Modified partial hyperfractionation in radiotherapy for bulky uterine cervical cancer: reduction of overall treatment...

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and toxicity of modified fractionation of external beam radiation with the intention of reducing the overall treatment time (OT) by 1 week in cervical cancer.

Thirty-one patients (Group 1, n = 31) with bulky cervical cancer (>/= 4 cm with Stage II and III, >/= 5 cm with Stage IB2) were entered into the twice a day (b.i. d.) protocol (18 Gy/10 fx in 2 weeks followed by 18 Gy/12 fx, b.i.d. in 6 days, then midline block at 36 Gy with 45 Gy to the whole pelvis and 51-59 Gy to the parametrium). These patients underwent high-dose-rate brachytherapy with 4 Gy/fx x 7 to point A, biweekly. During the same period, patients with non-bulky tumors (Group 2, n = 31) received conventional treatment and similar brachytherapy.

The OT of Group 1 was 7 weeks or less in 61.3%, 7.1-8 weeks in 29%, and more than 8 weeks in 9.7% (19.4%, 51.6%, and 29% in Group 2, respectively, p = 0.003). Incidences of acute complications and treatment breaks were similar in both groups. Late complication (rectal bleeding) occurred only in Group 1 (13%, 4/31), but was self-limited. Locoregional failures occurred within 2 years after completion of radiation therapy in both groups (16% and 13% in Group 1 and 2, respectively, with minimum and median follow-ups of 2 years and 34 months).

Partial hyperfractionation on the third week of radiation permitted patients to finish their treatment with shorter OT without excessive acute complications and with acceptable grade 2 late rectal bleeding complications. This treatment scheme may be an effective method for the improvement of local control of bulky cervical cancer.