Rare but fatal: prevalence and clinical implications of brain metastasis in hpv-associated cervical cancer in a nigerian radiotherapy centre
1
Radiotherapy and Oncology Department, National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria
2
Advocacy and Policy, Call off Cancer Initiative, Abuja, Nigeria
3
Department of Radiography and Imaging, Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Cervical cancer remains one of the most common yet preventable HPV-associated malignancies, but advanced-stage disease continues to result in significant morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).¹ Brain metastasis from cervical cancer is exceptionally rare, accounting for <2% of cases globally,² yet presents a serious clinical challenge when it occurs. This study investigates the prevalence and clinical implications of brain metastases among cervical cancer patients referred for whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) at the National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria.
METHODS:
A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from 2018 to 2024 among cervical cancer patients referred for WBRT following radiologic confirmation of brain metastases. Data were obtained from oncology and radiotherapy clinical records. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v20.
RESULTS:
Among cervical cancer cases managed at the radiotherapy unit during the study period, the prevalence of brain metastasis was 0.80% (8 per 1000). The highest annual prevalence occurred in 2021 (1.77%), possibly reflecting improved neuroimaging and referral pathways. All cases involved advanced or recurrent disease.
CONCLUSIONS:
This study represents the first known Nigerian report describing brain metastasis among cervical cancer patients referred for WBRT. Although rare, these metastases represent an emerging concern likely influenced by improved survival, enhanced diagnostic capacity, and aggressive histological subtypes such as small-cell carcinoma.³ Findings highlight the need for multidisciplinary management, routine neuroimaging in high-risk patients, and strengthened cancer surveillance systems in LMICs.
Cervical cancer remains one of the most common yet preventable HPV-associated malignancies, but advanced-stage disease continues to result in significant morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).¹ Brain metastasis from cervical cancer is exceptionally rare, accounting for <2% of cases globally,² yet presents a serious clinical challenge when it occurs. This study investigates the prevalence and clinical implications of brain metastases among cervical cancer patients referred for whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) at the National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria.
METHODS:
A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from 2018 to 2024 among cervical cancer patients referred for WBRT following radiologic confirmation of brain metastases. Data were obtained from oncology and radiotherapy clinical records. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v20.
RESULTS:
Among cervical cancer cases managed at the radiotherapy unit during the study period, the prevalence of brain metastasis was 0.80% (8 per 1000). The highest annual prevalence occurred in 2021 (1.77%), possibly reflecting improved neuroimaging and referral pathways. All cases involved advanced or recurrent disease.
CONCLUSIONS:
This study represents the first known Nigerian report describing brain metastasis among cervical cancer patients referred for WBRT. Although rare, these metastases represent an emerging concern likely influenced by improved survival, enhanced diagnostic capacity, and aggressive histological subtypes such as small-cell carcinoma.³ Findings highlight the need for multidisciplinary management, routine neuroimaging in high-risk patients, and strengthened cancer surveillance systems in LMICs.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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