Introduction: Locally advanced carcinoma cervix includes stages IIB, IIIA, IIIB and IVA. Interstitial brachytherapy has the potential to deliver adequate dose to lateral parametrium and to vagina. Hence, it is preferable in cases with distorted anatomy, extensive (lower) vaginal wall involvement, bulky residual disease post EBRT and parametrium involvement upto lateral pelvic wall.
Aim and Objective: To determine clinical outcome and complications (acute and chronic) in locally advanced carcinoma cervix, treated with interstitial brachytherapy using template (MUPIT - Martinez universal perineal interstitial template).
Materials and Methods: This study is a retrospective analysis of 37 cases of locally advanced carcinoma cervix (stage IIB-2, IIIB-30, IVA-5), treated with EBRT (dose-median 45Gy/25#) ± concurrent chemotherapy (CCT) - Inj. Cisplatin/Inj Carboplatin, followed by interstitial brachytherapy using MUPIT from December 2009 to June 2015. Initial treatment with EBRT ± CCT was followed by intertstitial brachytherapy. Under spinal anaesthesia and epidural analgesia, MUPIT application was done. Straight and divergent needles (median 26, range 19-29) were inserted to cover parametrium adequately. Needle position was verified with planning CT scan and Brachytherapy planning was done. Dose was normalized to 5 mm box surface from outermost needle with optimization of dose to OAR (Bladder, Rectum and Sigmoid colon). Prescription dose –25Gy in 5#. Treatment was delivered by Microselectron HDR using Ir192 source. Treatment fractions were delivered twice daily with min 6 Hrs. gap in-between fractions.
Results: The median duration of follow-up was 25 months. Local control was achieved in 28 patients with residual disease in 7 patients and local recurrence in 2 patients. 10 patients had acute lower GI toxicity {Grade1 (n=6), Grade 2 (n=4)}, 2 patients had acute Grade 1 bladder toxicity. 1 patient had grade 3 and 1 patient had grade 4 chronic bladder toxicity. Chronic rectal toxicity was seen in 10 patients {Grade 2 (n=4), Grade 3 (n=4), Grade 4 (n=2)}.
Conclusion: Local control was achieved in 28/37 patients (75.6%) and overall survival rate of 81.1% at median follow up of 25 months in patients with locally advanced carcinoma cervix and unfavorable prognostic factors.
Role of interstitial brachytherpy using template (mupit) in locally advanced carcinoma cervix