ACUTE TOXICITY AND TREATMENT OUTCOME OF HYBRID BRACHYTHERAPY USING VENEZIA APPLICATORS IN LOCALLY ADVANCED CERVICAL CANCER: A SINGLE-CENTER EXPERIENCE IN PAKISTAN
Main Article Content
Keywords
Cervical Cancer, Concurrent chemoradiotherapy, Hybrid brachytherapy, Human Papilloma Virus
Abstract
Abstract:
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and acute toxicity of hybrid brachytherapy using Venezia applicators in patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix.
Materials and Methods:
This prospective study involved 41 patients treated with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) followed by brachytherapy. Patients received EBRT doses of 45-50.4 Gy with or without simultaneous integrated boost and concurrent chemotherapy. Brachytherapy was administered using Venezia applicators, delivering high-risk clinical target volume (HRCTV) doses of 80-90 Gy or >90 Gy. Treatment responses and toxicities were assessed using RECIST Criteria 1.1, CTCAE5.0 respectively.
Results: After five visits, 65.9% of patients achieved complete response, 29.3% partial response, and 4.9% stable disease. Acute toxicities were primarily Grade 0-1, with no Grade III or IV toxicities observed. Complete responders exhibited higher rates of Grade 0 toxicities across various parameters, including urination frequency and abdominal pain. Middle-class patients showed higher response rates, although this was not statistically significant. 46.3% HPV positive patients converted to negative status after treatment. There was no significant correlation of response rate with disease stage, EBRT dosage and duration of treatment.
Conclusion: Hybrid brachytherapy with Venezia applicators is effective and safe for locally advanced cervical cancer, providing high local control with minimal acute toxicity.
References
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
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Javeria Haider
MBBS, Department of Oncology Atomic Energy Cancer Hospital NORI, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Humera Mahmood
MBBS, FCPS, FRCP. Department of Oncology Atomic Energy Cancer Hospital NORI, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Muhammad Faheem
MBBS, MCPS, FCPS, FRCP. Department of Oncology Atomic Energy Cancer Hospital NORI, Islamabad, Pakistan.