Purpose: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of transvaginal approach combined intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy (IC/IS BT) assisted by transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) for treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC).
Materials and methods: A total of 30 patients of LACC treated with external beam radiotherapy and IC/IS BT via transvaginal approach assisted by transrectal ultrasound were observed retrospectively. The 2-year local control (LC), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Late adverse events were also evaluated to assess the safety of IC/IS BT.
Results: The median follow-up period was 22 months. The 2-year LC, PFS, and OS were 90%, 61%, and 82%, respectively. We observed no critical complications related to the IC/IS BT technique. Late adverse events of grade 3 or more included one case of grade 4 colon perforation.
Conclusion: Our patient series demonstrated that radiotherapy combined with transvaginal approach, TRUS-assisted IC/IS BT achieves favorable local control and safety for LACC.
Keywords: Cervical cancer; Hybrid brachytherapy; Intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy; Transrectal ultrasound; Transvaginal approach.
© 2023. The Author(s).