Neutron brachytherapy is better than conventional radiotherapy in advanced cervical cancer

Californium-252 (252Cf), a fast-neutron emitting radioisotope, was used for neutron brachytherapy (NT) of 82 patients with advanced (stage III and IV) cervical cancer. The results were compared with caesium-137 brachytherapy; both isotopes were given in combination with high-dose fractionated pelvic radiotherapy. In patients with stage IIIB disease (ie, tumour to the pelvic side-wall), 252Cf intracavitary therapy resulted in 54% 5-year survival compared with 12% in the caesium group. To be effective, Cf-NT must be given before external beam (photon) therapy.