CERVICAL cancer lung metastases incidence was estimated at 4.31% globally, with advanced disease stages and neuroendocrine carcinoma associated with increased metastatic risk, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis. The study evaluated the frequency and clinical patterns of lung metastases in patients with cervical cancer, identifying factors that may help inform future prevention and treatment approaches.
The researchers analysed available studies reporting lung metastases incidence among patients with cervical cancer. Data were assessed using a random-effects model, with pooled estimates calculated alongside 95% confidence intervals. The analysis found that the global incidence of lung metastases was 4.31% (95% CI: 3.25–5.37).
Regional variation was observed, with the highest reported incidence identified in Africa at 7.42%. The findings reinforced the lung as a key site of distant spread in cervical cancer, often occurring alongside other metastatic locations, including the liver and bone.
The analysis showed that lung metastases risk varied according to tumour characteristics and disease progression. Neuroendocrine carcinoma demonstrated the highest histology-specific incidence of lung metastases at 16.91% (95% CI: 11.06–22.76), exceeding rates observed in adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Disease stage was also strongly associated with metastatic risk. Patients with stage IV cervical cancer had a lung metastases incidence of 15.75% (95% CI: 4.92–26.58), compared with 3.12% (95% CI: 1.74–4.51) among those with stage I disease. These data indicated that more advanced disease was linked to a greater likelihood of pulmonary spread.
The study reported an average post metastasis survival duration of 32.56 months (95% CI: 7.57–57.54). The authors suggested that recognising patients at higher risk of lung metastases could support improved clinical decision making and treatment planning.
The findings highlighted the importance of considering tumour histology and disease stage when assessing metastatic risk in cervical cancer. Further strategies aimed at prevention, early identification, and management of lung metastases may help improve outcomes for affected patients.
Reference
Pakdaman K et al. Systematic review and meta-analysis of lung metastases incidence in cervical cancer patients. BMC Cancer. 2026;DOI:10.1186/s12885-026-16579-x.
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