Prevalence, characteristics, and outcomes of HIV-positive women diagnosed with invasive cancer of the cervix in Kenya.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the prevalence of invasive cervical cancer (ICC) and assess access to, and outcomes of, treatment for ICC among HIV-infected women in Kisumu, Kenya.

METHODS:

We performed a retrospective chart review to identify women diagnosed with ICC between October 2007 and June 2012, and to examine the impact of a change in the referral protocol. Prior to June 2009, all women with ICC were referred to a regional hospital. After this date, women with stage IA1 disease were offered treatment with loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) in-clinic.

RESULTS:

Of 4308 women screened, 58 (1.3%) were diagnosed with ICC. The mean age at diagnosis was 34years (range, 22-50years). Fifty-four (93.1%) women had stage IA1 disease, of whom 36 (66.7%) underwent LEEP, 7 (12.9%) had a total abdominal hysterectomy, and 11 (20.4%) had unknown or no treatment. At 6, 12, and 24months after LEEP, 8.0% (2/25), 25.0% (6/24), and 41.2% (7/17) of women had a recurrence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 or worse, respectively.

CONCLUSION:

Most HIV-positive women diagnosed with ICC through screening had early-stage disease. The introduction of LEEP in-clinic increased access to treatment; however, recurrence was high, indicating the need for continued surveillance.