to multiple prognostic factors. This study aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes and identify prognostic determinants of radiotherapy in patients with LACC. A quantitative, descriptive-correlational design was employed, involving 180 patients treated at tertiary care oncology centers. Data were collected through structured clinical record review forms and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, and Cox regression modeling were applied. The findings revealed that concurrent chemoradiotherapy was administered to 67.8% of patients, with an overall treatment response rate of 70%. The 2-year survival rate was 62.2%. Significant prognostic factors included FIGO stage, tumor size, lymph node involvement, and hemoglobin level (p < 0.05). Cox regression analysis identified lymph node positivity as the strongest predictor of poor survival (HR = 2.76), while concurrent chemoradiotherapy demonstrated a significant survival benefit. The study concludes that radiotherapy outcomes in LACC are strongly influenced by tumor burden and patient-related clinical factors, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and individualized treatment strategies. The findings highlight the need for improved staging, timely treatment, and integrated chemoradiotherapy approaches to optimize survival outcomes in cervical cancer patients.