Efficacy comparison between intensity modulated radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy and conventional pelvic radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy for middle and advanced cervical cancer

Abstract

Objective To compare the efficacy and adverse reactions of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and conventional pelvic field radiation therapy for middle and advanced cervical cancer. Methods A total of 144 patients with stageⅡB-ⅢB cervical cancer from October 2007 to September 2012 were divided into IMRT group (72 cases), and routine radiotherapy group (72 cases) by using random number table method. The IMRT group was exposed to the 6 MV-X line 7 field, a dose of 46-50 Gy for planning target volume (PTV), 54-60 Gy for gross tumor volume (GTVnd) simultaneously integrated boosted, in 25-28 fractions. The central block of lead 4 cm was changed to 4 fields irradiation, adding to 46-54 Gy for the conventional group after 30-40 Gy of the whole pelvic field. The total dose for the two groups of patients was 30-45 Gy, after completed 30 Gy in vitro exposure, to the cavity irradiation, 5-7 Gy/fraction, and synchronous cisplatin (DDP) sensitization chemotherapy was done synchronously. Results The recent complete remission, partial remission, overall survival ratio of two groups were compared respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The difference in 1 year survival rate of IMRT group and routine radiotherapy group was not statistically significant (χ 2= 1.455, P > 0.05). The difference in 3 and 5 year survival rate was statistically significant [76.4% (55/72) vs. 59.7% (43/72); 72.2% (52/72) vs. 55.6% (40/72), P < 0.05]. Acute radiotherapy major adverse reactions included the digestive system, urinary system, skin response and haematological toxicity (bone marrow suppression). The incidence and degree of skin response in IMRT group was lower than that in routine radiotherapy group (P < 0.05). The adverse effects of late radiotherapy were mainly rectal, bladder, skin response and hematological toxicity (bone marrow suppression). The incidence rectal and skin response in IMRT group was lower than that in routine radiotherapy group (P < 0.05). Conclusion The IMRT can improve the survival rate of advanced cervical cancer patients for 3-5 years, reduce the adverse effects of acute and terminal radiotherapy, and improve the quality of life. Key words: Uterine cervical neoplasms; Radiotherapy, computer-assisted; Treatment outcome