Long-term outcome of 160 patients with stage Ⅱb cervical carcinoma treated with pre-operative and intra-operative radiotherapy

Objective To investigate the 5-and 10-year survival and complications of patients with stage Ⅱb cervical carcinoma treated by pre-operative photon radiotherapy (POPRT) plus brachytherapy (192Ir) and selective lymphadenectomy hysterectomy (SLH) plus intra-operative electron radiotherapy (IOERT). Methods From February 1997 to May 2007, 160 patients with stage Ⅱb cervical carcinoma were treated by POPRT of 20 Gy in 10 fractions to the whole pelvis, 192Ir brachytherapy of 14 Gy in 2fractions, followed by IOERT of 18 -20 Gy to the whole pelvis during SLH one week after. Results The follow-up rate was 98.1%. The number of patients followed-up for 5 and 10 years was 143 and 135,respectively. The 5-year overall survival rate, disease-free survival rate and local control rate of all patients were 89.4%, 86. 3% and 96. 3%, with the corresponding 10-year rates of 84.4%, 81.0% and 95.0%,respectively. The radiation-induced rectitis and cystitis were 5.0% and 0. 6%, respectivly. The rate of hydronephrosis and lower extremity edema was 6. 3% and 1.3%, respectively. Conclusions Combination of EBRT plus 192Ir brachytherapy and SLH plus IOERT could improve the survival and local control of patiens with cervical carcinoma, with only a few side effects.