Two-year results of transabdominal ultrasound-guided brachytherapy for cervical cancer

• Main Authors: Tharavichitkul,E., Tippanya,D., Jayavasti,R., Chakrabandhu,S., Klunklin,P., Onchan,W., Wanwilairat,S., Galalae,R.M., Chitapanarux,I.
• Format: Article
• Published: Elsevier Inc. 2015
• Subjects: Oncology; Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging
• Online Access: http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=84923865109&origin=inward; http://cmuir.cmu.ac.th/handle/6653943832/38406
• Institution: Chiang Mai University

© 2015 American Brachytherapy Society. Purpose: To report the preliminary results of transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS)-guided brachytherapy (BT) in cervical cancer. Methods and Materials: Twenty-nine patients with cervical cancer Stage IB-IVA according to The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging were treated by radical radiotherapy from February 2012 to December 2012. Treatment was composed of WPRT to 50Gy in 25 fractions and central shielding after 44Gy in combination with TAUS-guided BT to optimize the total dose (equivalent dose of 2Gy [EQD2]) to the minimal dose at cervical points (in EQD2 concepts) defined by TAUS ≥80Gy while maintaining low doses to the ICRU report no. 38 bladder and rectal points. The treatment results and toxicity profiles were reported. Results: At median followup time of 19months (range, 17-27), the local control and disease-free survival rates were 93.1% and 86.2%, respectively. One episode of Grade 3 vaginal toxicity was observed in this followup period. The mean applied doses to cervix, bladder, and rectal points were 82.6, 72.5, and 75Gy, respectively. TAUS-guided planning reduced bladder (defined as >80Gy in EQD2) and rectal overdose (defined as >75Gy in EQD2) in 44.9% and 34.5% of patients, respectively. Conclusion: The 2-year results demonstrate that TAUS-guided BT is feasible and associated with excellent tumor control/toxicity rates in cervical cancer.