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Adenocarcinoma of the Uterine Cervix: Why Is it Different?

  • Gynecologic Cancers (NS Reed, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Adenocarcinoma (AC) of the uterine cervix is the second most frequent tumor type following squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, there is no difference in the treatment strategy between SCC and AC. However, there are a number of studies that suggest a worse prognosis for AC compared to SCC. In this comprehensive review, we will try to find the reason why AC is different from SCC, and then discuss what we need to do to improve the prognosis of AC. Uterine cervical AC is clearly different from SCC based on its molecular pathogenesis, histological appearance, and clinical behavior. Therefore, it will be necessary to make a different treatment strategy, particularly for patients with locally advanced and metastatic or recurrent disease. It is most important to intensify our research into the molecular profile of AC, so that we can develop more appropriate targeted therapies. Because of its rarity, international collaboration among clinical trials with translational components will be key to increasing cure rates and improving survivorship.

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Conflict of Interest

Dr. Keiichi Fujiwara and Dr. Mojgan Devouassoux-Shisheboran have no conflict of interest.

Dr. Bradley Monk has received grants from Roche/Genentech.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, 1397-1 Yamane, Hidaka City, Saitama, Japan

    Keiichi Fujiwara

  2. Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Creighton University School of Medicine at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, 500 W. Thomas Road, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA

    Bradley Monk

  3. Department of Pathology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France

    Mojgan Devouassoux-Shisheboran

Authors
  1. Keiichi Fujiwara
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  2. Bradley Monk
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Correspondence to Keiichi Fujiwara.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Gynecologic Cancers

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Fujiwara, K., Monk, B. & Devouassoux-Shisheboran, M. Adenocarcinoma of the Uterine Cervix: Why Is it Different?. Curr Oncol Rep 16, 416 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-014-0416-y

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