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European Journal of Gynaecological Oncology (EJGO) is published by IMR Press from Volume 40 Issue 1 (2019). Previous articles were published by another publisher on a subscription basis, and they are hosted by IMR Press on imrpress.com as a courtesy and upon agreement with S.O.G.
Original Research
Adjuvant radiotherapy for endometrial cancer - a comparative review of radiotherapy technique with acute toxicity
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1
Department of Radiation Oncology, National University Hospital, Singapore
2
KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore (Republic of Singapore)
Eur. J. Gynaecol. Oncol. 2014, 35(2), 128–133;
https://doi.org/10.12892/ejgo24802014
Published: 10 April 2014
Abstract
Objectives: The addition of pelvic radiotherapy to brachytherapy (EBRT-BT) in early-stage endometrial cancer is controversial and may cause unnecessary toxicity. The incidence of acute toxicity of EBRT-BT will have an impact on clinical decision and patient compliance but is currently poorly understood. This study compares the acute toxicities of EBRT-BT versus BT alone. Materials and Methods: Seventy-nine patients with FIGO Stage IA-II endometrial cancer who underwent adjuvant radiotherapy, (EBRT-BT or BT alone) from 2001 to 2011 were included in the study. Medical records of these patients were reviewed retrospectively and toxicity graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4.0. Patients were followed up for at least three months post-treatment to assess resolution of toxicity. Results: The mean age of the study group was 60.6 years. Median follow-up was four years. Forty patients received EBRT-BT. There was a 37% increase in Grade 1-3 diarrhea with the addition of pelvic radiotherapy (OR 18.67, p < 0.0005) and a 34% increase in lethargy (p < 0.0005). There was also an increased occurrence of genitourinary and skin toxicities. Two patients in the EBRT-BT group required hospitalisation for severe diarrhea and three patients were unable to complete the treatment. All acute toxicities had resolved by three months post treatment. Conclusion: EBRT-BT causes significantly more acute toxicities compared to BT alone. Patients should be informed of this during counselling.
Keywords
Endometrial cancer
Brachytherapy
Radiotherapy
Toxicity