Role of Hyperfactionated external beam radiotherapy in stage IIB to III and postoperative cases of carcinoma cervix: an evaluation

Abstract

OBJECTIVE – To investigate the tolerance to and response rate with hyperfractionated external radiotherapy in stages IIB to III and postoperative cases of carcinoma uterine cervix.METHODSA prospective study of carcinoma uterine cervix FIGO stage IIB to III and postoperative cases was undertaken. A total of 22 patients were studied (12 in study group and 10 in control group).Control group was treated by conventional fractionation-60Gy/30fractions (f), 2Gy/f, 5days/week for 6 weeks.Study group was treated in hyperfractionation schedule 72Gy/60f,5days/week over 6weeks. Two fractions of 120cGy per day were given at interval of 6 hours.RESULTS – Patients enrolled in this study ,13.6% had stage IIB ,4.5% stage IIIA,22.7% stage IIIB and 59.1% postoperative cases. No severe acute toxicity was observed but moderate acute reactions were high. The commonest site of complication was small bowel where severe toxicity occurred slightly higher in study group than control group. Complete response was 80% and 91.7% in control and study group respectively.CONCLUSION Hyperfractionated radiotherapy as compared to conventional radiotherapy has produced clinically better tumor control in stages IIB to III and postoperative cases without enhancing normal tissue damage.