TURKISH JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY
2017 , Vol 32 , Num 2
Effects of Image-Guided Adaptive Brachytherapy on Morbidity and Quality of Life in Cervical Cancer
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine, İzmir-Turkey
DOI :
10.5505/tjo.2017.1585
Image-guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT) is a technique now applied in locally advanced cervical
cancer. This technique, in which magnetic resonance imaging is used prior to and during brachytherapy
application, has led to important advances in gynecological brachytherapy, in terms of both dosimetric
and clinical results. The reasons for using IGABT in cervical cancer include capacity of external radiotherapy
to significantly shrink tumor prior to brachytherapy, high internal organ motion of cervix due to
factors such as filling of urinary bladder, etc., and low local control rate in large tumors using 2-dimensional
brachytherapy. In the last 20 years, there has been an increase in the success of treatment of cervical
cancer with concomitant chemoradiotherapy and widespread use of IGABT. According to the results
of major series using IGABT in cervical cancer, incidence of serious side effects is lower than 10%, and
local control is in the range of 79% to 95%. Clinical results of IGABT studies have recommended organ
at risk (OAR) dose parameters and limitations, and offered specific OAR (rectum, sigmoid, urinary
bladder, bowel, vagina, urethra) toxicity measures and predictive dose-volume parameters. Studies have
also provided review of this modality"s impact on quality of life. Cancer patients must be informed about
conditions they may confront after therapy and be offered detailed consultation and support regarding
how to arrange their business, family, and social lives.
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