Advances in the management of cervical cancer.

In the last decade a number of advances have occurred in the treatment of cervical cancer. These advances have resulted in a variety of benefits, including improved survival, improved quality of life and preservation of fertility in selected patients with early-stage disease. Because cervical cancer affects women earlier than does any other adult cancer, appropriate physician decisions can significantly affect longevity. This article reviews recent advances in the management of cervical cancer, including conservative surgery for microinvasive tumors, radical trachelectomy, adjuvant therapy for high-risk early-stage disease, use of chemotherapy as part of multimodality primary treatment and improvements in the management of recurrent disease. Recognition of these advances is important for the practicing obstetrician/gynecologist.