Standards, options and recommendations for the management of invasive cervical cancer patients (non metastastic)

The "Standards, Options and Recommendations" (SOR) project, started in 1993, is a collaboration between the Federation of French Cancer Centers (FNCLCC), the 20 French cancer centers and specialists from French public university and general hospitals and private clinics. Its main objective is the development of clinical practice guidelines to improve the quality of health care and outcome for cancer patients. The methodology is based on literature review and critical appraisal by a multidisciplinary group of experts, with feedback from specialists in cancer care delivery. Objectives : To develop, according to the definitions of the Standards, Options and Recommendations, clinical practice guidelines for the management of invasive cervical cancer patients. Methods : Data were identified by searching Medline(R) and the personal reference lists of members of the expert groups, then submitted for review to independent reviewers. Results : This is a synthesis of the Standards, Options and Recommendations elaborated by a working group of experts. Pretherapeutic assessment, classification, diagnosis, therapeutic modalities (surgery, radiotherapy, radiochemotherapy, chemotherapy), therapeutic strategies by disease stage and follow-up are covered. Algorithms for the management of patients are also included.