Study Finds Open Surgery Offers Better Outcomes for Early-Stage Cervical Cancer Patients

Houston Methodist researchers have reported that early-stage cervical cancer patients experience higher survival rates and reduced recurrence when treated with open radical hysterectomy compared to minimally invasive laparoscopic methods. The findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology after a 5-year study, highlight significant benefits of the traditional surgical approach.

Dr. Pedro T. Ramirez, Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Houston Methodist, emphasized that these results support guidelines recommending open surgery for radical hysterectomy. The study reaffirms previous research suggesting that minimally invasive techniques may carry higher risks of cancer recurrence and mortality.

Cervical cancer typically affects women aged 35 to 44 and can often be cured by surgically removing cancerous tissue or performing a hysterectomy. The latest research builds upon a 2018 study led by Dr. Ramirez, which initially raised concerns about the effectiveness of minimally invasive surgery in these cases.

Comparing survival rates, the study found that patients undergoing open surgery had a 96.2% survival rate after four and a half years, while those undergoing minimally invasive surgery had a slightly lower rate of 90.6%. Furthermore, 96% of patients in the open surgery group remained cancer-free compared to 85% in the minimally invasive group.

Dr. Ramirez and his international team are continuing their research to understand why open surgery yields better outcomes. Potential factors under investigation include the use of gas to expand the abdomen and specific medical devices that could inadvertently spread tumor cells.

The study, titled “LACC Trial: Final Analysis on Overall Survival Comparing Open Versus Minimally Invasive Radical Hysterectomy for Early-Stage Cervical Cancer,” involved collaboration with experts worldwide and received support from Medtronic and philanthropic donations.