Work

Comparative study of dosimetry and treatment outcome of two different dose fractionation schedules of high dose rate intracavitary brachytherapy in locally advanced cancer cervix

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Optimizing high dose rate intracavitary brachytherapy (HDR-ICBT) fractionation regimens remains elusive due to concerns about radiation toxicity, despite varied schedules being used across centers for decades. This study investigates the effectiveness of two different HDR brachytherapy schedules for treating cervical cancer, comparing their outcomes in terms of acute toxicities and local control. Materials and methods: . 6Gy per fraction per week for 4 fractions (Arm B). Results: The two fractionation schedules demonstrated similar efficacy for loco-regional control. While the mean equivalent dose at the bladder, sigmoid and bowel was higher in Arm B as compared to Arm A, the difference was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). In contrast, the mean equivalent dose at the rectum was lower in Arm B as compared to Arm A but again statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). However, acute gastrointestinal toxicity (Grade 2 and 3) was found significantly lower (p < 0.001) in Arm B (46.0%) as compared to Arm A. Conclusion: Both HDR brachytherapy schedules showed comparable efficacy with no significant difference in local control, but 6Gy per fraction for 4 fractions (Arm B) had a better toxicity profile and higher biologically equivalent dose, although long-term follow-up is needed to assess late toxicities.

Source: Reports of Practical Oncology & Radiotherapy

DOI: 10.5603/rpor.107872