Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 20, 2026
Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Gynecologic Cancer
Published on: April 17, 2012
Pelvic re-irradiation using stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR): A systematic review
Louise Janet Murray1, John Lilley2, Maria A Hawkins3
1Radiotherapy Research Group, Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, University of Leeds, UK; Department of Clinical Oncology, Leeds Cancer Centre, St James's University Hospitals, UK.
Background And Purpose:
To perform a systematic review regarding the use of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) for the re-irradiation of recurrent malignant disease within the pelvis, to guide the clinical implementation of this technique.
Material And Methods:
A systematic search strategy was adopted using the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases.
Results:
195 articles were identified, of which 17 were appropriate for inclusion. Studies were small and data largely retrospective. In total, 205 patients are reported to have received pelvic SABR re-irradiation. Dose and fractionation schedules and re-irradiated volumes are highly variable. Little information is provided regarding organ at risk constraints adopted in the re-irradiation setting. Treatment appears well-tolerated overall, with nine grade 3 and six grade 4 toxicities amongst thirteen re-irradiated patients. Local control at one year ranged from 51% to 100%. Symptomatic improvements were also noted.
Conclusions:
For previously irradiated patients with recurrent pelvic disease, SABR re-irradiation could be a feasible intervention for those who otherwise have limited options. Evidence to support this technique is limited but shows initial promise. Based on the available literature, suggestions for a more formal SABR re-irradiation pathway are proposed. Prospective studies and a multidisciplinary approach are required to optimise future treatment.
