The OUTBACK trial (2022) investigated the role of adjuvant chemotherapy after chemoradiation for locally advanced cervical cancer. Its primary conclusion was:
- A Adjuvant carboplatin/paclitaxel significantly improved overall survival
- B Adjuvant chemotherapy did not improve overall survival and increased toxicity ✓
- C Benefit was seen only in para-aortic node-positive patients
- D Adjuvant bevacizumab improved progression-free survival significantly
Correct answer: B. Adjuvant chemotherapy did not improve overall survival and increased toxicity
Explanation
The OUTBACK trial (NEJM 2022) was a phase III RCT showing that adjuvant carboplatin/paclitaxel chemotherapy after standard cisplatin-based chemoradiation for locally advanced cervical cancer did NOT improve overall or progression-free survival compared to chemoradiation alone, but significantly increased haematological toxicity. This trial does not support the routine use of adjuvant chemotherapy after chemoradiation.
Reference: Shaw's Textbook of Gynaecology, 17th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.