Chemotherapy of vulvar cancer: a review

• Published in: Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift Vol. 125; no. 5-6; pp. 119 - 128
• Main Authors: Deppe, Gunter, Mert, Ismail, Belotte, Jimmy, Winer, Ira S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Vienna Springer Vienna 01-03-2013
• Subjects: Antineoplastic Agents - classification; Antineoplastic Agents - therapeutic use; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - diagnosis; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - therapy; Endocrinology; Female; Gastroenterology; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures - methods; Humans; Internal Medicine; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Pneumology/Respiratory System; Review Article; Vulvar Neoplasms - diagnosis; Vulvar Neoplasms - therapy; Chemotherapie; Vulvar cancer; Chemotherapy; Vulvakarzinom
• ISSN: 0043-5325; 1613-7671
• DOI: 10.1007/s00508-013-0338-y

Summary
Squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva is a rare disease with good prognosis if diagnosed early. The standard primary therapy is surgery. Neoadjuvant radiation or chemotherapy has been used to achieve resectability of the tumor and to decrease the radicality of the surgery. Chemotherapy with platinum compounds, paclitaxel and targeted therapy (erlotinib) has shown activity. International collaborative trials are needed to identify the best therapeutic strategy for patients with squamous cell cancer of the vulva who are not candidates for primary surgery or concomitant chemoradiation. We review the various treatment options available to patients with advanced or recurrent squamous cell cancer of the vulva.