Prognostic Factors for Cervical Cancer in Asian Populations: A Scoping Review of Research From 2013 to 2023

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, with particularly high incidence and mortality rates in low- and middle-income countries, with Asia reporting the highest number of cases in 2022. Despite this significant burden, the prognostic factors specific to Asian populations remain underexplored. This scoping review aimed to identify and evaluate prognostic factors associated with cervical cancer outcomes in Asia, focusing on clinical, socio-demographic, and treatment-related variables. The review followed the Arksey and O'Malley framework and included 44 studies published between 2013 and 2023. The majority of research was concentrated in East Asia, particularly in China, Japan, and South Korea. Key prognostic factors affecting overall survival and disease-free survival included tumor size, histology, age, lymphovascular invasion, and lymph node metastasis. Non-squamous cell carcinoma histology, especially adenocarcinoma, was consistently linked to poorer outcomes. Older age and medical comorbidities, such as anemia and diabetes, also negatively impacted survival. Treatment-related factors, though less frequently reported, demonstrated the significance of adjuvant therapy, chemotherapy, and treatment intensity in improving outcomes. This review underscores the complexity of cervical cancer prognosis in Asian populations and highlights the need for targeted research and region-specific interventions to address the rising incidence of cervical cancer. It also highlights the scarcity of research on cervical cancer prognostic factors in West, Central, and South Asian countries. Future research should aim to address the gaps in understanding treatment-related factors and explore the potential for region-specific interventions to improve outcomes in cervical cancer across Asia.