Feasibility of concurrent cisplatin and extended field radiation therapy (EFRT) using intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for carcinoma of the cervix

Objectives.To assess the acute tolerance of delivering concurrent cisplatin and extended field radiotherapy (EFRT) using intensity-modulated radiotherapy technique (IMRT) for cancer of the cervix.Methods.All patients receiving definitive treatment for cervical cancer were treated with EFRT using IMRT technique and concurrent cisplatin. The treatment volume included the cervix, uterus, parametria, presacral space, upper vagina, pelvic, common iliac, and paraaortic nodes to the top of L1. All regions received 45 Gy (25 fractions) with a simultaneous boost to involved nodes (55 Gy/25 fractions). Patients were assessed weekly for toxicity and response.Results.Twenty-two consecutive patients underwent treatment. All patients completed the prescribed course of EFRT. Median treatment length was 39.5 days (range 36–53). Treatment breaks of 2 and 3 days were required for bone marrow toxicity in 2 patients. The final week of chemotherapy was held in 2 patients because of neutropenia. No patient suffered acute or subacute grade 3 or 4 GI or GU toxicity.Conclusion.In this clinical study, an IMRT technique was used to successfully deliver EFRT with concurrent chemosensitization for cervical cancer. The technique was associated with an acceptable acute toxicity without significant treatment protraction. This new role for IMRT merits further evaluation with larger patient numbers and longer follow-up.