Chemotherapy in the treatment of metastatic, persistent, and recurrent cervical cancer

Purpose of review Patients with cervical cancer represent a vulnerable population with limited chemotherapeutic options. This year, two large trials focusing on detection/screening and treatment of advanced stage cervical cancer were featured in the opening plenary session of the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting. As such, a review of the evolution of chemotherapy in the treatment of this disease is warranted. Recent findings Following the establishment of cisplatin as an effective single-agent regimen in patients with advanced stage, recurrent, or persistent cervical cancer, several platinum-containing combinations were studied. Ultimately, the adoption of cisplatin chemosensitizing radiation resulted in relative 'cisplatin resistance' and the concept of nonplatinum doublets emerged as an active area of investigation. Summary In an era of biologics, combined therapy with cytotoxic drugs and molecular targeted agents, as well as the use of nonplatinum doublets, represent an exciting area yet to be fully explored.