Search

Objective: To evaluate the effects of gemcitabine on the microvessel density (MVD) and apoptosis in radiotherapy of cervical cancer. Methods: Forty-seven patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (IIB, III and IVA stage) were divided into two groups randomly: group A, 22 cases receiving radiotherapy combined with gemcitabine; group B, 25 cases receiving radiotherapy only. Tissue specimens were obtained from cervical tumor of all patients before and 24 h after radiotherapy with 10 Gy. MVD and apoptosis was detected by immunohistochemical staining and TUNEL assay respectively. Results: MVD (median) in group A was significantly reduced as compared with group B (P=0.001). A-LI (median) in group A was significantly increased as compared with group B (P=0.034). T0.5 in group A was significantly shorter than that in group B (P=0.018). The reduction of MVD in group A was negatively correlated with T0.5 (r=−0.628). There was no significant difference in gastrointestinal and haematological adverse effects between group A and group B. Conclusion: Gemcitabine, a novel potential radiosensitizer, can decrease the neoangiogenesis, increase the apoptosis in the early stage of radiotherapy of cervical cancer.