Management of cervical cancer during pregnancy – a systematic review

Abstract

Diagnosis of neoplasms during pregnancy and establishing a treatment schedule that is safe for both mother and fetus is problematic. This review summarizes knowledge about the problems associated with cervical cancer during pregnancy and current recommendations for diagnosis and treatment. The systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. The search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Seven articles on 317 pregnant women with cervical cancer were included. Stage of disease, gestational age at diagnosis, treatment in pregnancy, type of delivery, gestational age of delivery, treatment after delivery, follow-up and main conclusion were analysed. The rare phenomenon of neoplasms during pregnancy, as well as a limited research, do not allow for the development of clear guidelines for the treatment of cervical cancer in pregnant women. It is warrant to address discussed problems in future clinical research to provide the best care for pregnant cancer patients.