Treatment of cervical carcinoma with high-dose rate intracavitary brachytherapy: two years follow-up study.

Abstract

AIMS: This study focused on pelvic recurrence rate and late complications following treatment with high dose rate brachytherapy with a three fractionation scheme. SETTING AND DESIGN: This retrospective observational study was conducted from 1st November 2003 to 31st March 2005 at a tertiary care centre. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Women were treated with external beam radiotherapy and three fractions of high dose rate brachytherapy, divided into two broad groups IIB+ IIIA and IIIB+IVA. Duration of follow-up was 2 years and main outcome measures were recurrence and rectal and urinary bladder complications. Results were assessed with the Chi square test and P-values using an alpha level of 0.05 for Type I error. RESULTS: Of the total of 286 women, 72 (25.4%) developed central-regional recurrence. Overall two year pelvic control rate was 74.6%, with values of 78.1% and 72.8% for stages IIB+ IIIA, IIIB+IVA, respectively. Five women developed distant metastasis and 21.5% suffered low grade rectal complications. After two years the prevalence of bladder complications was only 5.4%. CONCLUSION: Using a three fraction scheme, high dose rate brachytherapy is safe and effective in the management of cervix cancer.