High dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy technique: For carcinoma of uterine cervix using nucletron applicators

This study describes our existing treatment method for high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy of carcinoma of uterine cervix using Nucletron applicators. Based on our clinical experience with low dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy since 1986, we deliver 40–45Gy by external and 30Gy by internal radiation therapy. The change in regimen using HDR brachytherapy is that internal radiation dose is given in 5 total of 100 treatments done at our center using ring-tandem (R-T) and ovoid-tandem (O-T) applicator combinations. Since O-T applicator has more flexibility of using desired tandem length and reduced rectum and bladder dose due to internal shielding inside the ovoids, we have made the transition from R-T to O-T combination of applicator. The dose volume histogram of the isodose curve indicates that there is an increase in isodose volume with the O-T applicator by as much as 1.5 times as compared to R-T applicator. In majority of the treatments, rectum and bladder doses are less than 70% of target dose, however in very few treatments, the bladder dose has increased to more than the target dose, in which case, the applicators were reseated and added more packing or reduced the dose per fraction, for better tolerance of late responding normal tissues. All our dose calculations are checked with an independent calculation method and agreement was obtained with in 5–7% discrepancy. From 1991 to January 1995, we have treated over 20 patients and there has been no report of any rectal or bladder complications, while better local control has been reported.     

LDR vs. HDR brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer: the view from radiobiological models

PURPOSE: Permanent LDR brachytherapy and temporary HDR brachytherapy are competitive techniques for clinically localized prostate radiotherapy. Although a randomized trial will likely never be conducted comparing these two forms of brachytherapy, a comparative radiobiological modeling analysis proves useful in understanding some of their intrinsic differences, several of which could be exploited to improve outcomes. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Radiobiological models based upon the linear quadratic equations are presented for fractionated external beam, fractionated (192)Ir HDR brachytherapy, and (125)I and (103)Pd LDR brachytherapy. These models incorporate the dose heterogeneities present in brachytherapy based upon patient-derived dose volume histograms (DVH) as well as tumor doubling times and repair kinetics. Radiobiological parameters are normalized to correspond to three accepted clinical risk factors based upon T-stage, PSA, and Gleason score to compare models with clinical series. Tumor control probabilities (TCP) for LDR and HDR brachytherapy (as monotherapy or combined with external beam) are compared with clinical bNED survival rates. Predictions are made for dose escalation with HDR brachytherapy regimens. RESULTS: Model predictions for dose escalation with external beam agree with clinical data and validate the models and their underlying assumptions. Both LDR and HDR brachytherapy achieve superior tumor control when compared with external beam at conventional doses (<70 Gy), but similar to results from dose escalation series. LDR brachytherapy as boost achieves superior tumor control than when used as monotherapy. Stage for stage, both LDR and current HDR regimens achieve similar tumor control rates, in agreement with current clinical data. HDR monotherapy with large-dose fraction sizes might achieve superior tumor control compared with LDR, especially if prostate cancer possesses a high sensitivity to dose fractionation (i.e., if the alpha/beta ratio is low). CONCLUSIONS: Radiobiological models support the current clinical evidence for equivalent outcomes in localized prostate cancer with either LDR or HDR brachytherapy using current dose regimens. However, HDR brachytherapy dose escalation regimens might be able to achieve higher biologically effective doses of irradiation in comparison to LDR, and hence improved outcomes. This advantage over LDR would be amplified should prostate cancer possess a high sensitivity to dose fractionation (i.e., a low alpha/beta ratio) as the current evidence suggests.     

American Brachytherapy Society working group report on the patterns of care and a literature review of reirradiation for gynecologic cancers

PurposeRecurrences of previously irradiated gynecological malignancies are uncommon. Standardized management of these cases is not well established. We aim to provide an in-depth literature review and present current practice patterns among an international group of experienced practitioners in the reirradiation setting of gynecologic cancers.Methods and MaterialsAn extensive literature search was performed and 35 articles were selected based on preset criteria. A 20-question online survey of 10 experts regarding their retreatment practices was also conducted.ResultsThe reviewed publications include a diverse group of patients, multiple treatment techniques, a range of total doses, local control, overall survival, and toxicity outcomes. Overall, local control ranged from 44% to 88% over 1–5 years with OS in the range of 39.5–82% at 2–5 years. Late G3–4 toxicity varied very broadly from 0% to 42.9%, with most papers reporting serious toxicities greater than 15%. The most common reirradiation technique utilized was brachytherapy. Some low-dose-rate data suggest improved outcomes with doses >50 Gy. The high-dose-rate data are more varied with some studies suggesting improved local control with doses >40 Gy. In general, a longer time interval between the first and second course of radiation as well as recurrences <2–4 cm tend to have improved outcomes.ConclusionsReirradiation with brachytherapy results in relatively reasonable local control and toxicities for women with recurrent gynecologic cancers. The appropriate dose for each case needs to be individualized given the heterogeneity of cases. Multidisciplinary management is critical to develop individualized plans and to clearly communicate potential side effects and expected treatment outcomes.Take Home MessageReirradiation with brachytherapy is an acceptable effective organ preserving approach for recurrent gynecologic cancers with a reasonable local control and toxicity profile. Each case requires multidisciplinary management to develop an individualized approach. Monitoring for potential long-term toxicities is essential.     

One thousand cases of cobalt-based high dose rate brachytherapy treated at a tertiary care center: A retrospective study

PurposeThis is a study of our experience with Co-60 high dose rate brachytherapy (HDR BT) from a tertiary care center.Materials and MethodsOne thousand patients were treated with Cobalt-based HDR BT for more than 6 years. The practice of BT was analyzed for clinical outcome, physical, radiobiological, and technical aspects.ResultsAmong those 1000 patients, 906 (90.6%) patients had gynecologic cancer, 29 (2.9%) patients had intraluminal BT, 63 (6.3%) hadhead &neck (2.1%), keloid (2.1%) and mold BT (2.1%), and 2 (0.2%) had sarcoma. Dose rate decreased by 48.9%, and treatment time increased from 9.33 to 18.27 min over 5 years. No patients treatment was abandoned because of machine-related problems.ConclusionCobalt-based HDR BT is preferable in terms of lesser source exchanges, relatively uniform treatment time, quality assurance requirement, and cost.     

Long-term outcomes with high-dose-rate brachytherapy for the management of base of tongue cancer

PurposeTo report the long-term results of a prospective, nonrandomized clinical trial using high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy (BT) for the management of base of the tongue (BOT) tumors.Methods and MaterialsBetween January 1992 and June 2011, 60 patients (mean age, 57 years; range, 36–78 years) with T1–T4 and N0-3 carcinoma of BOT were treated. Fifty-six patients (93%) had advanced (Stage III-IV) disease. HDR BT boost (mean dose, 17 Gy; range, 12–30 Gy) was delivered after 50–70 Gy (mean 62 Gy) locoregional external beam irradiation. Seventeen patients (28%) received radiochemotherapy (RCT) with cisplatin.ResultsThe 5-year actuarial rate of local tumor control, locoregional tumor control, overall survival (OS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) was 57%, 50%, 47%, and 61%, respectively. OS was significantly better in patients (n = 17) receiving RCT (69% vs. 39%; p = 0.005). Delayed soft-tissue ulceration occurred in seven patients (12%). Only one patient (<2%) developed osteoradionecrosis. In univariate analysis, the tumor size (T1–T2–T3 vs. T4) was found to have a significant effect on CSS (p = 0.043), whereas the nodal status (N0 vs. N+) affected locoregional tumor control (p = 0.042), OS (p = 0.002), and CSS (p = 0.015). Low histologic grade (1–2) was associated with better CSS (p = 0.020), whereas RCT significantly improved OS (p = 0.012).ConclusionsExternal beam irradiation combined with interstitial HDR BT boost results in good local tumor control with an acceptable rate of late side effects in patients with BOT carcinoma. RCT improves OS. Our results are similar to those reported with traditional low-dose-rate BT implants.     

A novel method for accurate needle-tip identification in trans-rectal ultrasound-based high-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy

Purpose

In real-time trans-rectal ultrasound (TRUS)-based high-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy, the accurate identification of needle-tip position is critical for treatment planning and delivery. Currently, needle-tip identification on ultrasound images can be subject to large uncertainty and errors because of ultrasound image quality and imaging artifacts. To address this problem, we developed a method based on physical measurements with simple and practical implementation to improve the accuracy and robustness of needle-tip identification.

Methods and Materials

Our method uses measurements of the residual needle length and an off-line pre-established coordinate transformation factor, to calculate the needle-tip position on the TRUS images. The transformation factor was established through a one-time systematic set of measurements of the probe and template holder positions, applicable to all patients. To compare the accuracy and robustness of the proposed method and the conventional method (ultrasound detection), based on the gold-standard X-ray fluoroscopy, extensive measurements were conducted in water and gel phantoms.

Results

In water phantom, our method showed an average tip-detection accuracy of 0.7 mm compared with 1.6 mm of the conventional method. In gel phantom (more realistic and tissue-like), our method maintained its level of accuracy while the uncertainty of the conventional method was 3.4 mm on average with maximum values of over 10 mm because of imaging artifacts.

Conclusions

A novel method based on simple physical measurements was developed to accurately detect the needle-tip position for TRUS-based high-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy. The method demonstrated much improved accuracy and robustness over the conventional method.     

A comparison of treatment planning techniques for low-dose-rate (LDR) prostate brachytherapy

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare low-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy treatment plans created using three retrospectively applied planning techniques with plans delivered to patients.Methods and MaterialsTreatment plans were created retrospectively on transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) scans for 26 patients. The technique dubbed 4D Brachytherapy was applied, using TRUS and MRI to obtain prostatic measurements required for the associated webBXT online nomogram. Using a patient's MRI scan to create a treatment plan involving loose seeds was also explored. Plans delivered to patients were made using an intraoperative loose seed TRUS-based planning technique. Prostate V₁₀₀ (%), prostate V₁₅₀ (%), prostate D₉₀ (Gy), rectum D_0.1cc (Gy), rectum D_2cc (Gy), urethra D₁₀ (%), urethra D₃₀ (%), and prostate volumes were measured for each patient. Statistical analysis was used to assess and compare plans.ResultsProstate volumes measured by TRUS and MRI were significantly different. Prostate volumes calculated by the webBXT online nomogram using TRUS- and MRI-based measurements were not significantly different. Compared with delivered plans, TRUS-based 4D Brachytherapy plans showed significantly lower rectum D_0.1cc (Gy) values, MRI-based 4D Brachytherapy plans showed significantly higher prostate V₁₀₀ (%) values and significantly lower rectum D_0.1cc (Gy), urethra D₁₀ (%), and urethra D₃₀ (%) values, and loose seed MRI-based plans showed significantly lower prostate V₁₀₀ (%), prostate D₉₀ (Gy), rectum D_0.1cc (Gy), rectum D_2cc (Gy), urethra D₁₀ (%), and urethra D₃₀ (%) values.ConclusionsTRUS-based 4D Brachytherapy plans showed similar dosimetry to delivered plans; rectal dosimetry was superior. MRI can be integrated into the 4D Brachytherapy workflow. The webBXT online nomogram overestimates the required number of seeds.     

Comparative analysis of rectal dose parameters in image-guided high-dose-rate brachytherapy for cervical cancer with and without a rectal retractor

PurposeThe objective of this study was to determine if use of a rectal retractor (RR) in high-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy for cervical cancer reduces rectal dose parameters.Methods and MaterialsWe reviewed data obtained from patients treated with intracavitary brachytherapy for cervical cancer with and without an RR. Treatment plans for each brachytherapy fraction were separated into two groups; R group with use of an RR and P group with use of vaginal packing. Dose–volume parameters for high-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV), rectum, sigmoid, small bowel, and vaginal surface were collected for each fraction. Rectal D_2cc and International Commission on Radiation Units & Measurements (ICRU) rectal point doses were compared between groups using Student's t tests. Predictors of higher rectal D_2cc were determined by univariate and multivariate regression analyses.ResultsFour hundred sixty-three brachytherapy fractions from 114 patients were used for analysis, 377 fractions with a RR (R group) and 86 with vaginal packing only (P group). Both groups were similar except for slightly higher mean HR-CTV and mean bladder volume in P group. Both mean ICRU rectal point dose (241.1 vs. 269.9 cGy, p = 0.006) and rectal D_2cc (240.6 vs. 283.6 cGy, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in P group. Point A dose, HR-CTV, stage, and use of an RR were significant predictors of rectal D_2cc on multivariate analysis.ConclusionsOur data show that use of an RR leads to lower rectal dose parameters compared with vaginal packing. Further study is needed to determine if this will lead to less long-term toxicity.     

Patient-reported outcomes of prostate high-dose-rate brachytherapy boost comparing an outpatient and inpatient protocol: a two-center chronologic cohort study

Purpose

To determine patients’ self-reported experiences of outpatient high-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy boost, and compare with previous cohort treated as inpatients.

Methods and Materials

Using the Prostate Brachytherapy Questionnaire, we previously examined patients’ subjective experience of the brachytherapy procedure when it involved one implant and hospitalization with the template in situ for 2 days (Group 1). The protocol was subsequently changed to two implants, 2 weeks apart as outpatients. Fifty-eight patients treated with the new protocol (Group 2) completed the same questionnaire. We compared the self-reported experiences between Groups 1 and 2 and also between the first and second implant for those in Group 2. Our hypothesis was that the worst rated issues in Group 1 might be reduced with the new approach.

Results

Group 2 patients were less troubled overall by the procedure (mean scores 2.3 vs. 3.2, p = 0.0293). Specifically, they were less troubled by “discomfort” (2.8 vs. 3.8, p = 0.0254); “being stuck in bed” (1.7 vs. 4.2 p < 0.0001); “feeling helpless” (1.3 vs. 2.8, p = 0.0009); “fear of opening my bowels” (2.1 vs. 3.3, p = 0.0055); and “fear of coping with the implant” (1.3 vs. 2.5, p = 0.0004). There was no significant increase in “thought of implant” or “fear of implant” before the second implant. However, more patients rated worse than expected “fear of passing urine” during the second implant.

Conclusions

Patients rated high-dose-rate brachytherapy less troublesome when delivered as outpatient with two implants, 2 weeks apart than as inpatient over 3 days, despite the additional invasive procedure and anesthesia.     

Long-term outcomes analysis of low-dose-rate brachytherapy in clinically T3 high-risk prostate cancer

PurposeThe available data demonstrating that superiority of LDR brachytherapy (LDR-BT) boost in high-risk prostate cancer patients under represents patients with extracapsular extension (T3a) and/or seminal vesicle invasion (T3b) have been limited. We report long-term clinical outcomes data for patients with cT3a/b disease receiving LDR-BT.Methods and MaterialsNinety-nine men (median age: 69.4 years) with cT3a/bN0M0 high-risk prostate adenocarcinoma received definitive LDR-BT or LDR-BT boost after external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) at a single institution between 1998 and 2007. About 86% of patients received androgen deprivation therapy. Freedom from biochemical failure (FFBF), prostate cancer–specific survival (PCSS), and overall survival (OS) was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method with the Phoenix definition used as definition of failure. Cox regression analysis was used to compare outcomes between clinical stage, initial PSA, Gleason Score, and percent core positive rate.ResultsWith a median followup of 7 years, 7-year rate of FFBF, PCSS, and OS for the entire cohort was 65.2% (±5.6%), 90.1% (±3.6%), and 77.9% (±4.7%), respectively. LDR-BT boost patients achieved a 7-year FFBF rate of 73.5 (±6.5%). No significant difference in outcomes was present between T3a or T3b disease, Gleason score, iPSA stratification and percent core positive rates.ConclusionsLDR-BT, primarily as a boost in conjunction with ADT and EBRT, is not only feasible, but also highly effective in men with cT3a and cT3b high-risk prostate cancer resulting in excellent biochemical control and survival outcomes. LDR-BT boost implantation of patients should be strongly considered for cT3 patients given the merits of trimodality care.     

Reirradiation using high-dose-rate brachytherapy in recurrent carcinoma of uterine cervix

PurposeTo assess the feasibility of reirradiation with image-based high-dose-rate brachytherapy in previously irradiated patients with recurrent carcinoma of uterine cervix.Methods and MaterialsThirty previously irradiated patients diagnosed with central recurrence were treated with reirradiation. Martinez Universal Perineal Implant Template was used in 24 patients and Vienna applicator in 6 patients. Median interval between two radiation schedules was 25 months. Median delivered dose was 42 Gy equivalent dose at 2 Gy (EQD2; interquartile range, 37–46 Gy EQD2).ResultsAll 30 patients tolerated reirradiation well. Complete response was seen in 23 (76%) patients. With a median followup of 25 months, 2-year local control, disease-free survival, and overall survival were 44%, 42%, and 52%, respectively. Fifteen patients developed local recurrences; Local control rate was significantly higher with doses >40 Gy EQD2 (52% vs. 34%; p = 0.05). Disease-free survival was better for patients with longer interval (>25 months) between two radiotherapy schedules. Grade III radiation proctitis and cystitis was seen in 3 patients each, and Grade II small bowel toxicity was seen in 3 patients.ConclusionsReirradiation using high-dose-rate brachytherapy is feasible with acceptable outcomes in isolated local recurrence deemed unsuitable for surgery. The outcome is better with higher doses.     

Reduction of toxicity in brachytherapy using a new technique

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to elucidate the usefulness of a dose evaluation method for reducing late genitourinary (GU) toxicity in high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) of prostate cancer.Methods and MaterialsGU toxicity was scored in accordance with the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0. The prostatic urethra was divided into three segments (base = B, midgland = M, apex = A), which were subclassified into seven subgroups (B, M, A, BM, BA, MA, BMA) using a D_10% color map of the urethra. Significance testing was conducted on urethral D_0.1% and D_10% among the seven subgroups. Grade < 2 GU toxicity was also implemented.ResultsData of 174 patients with localized prostate cancer treated with HDR-BT combined with external beam radiotherapy between November 2011 and July 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. Median age was 74 (53–84) years, and median followup period was 44 (6–69) months. The number of Grade < 2 and Grade ≥ 2 toxicity was significantly different in the M subgroup than in the other subgroups (p < 0.05), suggesting increased radioresistance in the midgland urethra.ConclusionsA high-dose-area evaluation method using a urethral D_10% color map may be helpful in reducing late GU toxicity in HDR-BT for prostate cancer.     

A modified technique for high-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy in advanced cancer of the cervix

PURPOSE: To develop a modified technique for high-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy in cervical cancer stage IIIb. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Cervical carcinoma FIGO Stage III accounts for > 60% of all cervical cancers with radiation being the mainstay of treatment for most patients. After external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), the cervix is often flush with the vagina and the shape of the vagina may be conical with its apex at the external os level. All patients receive 2 applications with HDR brachytherapy. At the first application after the placement of the central tandem, only one ovoid is inserted and the other ovoid is replaced by a rubber tube, and the applicator assembly is fixed as usual. The contralateral ovoid is inserted at the subsequent application. RESULTS: To date, 21 locally advanced cervical cancer patients have been treated using this technique. In these patients, the mean dose to right and left Point A was 93% (range, 86-100%; median, 93%) and 95% (range, 90-100%; median, 95%), respectively. The variation of doses to the contralateral Point A was 1-14%. The mean dose to the rectal and bladder mucosa was 62% (range, 43-80%; median, 64%) and 80% (range, 50-110%; median, 71%), respectively. CONCLUSION: This modified HDR intracavitary technique may prove an alternative for centers where interstitial brachytherapy for cancer of the cervix is not available.     

A comparison of the expected costs of high dose rate brachytherapy using Cf versus Ir

A cost analysis to compare high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy using either californium-252 (²⁵²Cf) or ¹⁹²Ir was performed to determine the prospects of widespread clinical implementation of HDR ²⁵²Cf. Interest in the neutron-emitting ²⁵²Cf radioisotope as a radiotherapy nuclide has undergone a resurgence given recent efforts to fabricate HDR remotely afterloaded sources, and other efforts to create a miniature source for improved accessibility to a variety of anatomic sites. Therefore, HDR ²⁵²Cf brachytherapy may prove to be a potential rival to the use of HDR ¹⁹²Ir remotely afterloaded brachytherapy—the current standard-of-care treatment modality using HDR brachytherapy. Considering the possible improvements in clinical efficacy using HDR ²⁵²Cf brachytherapy and the enormous costs of other high-LET radiation sources, the cost differences between ²⁵²Cf and ¹⁹²Ir may be well-justified.     

辐射对EL-4、J774A.1细胞CD2、CD48表达的影响

目的　通过时程及量效研究观察不同剂量X射线照射对EL 4和J774A 1细胞株中表面分子CD2、CD4 8的影响。方法　采用荧光免疫流式细胞术检测蛋白表达的变化。结果　 (1)EL 4细胞CD2分子表达结果显示 ,0 0 75GyX射线照射后CD2合成在照射后 4h即开始升高 ,至 8～ 16h达峰值 (P <0 0 5～ 0 0 1) ,2Gy照射后则从照射后 4h开始下降 ,至 8h达最低点 (P <0 0 1) ,一直持续较低至 4 8h恢复 ;8h量效结果显示 ,在低剂量区 0 0 5 0 ,0 0 75Gy使CD2表达上调 ,而高剂量范围中 1,2Gy使CD2表达下调。 (2 )J774A 1细胞CD4 8分子表达结果显示 ,0 0 75GyX射线照射后CD4 8合成在照射后 2h即开始升高 ,至 4h达峰值 (P <0 0 5 ) ,随后急剧下降 ,8h恢复至假照射水平 ,16～4 8h下降明显低于假照射水平 (P <0 0 5 ) ,2Gy照射后则从照射后 2h开始下降 ,至 8h达最低点(P <0 0 1) ,随后有所恢复 ,但直至 4 8h仍未能恢复至假照射水平。 4h量效结果显示 ,在低剂量区0 0 5 0 ,0 0 75 ,0 10 0Gy使CD4 8表达上调 ,而高剂量范围中 1～ 6Gy均使CD4 8表达下调 (P <0 0 5～0 0 1)。结论　X射线照射可引起CD2、CD4 8不同的辐射效应 ,两者的相互作用体现出低剂量辐射具有不同于高剂量辐射的兴奋效应。     

一种可控制驻留时间变化幅度的后装放射治疗逆向优化算法的研究

目的 报道三维后装放射治疗中一种可控制驻留时间变化幅度的算法的实现方法和结果。方法 逆向优化算法（GBPO）使用标准的二次目标函数,在目标函数中增加一个可控制驻留时间变化幅度的项,用驻留时间调制因子（DTMF）调节驻留时间的变化幅度。回顾性研究15例使用了三管施源器（Nucletron part#189.730）治疗的宫颈癌患者,分析DTMF与驻留时间标准差的关系,统计剂量体积直方图（DVH）参数（HR-CTV D_100%、V_150%,危及器官D_{0.1 cm³}、D_{1 cm³}、D_{2 cm³}）,评估GBPO计划和商用计划系统（采用IPSA算法）计划之间的差异。结果 当DTMF<20时,驻留时间标准差迅速减小,在DTMF增加到100之后,驻留时间标准差无明显变化。GBPO计划的D_100%（3.63±0.36）高于IPSA计划（3.53±0.34）,两者比较,差异有统计学意义（t=2.45,P<0.05）,两种计划之间其他DVH参数比较的差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。结论 三维后装放射治疗中控制驻留时间变化幅度的方法是可行的,采用GBPO制定的计划在靶区覆盖和危及器官保护方面与IPSA计划相似,GBPO可集成在三维后装放射治疗计划系统中。     

Impact of marital status on receipt of brachytherapy and survival outcomes in locally advanced cervical cancer

PurposeMarriage has been associated with enhanced survival among cancer patients, but conflicting correlations have been suggested in cervical cancer. We assessed the impact of marital status on receipt of brachytherapy and survival in women with locally advanced cervical cancer.Methods and MaterialsThree thousand, eight hundred and twelve patients with Stage IB2–IVA cervical cancer diagnosed from 2006 to 2015 treated with external beam radiotherapy were identified from the California Cancer Registry. Chi-square tests were used to compare patient characteristics by marital status and boost type. The association of marital status with brachytherapy (BT) receipt was assessed using multiple logistic regression. Fine and Gray competing risks and Cox proportional hazards regressions were used to estimate cervical cancer–specific survival (CCSS) and overall survival (OS), respectively.ResultsMost women were unmarried (58.8%). Half (50.4%) received BT, while 33.1% received no boost; most (86.3%) received chemotherapy. Unmarried women had similar odds of receiving BT as married women (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.90-1.28, p = 0.4370) but were less likely to receive chemotherapy (84.3% vs. 89.1%, p < 0.0001). Singlehood was significantly associated with worse CCSS (subdistribution hazard ratio = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.03-1.42, p < 0.0174) and OS (hazard ratio = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.03-1.36, p < 0.0153). Not receiving a radiation boost was also significantly associated with worse CCSS (subdistribution hazard ratio = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.02-1.43, p = 0.0317) and OS (hazard ratio = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.05-1.40, p = 0.0100).ConclusionsThere were no differences in BT receipt in married vs. unmarried patients. However, unmarried patients had worse CCSS and OS and were less likely to receive chemotherapy. Interventions targeting social factors are needed to improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.