MRI-Guided Multi-Catheter High-Dose-Rate Interstitial Brachytherapy for Uterine Cervical Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiotherapy
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Locally advanced cervical cancer often requires advanced treatment strategies.
• Intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT) or intracavitary/interstitial brachytherapy (ICISBT) may not be suitable for all patients.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided interstitial brachytherapy (ISBT) offers a unique approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of MRI-guided ISBT.
• To assess clinical outcomes and toxicity in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.
• To identify factors influencing treatment outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 68 previously untreated patients with cervical cancer.
• Treatment administered between 2014 and 2024 using MRI-guided ISBT.
• Evaluation of clinical outcomes, including local control, survival rates, and toxicity.

Main Results:

• Median high-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV) was 53.20 cc.
• Three-year local control, progression-free survival, and overall survival rates were 89.8%, 52.4%, and 70.9%, respectively.
• Grade 3 toxicity occurred in 17.6% of patients (5.8% genitourinary, 10.2% gastrointestinal).

Conclusions:

• MRI-guided ISBT is an effective treatment for selected advanced cervical cancer.
• The technique achieves a favorable local control rate with an acceptable complication rate.
• Further research is needed to identify optimal candidates for MRI-guided ISBT.