Comparative Evaluation of Concurrent Chemotherapy & Hyperfractionated radiotherapy Versus Conventional Radiotherapy alone in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Carcinoma Cervix-A Prospective Randomised Study

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to determine whether the addition of concurrent cisplalin and hyperfractionation in external pelvic radiotherapy improves local control and survival in patients with locally advanced carcinoma cervix as compared to treatment with conventional radiptjerapy alone. The morbidity of two treatment protocols was also compared. Sixty patients of newly diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma cervix, FIGO stage 118 and III were randomised into the following two treatment protocols Group A (study group) Cisplatin30 mg/m2 weekly x 5 courses and external beam pelvic radiotherapy 50 Gy/33#4.5 weeks with hyperfractionation in first and following weeks. Group B (control group) External beam pelvic radiotherapy 46 Gy/23#/4.5 weeks. Patients in both the group were then treated with intracavitary brachytherapy by LDR/MDR Selectron and a dose of 28 Gy was delivered to point A. The patients who were not suitable for intracavitary treatment were treated by supplementary external beam pelvic radiotherapy 20 Gy/ 10#/2" ceks. The actuarial local control at 4 years was 60% in group A and 42% in Group 8 9p<0.05). The a Cluarial disease free survival at 4 years was 52% in Group A and 35% in Group 8 (p<0.05). Only grade I acute and delayed haematological toxicity and grade I nausea and vomiting as acute toxicity "ere significantl) higher for Group A patients as compared to Group 8. Concomitant chemotherapy with hyperfraclionated radiotherapy is well tolerated and seems to offer potential benefit for imprOl ing the locoregional control in locally advanced carcinoma of cervix.