International brachytherapy practice patterns: a survey of the Gynecologic Cancer Intergroup (GCIG)

Viswanathan, A.N. et al. (2012) International brachytherapy practice patterns: a survey of the Gynecologic Cancer Intergroup (GCIG). International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics, 82(1), pp. 250-255. (doi: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2010.10.030)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrobp.2010.10.030

Abstract

Purpose: To determine current practice patterns with regard to gynecologic high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy among international members of the Gynecologic Cancer Intergroup (GCIG) in Japan/Korea (Asia), Australia/New Zealand (ANZ), Europe (E), and North America (NAm).

Methods and Materials: A 32-item survey was developed requesting information on brachytherapy practice patterns and standard management for Stage IB-IVA cervical cancer. The chair of each GCIG member cooperative group selected radiation oncology members to receive the survey.

Results: A total of 72 responses were analyzed; 61 respondents (85%) used HDR. The three most common HDR brachytherapy fractionation regimens for Stage IB-IIA patients were 6 Gy for five fractions (18%), 6 Gy for four fractions (15%), and 7 Gy for three fractions (11%); for Stage IIB-IVA patients they were 6 Gy for five fractions (19%), 7 Gy for four fractions (8%), and 7 Gy for three fractions (8%). Overall, the mean combined external-beam and brachytherapy equivalent dose (EQD2) was 81.1 (standard deviation [SD] 10.16). The mean EQD2 recommended for Stage IB-IIA patients was 78.9 Gy (SD 10.7) and for Stage IIB-IVA was 83.3 Gy (SD 11.2) (p = 0.02). By region, the mean combined EQD2 was as follows: Asia, 71.2 Gy (SD 12.65); ANZ, 81.18 (SD 4:96); E, 83.24 (SD 10.75); and NAm, 81.66 (SD, 6.05;p = 0.02 for Asia vs. other regions). The ratio of brachytherapy to total prescribed dose was significantly higher for Japan (p = 0.0002).

Conclusion: Although fractionation patterns may vary, the overall mean doses administered for cervical cancer are similar in Australia/New Zealand, Europe, and North America, with practitioners in Japan administering a significantly lower external-beam dose but higher brachytherapy dose to the cervix. Given common goals, standardization should be possible in future clinical trials.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Reed, Dr Nicholas
Authors: Viswanathan, A.N., Creutzberg, C.L., Craighead, P., McCormack, M., Toita, T., Narayan, K., Reed, N., Long, H., Kim, H.-J., Marth, C., Lindegaard, J.C., Cerrotta, A., Small, W., and Trimble, E.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics
ISSN:0360-3016

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record