The use of small fraction numbers in high dose-rate gynaecological afterloading: some radiobiological considerations

Abstract

Using commonly assumed alpha/beta ratios for tumours and late-reacting tissues, the linear-quadratic (LQ) model has been used to compare low dose-rate (LDR) gynaecological treatment with high dose-rate (HDR) techniques given in small fraction numbers. Even in the absence of relatively favourable tissue recovery constants (mu values) it is shown that, provided a modest extra amount of geometrical sparing of critical tissues is available (by means of spacing or shielding), HDR treatment in a small number of fractions may be used in place of an LDR regime without loss of therapeutic ratio. This general result, although not universally true, does indicate that HDR treatment delivered in a small number of fractions may be more feasible than is sometimes thought. These findings do not contradict currently accepted radiobiological philosophy, which cautions against the use of small numbers of high-dose fractions. Primarily they serve to emphasize the importance of the recommendations of the ICRU (1985), which stress the need to consider the complete time-dose pattern of radiation delivery to all the critical tissues in an intracavitary treatment.