Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dynamic arc conformal radiotherapy, a simple intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), for the treatment of paraaortic lymph node metastases.
Materials and methods: Twenty-nine patients with paraaortic lymph node metastases were enrolled in this study. The total planned dose was 55-60 Gy. A computed tomography (CT) simulator was used in the treatment planning.
Results: The total radiation dose delivered was 50-63.4 Gy (median 60 Gy). Sixteen of 29 patients showed local tumor shrinkage on CT, and the 2 year in-field recurrence free survival rate was 58%. Acute Grade 1 and Grade 2 gastrointestinal disorders occurred in 31% and 17%, respectively, and acute Grade 2 liver dysfunction occurred in 7%. As a late complication, Grade 1 and Grade 2 liver dysfunction occurred in six patients (21%) and five patients (17%), respectively. There was no renal dysfunction or myelopathy detected.
Conclusion: Dynamic arc conformal radiotherapy, a simple IMRT, is a safe and effective treatment method for paraaortic lymph node metastasis.