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Kavuma A, Kibudde S, Kanyike D, Kigula-Mugambe J, Zhao T, Gay H, Sun B, Orem J. Evolution and Recent Radiation Therapy Advancement in Uganda: A Precedent on How to Increase Access to Quality Radiotherapy Services in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. JCO Glob Oncol 2025; 11:e2400339. [PMID: 39883898 DOI: 10.1200/go-24-00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2024] [Revised: 11/05/2024] [Accepted: 12/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2025] Open
Abstract
The evolution of radiation therapy in Uganda has been a journey marked by significant milestones and persistent challenges. Since the inception of radiotherapy services in 1988-1989, there has been a concerted effort to enhance cancer treatment services. The early years were characterized by foundational developments, such as the installation of the first teletherapy units, low-dose-rate brachytherapy units, and conventional simulators, and the recognition of radiation oncologists and medical physicist professionals laid the groundwork for radiotherapy treatment modalities. With more support from the International Atomic Energy Agency, the acquisition of dosimetry equipment, treatment planning systems, and additional professional training signaled a new era in the fight against cancer. As we entered the second decade of the millennium, the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) witnessed a progression in sophisticated radiotherapy services, including high-dose-rate brachytherapy, initiation of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)/volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and use of artificial intelligence. These advancements improved the efficiency/precision of treatments and the time patients spent undergoing therapy. Around the second decade of radiotherapy services, about 600 new patients with cancer were annually treated compared with about 2,600 in 2023. Currently, an average of 1,440 brachytherapy insertions are done annually compared with 300 insertions for the first 20 years. Despite the technological strides, the UCI faced numerous obstacles, including limited equipment, knowledge gaps in appropriate tumor/organs at risk segmentations, treatment planning, and protocols. However, international support and collaboration efforts have led to significant improvement in the precision and effectiveness of treatments. Currently, about 51% of all patients are treated with image-guided techniques-IMRT/VMAT (42%) and three-dimensional conformal radiation treatment (10%). The Government has commenced the decentralization of radiotherapy services to other regions. This review can be a learning lesson for the more than 25 countries in Africa and other low-middle-income countries globally that do not have access to radiotherapy and/or are in the process of starting such facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awusi Kavuma
- Uganda Cancer Institute, Department of Radiotherapy, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Solomon Kibudde
- Uganda Cancer Institute, Department of Radiotherapy, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Daniel Kanyike
- Uganda Cancer Institute, Department of Radiotherapy, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Tianyu Zhao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO
| | - Hiram Gay
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO
| | - Baozhou Sun
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Jackson Orem
- Uganda Cancer Institute, Department of Radiotherapy, Kampala, Uganda
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Carvalho HDA, Mauro GP, Castilho MS. From "dose erythema" to FLASH radiotherapy: impacts on clinical practice. REVISTA DA ASSOCIACAO MEDICA BRASILEIRA (1992) 2024; 70:e2024S130. [PMID: 38865549 PMCID: PMC11164280 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.2024s130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Heloisa de Andrade Carvalho
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Department of Radiology and Oncology, Radiotherapy Division (INRAD and ICESP) – São Paulo (SP), Brazil
| | - Geovanne Pedro Mauro
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Department of Radiology and Oncology, Radiotherapy Division (INRAD and ICESP) – São Paulo (SP), Brazil
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Bacorro W, Olonan BN, Co HC, Fineza-Dela Cruz AM. Challenges and opportunities in the implementation of advanced brachytherapy programs for cervical cancer in the Philippines. Asia Pac J Clin Oncol 2024; 20:3-6. [PMID: 37743655 DOI: 10.1111/ajco.14012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer cause of morbidity and mortality in Filipino women; the age-standardized annual incidence is 15.2 as of March 2023. The majority are diagnosed at a locally advanced stage and in the reproductive and working age group. This results in important treatment and productivity costs. The importance of image-guided and interstitial brachytherapy (BRT) in local control and toxicity outcomes has been shown in recent meta-analyses. We review the status of advanced BRT program training and implementation in the Philippines and important challenges and opportunities to move forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren Bacorro
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Santo Tomas Hospital - Benavides Cancer Institute, Manila, Philippines
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | | | - Henri Cartier Co
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines
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Ndarukwa S, Flores JA, Rosenblatt E, Berger D, Akbarov K, Hedden N, Chopra S, Hande V, Rubio AP. Brachytherapy Workflow Practices: Analysis of Different Workflow Scenarios in Patients With Cervical Cancer and Impact on IGBT Implementation-An IAEA Study. JCO Glob Oncol 2024; 10:e2300336. [PMID: 38386958 PMCID: PMC10898675 DOI: 10.1200/go.23.00336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The workflow of brachytherapy (BT) is an essential aspect of treatment to consider in image-guided brachytherapy (IGBT). It has an overarching effect influencing patient throughput and the number of cancer treatments that can be performed as it occupies equipment, space, and personnel. There is limited research addressing this issue. Under the International Atomic Energy Agency's Coordinated Research Activity titled IGBT for cervix cancer: An implementation study, our study analyzes various scenarios in the clinical workflow of BT delivery for cervical cancer. It aims to determine the extent to which these scenarios allow the routine implementation of IGBT. With this information, current barriers and individualized adaptations to efficient workflows can be identified to enhance the global application of IGBT, leading to better cervical cancer treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS A web-based poll of questions regarding practices in BT workflow was presented to 62 participants from low-, lower middle-, upper middle-, and high-income countries (19 countries). RESULTS This study highlighted diversity in BT practices across countries, income levels, and regions. It identified variations in workflow, patient throughput, and resource availability, which can have implications for the efficiency and quality of BT treatments. Scenario A, utilizing multiple locations for the steps of the BT procedure, was the most commonly used. The availability of resources, such as imaging devices and trained personnel, varied among the participating centers and remained challenging for IGBT implementation and sustainability. CONCLUSION The design of the BT facility plays a vital role in improving efficiency, with a dedicated BT suite contributing to an efficient workflow but limiting patient throughput, especially for high-volume centers. Although IGBT is effective, its implementation requires consideration of various logistical challenges and should be individualized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Ndarukwa
- Applied Radiobiology and Radiotherapy Section, Division of Human Health, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jerickson Abbie Flores
- Applied Radiobiology and Radiotherapy Section, Division of Human Health, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eduardo Rosenblatt
- Applied Radiobiology and Radiotherapy Section, Division of Human Health, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Berger
- Section of Dosimetry and Medical Radiation Physics, Division of Human Health, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kamal Akbarov
- Applied Radiobiology and Radiotherapy Section, Division of Human Health, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
| | - Natasha Hedden
- Applied Radiobiology and Radiotherapy Section, Division of Human Health, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
| | - Supriya Chopra
- Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Varsha Hande
- Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Alfredo Polo Rubio
- City Cancer Challenge, Technical Cooperation and Capacity Development, Geneva, Switzerland
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Isaji Y, Tsuyoshi H, Tsujikawa T, Orisaka M, Okazawa H, Yoshida Y. Prognostic value of 18F-FDG PET in uterine cervical cancer patients with stage IIICr allocated by imaging. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18864. [PMID: 37914892 PMCID: PMC10620427 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46261-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The effect on survival of radiographic lymph node metastasis in uterine cervical cancer patients is more important than before, even though its prognostic value not been well investigated. The aim of our study is to evaluate the prognostic potential of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography (18F-FDG PET) compared with Computed Tomography (CT) in uterine cervical cancer patients with stage IIICr allocated by imaging. Fifty-five patients with biopsy-proven primary cervical cancer underwent definitive radiation therapy for stages IIB-IVB of The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2018 classifications. The prognostic performance of pretreatment 18F-FDG PET and CT for assessing lymph node metastasis was evaluated by two experienced readers. The PET and CT findings were correlated with the risk of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that PFS was significantly worse in patients with positive lymph nodes on 18F-FDG PET than in those patients with negative lymph nodes on 18F-FDG PET (p = 0.003), whereas there was no significant difference in PFS between patients with lymph nodes sized ≥ 1 cm and those sized < 1 cm (p = 0.140). Univariate analysis showed that positive lymph nodes on 18F-FDG PET was significantly associated with poor PFS (p = 0.006), whereas lymph node size was not significantly associated with poor PFS (p = 0.145). In multivariate analysis, positive lymph nodes on 18F-FDG PET was significantly associated with poor PFS (p = 0.006) and was an independent prognostic factor for PFS. 18F-FDG PET offers high prognostic value for patients with stage IIICr allocated by imaging compared with CT, suggesting that 18F-FDG PET might be useful in clinical staging decisions and thus promote optimal diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzu Isaji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka-Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Hideaki Tsuyoshi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka-Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan.
| | | | - Makoto Orisaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka-Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Hidehiko Okazawa
- Biomedical Imaging Research Center, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Yoshio Yoshida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka-Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
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6
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Carvalho HDA, Mauro GP. History of radiotherapy in the treatment of uterine cervix cancer: an overview. REVISTA DA ASSOCIACAO MEDICA BRASILEIRA (1992) 2023; 69:e2023S126. [PMID: 37556645 PMCID: PMC10411717 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.2023s126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Heloisa de Andrade Carvalho
- Universidade de São Paulo, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Radiologia e Oncologia, Serviço de Radioterapia – São Paulo (SP), Brazil
| | - Geovanne Pedro Mauro
- Universidade de São Paulo, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Radiologia e Oncologia, Serviço de Radioterapia – São Paulo (SP), Brazil
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Lee TH, Kim KS, Kim HJ, Choi CH, Kang S, Eom KY, Wee CW, Song YS, Park NH, Kim JW, Chung HH, Kim HS, Lee M, Kang HC. Image-Guided Versus Conventional Brachytherapy for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer: Experience of Single Institution with the Same Practitioner and Time Period. Cancer Res Treat 2023; 55:258-269. [PMID: 35952716 PMCID: PMC9873328 DOI: 10.4143/crt.2022.418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to compare treatment outcomes and toxicity profile between imaged-guided brachytherapy (IGBT) versus conventional brachytherapy (CBT) performed by the same practitioner during the same time period. MATERIALS AND METHODS Medical records of 104 eligible patients who underwent brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer were retrospectively reviewed. Fifty patients (48.1%) underwent IGBT, and 54 (51.9%) patients underwent CBT. All patients underwent concurrent chemoradiation with cisplatin. High-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy with dose prescription of 25-30 Gy in 4-6 fractions was performed for all patients. Late lower gastrointestinal (GI) and urinary toxicities occurred more than 3 months after the end of brachytherapy were included for comparative and dosimetric analyses. RESULTS The median follow-up period was 18.33 months (range, 3.25 to 38.43 months). There were no differences in oncologic outcomes between the two groups. The IGBT group had lower rate of actuarial grade ≥ 3 toxicity than the CBT group (2-year, 4.5% vs. 25.7%; p=0.030). Cumulative equieffective D2cc of sigmoid colon was significantly correlated with grade ≥ 2 lower GI toxicity (p=0.033), while equieffective D2cc of rectum (p=0.055) and bladder (p=0.069) showed marginal significance with corresponding grade ≥ 2 toxicities in the IGBT group. Half of grade ≥ 3 lower GI toxicities impacted GI tract above the rectum. Optimal thresholds of cumulative D2cc of sigmoid colon and rectum were 69.7 Gy and 70.8 Gy, respectively, for grade ≥ 2 lower GI toxicity. CONCLUSION IGBT showed superior toxicity profile to CBT. Evaluating the dose to the GI tract above rectum by IGBT might prevent some toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Hoon Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Kyung Su Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea,Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Hak Jae Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea,Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea,Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea,Institute of Radiation Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Chang Heon Choi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Seonghee Kang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Keun-Yong Eom
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea,Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam,
Korea
| | - Chan Woo Wee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea,Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Yong Sang Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Noh Hyun Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Jae-Weon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Hyun Hoon Chung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Hee Seung Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Maria Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Hyun-Cheol Kang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea,Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
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8
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Comparative Analysis of 60Co and 192Ir Sources in High Dose Rate Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194749. [PMID: 36230672 PMCID: PMC9563337 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
High-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy (BT) is an essential treatment for cervical cancer, one of the most prevalent gynecological malignant tumors. In HDR BT, high radiation doses can be delivered to the tumor target with the minimum radiation doses to organs at risk. Despite the wide use of the small HDR 192Ir source, as the technique has improved, the HDR 60Co source, which has the same miniaturized geometry, has also been produced and put into clinical practice. Compared with 192Ir (74 days), 60Co has a longer half-life (5.3 years), which gives it a great economic advantage for developing nations. The aim of the study was to compare 60Co and 192Ir sources for HDR BT in terms of both dosimetry and clinical treatment. The results of reports published on the use of HDR BT for cervical cancer over the past few years as well as our own research show that this treatment is safe and it is feasible to use 60Co as an alternative source.
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Change in image-guided planning strategies over time impacts oncologic and survival outcomes for intracavitary cervical cancer brachytherapy. Brachytherapy 2022; 21:668-677. [PMID: 35871130 DOI: 10.1016/j.brachy.2022.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Intracavitary cervical brachytherapy (BT) has transitioned from a two-dimensional nonvolumetric (NV) dosimetry system to three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based planning techniques. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the relative improvements in image-guided planning strategies over time with regards to dosimetry, survival, and toxicity. METHODS AND MATERIALS A single site retrospective review of 95 locally advanced cervical cancer patients treated with concurrent chemoradiation and high dose rate BT from 2009 to 2016 were divided into three BT planning groups: point-A based NV dosimetry using CT imaging (n = 37), CT-based volumetric dosimetry (n = 33), and MRI-based volumetric dosimetry (n = 25). Overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS), and pelvic control (PC) at 5 years were plotted using Kaplan-Meier curves. Univariate and multivariate (MVA) cox proportional-hazards models calculated hazard-ratios (HZ). Finally, acute and late grade 3-4 toxicities were compared between the cohorts. RESULTS Both MRI and CT had significantly less D2cc to bowel (p < 0.001) and sigmoid (p < 0.001) compared to NV-based planning. On MVA, age (<60 vs. ≥60 years) was significant for worse 5-year OS (HZ: 2.48) and PC (HZ: 5.25). MRI, with NV as the reference, had significantly improved 5-year OS (HZ: 0.26), PFS (HZ: 0.34) and PC (HZ: 0.16). There was no significant difference in grade ≥3 toxicities between the cohorts. CONCLUSIONS CT and MRI-based 3D planning had significantly less D2cc to bowel and sigmoid. MRI-based planning had significant improvement in 5-year OS, PFS, and LC compared to NV on MVA.
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Application of 3D printing in cervical cancer brachytherapy. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jrras.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Hande V, Chopra S, Kalra B, Abdel-Wahab M, Kannan S, Tanderup K, Grover S, Zubizarreta E, Rubio JAP. Point-A vs. volume-based brachytherapy for the treatment of cervix cancer: A meta-analysis. Radiother Oncol 2022; 170:70-78. [PMID: 35259419 PMCID: PMC10042219 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2022.02.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & PURPOSE To report disease-free survival (DFS) for volume-based and point-A based brachytherapy (BT) in locally advanced cervical cancer. MATERIALS & METHODS We conducted a meta-analysis of studies assessing the effects of point-A and volume-based brachytherapy on 3-year DFS. Studies including stage I-IVA cervical cancer patients were included if standard treatment of concomitant chemo-radiotherapy and high-dose- or pulsed dose rate BT was delivered. The primary outcome was 3-year DFS, and secondary outcomes were 3-year local control (LC), 3-year overall survival (OS) and late toxicity. A random-effects subgroup meta-analysis was done. RESULTS In total, 5499 studies were screened, of which 24 studies with 5488 patients were eligible. There was significant heterogeneity among point-A studies (1538 patients) (I2 = 82%, p < 0.05) relative to volume-based studies (3950 patients) (I2 = 58, p = 0.01). The 3-year DFS for point-A and volume-based studies were 67% (95% CI 60%-73%) and 79% (95% CI 76%-82%) respectively (p = 0.001). Three-year LC for point-A and volume-based studies were 86% (95% CI 81%-90%) and 92% (91%-94%) respectively (p = 0.01). The difference in 3-year OS (72% vs. 79%, p = 0.12) was not statistically significant. The proportion of prospectively enrolled patients was 23% for point-A studies and 33% for volume-based studies. There was no difference in late grade 3 or higher gastrointestinal (3% vs. 4%, p = 0.76) genitourinary toxicities (3% vs. 3% p = 0.45) between the two groups. CONCLUSION Volume-based BT results in superior 3-year DFS and 3-year LC. In the absence of randomized trials, this meta-analysis provides the best evidence regarding transition to 3D planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varsha Hande
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Navi Mumbai, India; Applied Radiation Biology and Radiotherapy Section, Division of Human Health, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
| | - Supriya Chopra
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Navi Mumbai, India.
| | - Babusha Kalra
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - May Abdel-Wahab
- Applied Radiation Biology and Radiotherapy Section, Division of Human Health, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sadhana Kannan
- Department of Epidemiology and Clinical Trials Unit, Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhaba National Institute, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Kari Tanderup
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Surbhi Grover
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States; Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Eduardo Zubizarreta
- Applied Radiation Biology and Radiotherapy Section, Division of Human Health, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jose Alfredo Polo Rubio
- Applied Radiation Biology and Radiotherapy Section, Division of Human Health, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria.
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12
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Optimizing the IPSA Conditions to Improve the Treatment Plan Quality in Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:6499744. [PMID: 35313562 PMCID: PMC8934224 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6499744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Recent prevalent use of three-dimensional image-guided brachytherapy (3D brachytherapy) has dramatically improved the treatment outcomes of cervical cancer. Inverse planning simulated annealing (IPSA) is one of the commonly used algorithms in 3D brachytherapy, but different conditions may affect the treatment plan quality. In this study, we compared HRCTV (high-risk clinical target volume) D90 (dose prescription) and HRCTV D95 D2cc (dose received by 2.0cc) of the rectum, bladder, and sigmoid in 30 patients with cervical cancer under four IPSA conditions. The HRCTV D90 (mean ± SD cGy) was 607.32 ± 37.86, 599.01 ± 23.62, 598.67 ± 13.07, and 596.45 ± 10.94 in four groups, respectively. The HRCTV D95 was 558.19 ± 38.51, 558.17 ± 25.72, 557.03 ± 16.12, and 555.26 ± 12.78, respectively. The sigmoid D2cc was 282.96 ± 44.84, 273.14 ± 60.69, 268.94 ± 62.32, and 292.69 ± 52.44. HRCTV D90, HRCTV D95, and sigmoid D2cc were not statistically different among the four groups (p > 0.05). However, the target fitness in group one, especially at the cervix, was poor. The rectum D2cc was 351.49 ± 32.90, 361.49 ± 28.09, 370.82 ± 24.44, and 375.33 ± 30.90. The rectum D2cc in group one was the lower than that in group three and group four (
). The bladder D2cc was 423.59 ± 31.39, 380.75 ± 37.25, 383.27 ± 32.55, and 385.22 ± 25.79. The bladder D2cc in group one was higher than the other groups (
). The maximum rectum limit dose (400cGy) is lower than the bladder (500cGy), and HRCTV is a whole in the IPSA algorithm; these result in the insufficiency or even absence of cervix dose that first need to meet in clinics. In conclusion, IPSA condition optimization can improve the quality of treatment plan in 3D brachytherapy and make it closer to clinical practice.
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Itami J, Murakami N, Watanabe M, Sekii S, Kasamatsu T, Kato S, Hirowatari H, Ikushima H, Ando K, Ohno T, Okamoto H, Okuma K, Igaki H. Combined Interstitial and Intracavitary High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy of Cervical Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 11:809825. [PMID: 35096614 PMCID: PMC8793862 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.809825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
High-dose-rate brachytherapy by remote afterloading is now performed under three-dimensional image guidance by CT or MRI. Three-dimensional image-guided brachytherapy in cervical cancer disclosed that the traditional intracavitary brachytherapy by Manchester method cannot deliver an adequate dose to the large tumor with resulting local recurrence. To improve the local control rate, combined interstitial and intracavitary (hybrid) brachytherapy can increase the dose to the large parametrial involvement without increasing the dose to the rectum and bladder. Whether hybrid brachytherapy can be performed safely on a multi-institutional basis remains to be studied. From 2015, phase I/II study of hybrid brachytherapy was launched in Japan, and it was revealed that hybrid brachytherapy can be performed safely and with a high quality of radiation dose distribution in a multi-institutional study. In Japan, the number of patients undergoing hybrid brachytherapy in cervical cancer is rapidly rising. Education and clinical trial are very important to establish hybrid brachytherapy in the management of cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Itami
- Shin-Matsudo Accuracy Radiation Therapy Center, Shin-Matsudo Central General Hospital, Chiba, Japan.,Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoya Murakami
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miho Watanabe
- Department of Radiology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shuhei Sekii
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hyogo Prefectural Cancer Center, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kasamatsu
- Department of Gynecology, Tokyo Metropolitan Bokuto Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shingo Kato
- Department of Radiation Oncology, International Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hisako Hirowatari
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tokyo Rinkai Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ikushima
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tokushima University Faculty of Medicine, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Ken Ando
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gunma Cancer Center, Gunma, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Ohno
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Okamoto
- Department of Medical Physics, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kae Okuma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Igaki
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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