Objective To prospectively analyze the effect of three-dimensional chemoradiation on the bone mineral density of pelvic bones and its association with low back pain and disability in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.

Methods In biopsy proven locally advanced cervical cancer patients, bone mineral density and T scores for lumbar vertebrae 5, dorsal thoracic vertebrae 12, and T scores for the femoral neck were analyzed. Low back pain was scored using the visual analog scale while disability scoring was done using the Oswestry low back pain disability scale. Furthermore, a subgroup analysis for patients (classified according to menopausal status) was performed.

Results In total, 106 patients were analyzed. A statistically significant decline in mean bone mineral density was observed at all three sites (vertebrae 5 and 12, and the femoral neck) post-chemoradiation therapy compared with pretreatment bone mineral density (0.671 vs 0.828, −2.083 vs −1.531, −2.503 vs −1.626; all p<0.001). Similarly, in subgroup analyses, at all three sites, pre-menopausal patients showed a statistically significant association (0.876 vs 0.697, −1.203 vs −0.2.761, –1.403 vs −2.232; all p<0.001) while a non-significant association was observed for post-menopausal patients at vertebrae 12 (−1.707 vs −1.719; p=0.09) with a statistically significant association at vertebrae 5 and the femoral neck (0.803 vs 0.656, –1.746 vs −2.648; p<0.01). Although statistically significant low back pain and disability scores were observed overall and irrespective of menopausal status, no correlation between bone mineral density and low back pain and disability was observed.

Conclusion Pelvic bone mineral density decreases significantly after chemoradiation, irrespective of menopausal status. However, no correlation with low back pain and disability was observed. Pelvic bone mineral density analysis should be considered before chemoradiation in cervical cancer.