Preliminary results of conformal computed tomography (CT)-based intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT) for locally advanced cervical cancer: a single institution's experience.

Intracavitary brachytherapy using tandem and ovoids is an important component of definitive treatment for cervical cancer. In the present study, we analyzed the dose-volume histograms (DVHs) of the tumor volume and organs at risk including the sigmoid colon by CT-based treatment planning for high dose rate (HDR) intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT) in cervical cancer. Seventeen patients with carcinoma of the cervix uteri were treated with external beam radiotherapy plus concurrent chemotherapy. For brachytherapy, the planning procedure started by performing a conventional plan which prescribed a dose of 6.5-7 Gy per fraction to point A, then optimized the dose based on CT imaging. Volumes and DVHs were calculated for the HR-CTV, bladder, rectum and sigmoid colon. The mean BED(2Gy) total doses of post-optimized plans of HR-CTV, bladder, rectum and sigmoid colon were: 89.6, 94.1, 74.0 and 69.8 Gy, respectively. For conventional plans, the calculated mean BED(2Gy) total doses of HR-CTV, bladder, rectum and sigmoid colon were 92.2, 120.1, 75.7 and 78.3 Gy, respectively. This study showed statistical significant higher BED(2Gy) total doses for bladder and sigmoid colon (p < 0.001) using conventional plans versus post-optimized, CT-based plans, while no difference between HR-CTV and rectum BED(2Gy) total doses could be detected. After a median follow-up of nineteen months, all seventeen patients had a clinical complete response. Two patients developed distant metastasis. Compared with conventional treatment, CT based brachytherapy planning was very effective in reducing doses to OARs, especially bladder and sigmoid colon whilst maintaining a high therapeutic dose for tumor target volumes in the treatment of cervical carcinoma.

A phase II study of docetaxel and carboplatin with concurrent radiation therapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer.

OBJECTIVE: In this study we evaluate the clinical response and safety profile of a regimen of docetaxel+carboplatin concurrent with radiotherapy (RT) in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (HNSCC). METHODS: Between January 2006 and December 2008, we enrolled 38 patients (stage IVA: 29 patients; stage III: 9 patients). Fourteen had oral cavity cancer (tongue 10, buccal mucosa 2, alveolar ridge 1, floor of mouth 1), 10 had oropharyngeal cancer (base of tongue 5, tonsil 5), 13 had laryngeal cancer, and 1 had maxillary sinus cancer. Patients received concurrent docetaxel 15 mg/m² 1-h infusion plus carboplatin AUC of 2, 30-min infusion on days 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and 36. RT began on day 1 of concurrent chemotherapy with 2 cGy/fraction, 5 fractions/week (total dose: 66-70 cGy). Tumor was assessed by CT scan 3 months post-completion of concurrent chemoradiotherapy. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were evaluated (2 refused to receive all treatments, 1 had serious adverse event [rash, wheezing] from docetaxel first dose). The primary study endpoint of clinical response was achieved in 26 (74.3%) patients, 6 (17.1%) had stable disease, and 3 (8.6%) had disease progression. The 2-year disease-free survival was 62.9% (CI: 45.85-79.95%). The 2-year overall survival was 64.1% (CI: 43.52-84.68%). The most common Grade 3 toxicities were mucositis, xerostomia and dysphagia (13.9% each) and dermatitis (11%). No Grade 4 toxicities were observed. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study with a limited number of patients, docetaxel+carboplatin concurrent with RT appears to show acceptable activity and is generally well tolerated in patients with locally advanced HNSCC.