Scientific Publications Database

Article Title: Evaluating the use of external beam radiation alone in the management of cervix cancer
Authors: Al-Hajri, Thuraya; Isfahanian, Naghmeh; Alyamani, Najlaa; Atallah, Soha; Choan, E.; Le, Tien; Samant, Rajiv
Journal: JOURNAL OF RADIOTHERAPY IN PRACTICE Volume 17 Issue 1
Date of Publication:2018
Abstract:
Aim: To determine the outcome of patients with locally advanced cervix cancer treated with curative intent using external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), without brachytherapy.Materials and methods: A chart review was performed of all patients with cervix cancer who received EBRT alone at our centre from 2000 to 2010. Overall survival and local control were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival curves.Results: In total, 22 patients were identified. The median age and follow-up were 56 years and 65 months, respectively. The stage included IB to IVB. Main histology was squamous cell carcinoma (82%). Median tumour size was 5.5 cm. Majority treated with 3D conformal techniques and nine patients (41%) were treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT); 14 patients received doses of >= 65 Gy. Most patients (73%) received weekly concurrent cis-platinum. The major reason for not receiving brachytherapy was locally extensive tumour (59%). The 5-year relapse-free survival and overall survival rates were 57 and 50%, respectively. Seven patients (32%) had a component of loco-regional failure, mainly within the cervix. There was a better outcome among the nine patients treated with IMRT to a median dose of 66 Gy with a loco-regional control of 78%.Conclusions: Patients who cannot have brachytherapy may still achieve acceptable rates of loco-regional disease control if high radiation doses (>65 Gy) was delivered.