Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy versus intensity-modulated radiotherapy in carcinoma cervix

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is the most common gynecological cancer among Indian women. 3D-CRT treatment is associated with more acute and late toxicities, because of close proximity of bladder and rectum to the cervix. The newer technique like IMRT is associated with less toxicities. Our study is to compare 3D-CRT and IMRT in terms of dosimetric parameters, toxicities and clinical outcomes. Methods: From February 2015 to July 2016 total 40 newly diagnosed locally advanced cervical carcinoma patients were treated with concurrent chemo radiotherapy with weekly cisplatin. Those patients were randomized to arm A - 3D-CRT and arm B - IMRT. Results: The dosimetric parameters of the bladder, rectum, bowel bag, and pelvic bone marrow were significantly decreased in the IMRT arm as compared to 3DCRT arm except for V30, V50 of bowel bag and V50 of pelvic bone marrow. The acute and late toxicities were similar among both arms. All the patients were assessed for treatment response at 6 weeks after completion of the treatment. All achieved complete clinical response. Out of 40 patients only one had brain metastasis after a median follow up of 18 months. Conclusions: Though IMRT showed dosimetric reduction compared to 3D-CRT but it did not showed any clinical benefit. At present scenario in developing countries like India where the cancer centers are over loaded with the carcinoma cervix cases can be treated with the 3D-CRT technique without compromising clinical outcomes.