Perioperative high-dose-rate brachytherapy in locally advanced and recurrent gynecological cancer: Final results of a Phase II trial

PurposeTo determine the long-term results of a Phase II trial of perioperative high-dose-rate brachytherapy (PHDRB) in primary advanced or recurrent gynecological cancer.Methods and MaterialsFifty patients with locally advanced and recurrent gynecological cancer suitable for salvage surgery were included. Unirradiated patients (n = 25) received preoperative chemoradiation followed by surgery and PHDRB (16–24 Gy). Previously irradiated patients (n = 25) received surgery and PHDRB alone (32–40 Gy).ResultsMedian followup was 11.5 years. Eight unirradiated patients (32%) developed Grade ≥3 toxic events including two fatal events. Local and locoregional control rates at 16 years were 87.3% and 78.9%, respectively. Sixteen-year disease-free and overall survival rates were 42.9% and 46.4%, respectively. Ten previously irradiated patients (40.0%) developed Grade ≥3 adverse events, including four fatal events. Local and locoregional control rates at 14 years were 59.6% and 42.6%, respectively. Fourteen-year disease-free and overall survival rates were 16.0% and 19.2%, respectively.ConclusionsPHDRB allows effective salvage of a subset of unfavorable gynecological tumors with high-risk surgical margins. Toxicity was unacceptable at the initial dose levels but deescalation resulted in the absence of severe toxicity without a negative impact on locoregional control. A substantial percentage of patients remain alive and controlled at >10 years including a few previously irradiated cases with positive margins.