ePoster Forums
Purpose: To better understand the normal tissue dose constraints for HDR brachytherapy (BT) in the treatment of locally advanced cervix cancer.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed for 9 patients that received EBRT via IMRT in accordance with the EMBRACE protocol (45 Gy in 25 fractions with concomitant chemotherapy). All patients received a concurrent or sequential EBRT nodal boost. Regions within BT influence were determined to be 1 cm, 2 cm, and 3 cm margins around the HR-CTV. D2cc values in the bladder, rectum, sigmoid and small bowel within these volumes were identified using Eclipse® Planning Station. D2cc in EQD2 were statistically analyzed using a paired t-test (H0: μ = 0) for two different DVH parameters: the overall D2cc used in accordance with EMBRACE protocol and the localized method for determining the D2cc within the treatment range of BT.
Results: Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) are found for the bladder, sigmoid and small bowel. In several cases, the small bowel is found to be well outside the treatment range of BT.
Conclusion: The standard of treatment of locally advanced cancer is BT boost following EBRT and concomitant chemotherapy, with the following hard constraints for the prescribed dose: Bladder, D2cc < 80 Gy (α/β=3); Rectum, D2cc < 65 Gy (α/β=3); Sigmoid D2cc < 70 Gy (α/β=3); Bowel, D2cc < 70 Gy (α/β=3). The objective of this study was to assess the recommended DVH parameter against localized D2cc to OARs within 1 cm, 2 cm, and 3 cm volumes around the HR CTV. Our findings suggest that this revised DVH parameter may improve tumor control through better understanding the actual normal tissue dose limits.