Background: Carcinoma of uterine cervix is the commonest cancer affecting females in developing countries. Concurrent chemoradiation has remained the sole definitive treatment available in the advanced stages. The study was planned to take the advantage of radiosensitisation accruing due to chemotherapy at the time of brachytherapy, when approximately 40% of total tumor dose is applied. Subjects and Methods: Sixty-four patients were enrolled who had locally advanced uterine cervix carcinoma (Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Stage IIB–IVA) from July 2011 to May 2013 for concurrent chemotherapy and intracavitory brachytherapy after completion of concurrent chemotherapy and external beam radiotherapy followed by three insertion of brachytherapy separated by a week by flexitron brachytherapy unit to Point A, for each application was 6 Gy by high dose rate. Cisplatin was given (35 mg/m²) 1 day before brachytherapy in each application. Results: At medium follow-up of 19 months (range 8–30 months) clinical complete response rate was found to be 89% at 3 months of follow-up. Acute side effect as nausea and vomiting Grades I and II were recorded as 55% and 28% respectively, no renal dysfunction and no thrombocytopenia were encountered. No patients had Grade IV or life threatening toxicity. Overall survival and disease free survival after 30 months of follow-up is 88% and 75% respectively. Conclusion: Use of concurrent chemotherapy with brachytherapy is effective and feasible with acceptable toxicity for locally advanced carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

Introduction

Carcinoma of uterine cervix is the commonest cancer of females in developing countries.[1] Concurrent chemoradiation has remained the standard treatment available for locally advanced cases.[2] Cervical carcinoma in early stages is quite radioresponsive, however, in locally advanced stages, the long-term outlook has consistently remained grim on account of central or peripheral failures. Treatment failure outside the radiation field is well encountered. However, the persistent/recurrent pelvic disease remains a significant obstacle in curative intent and prolonged survival. According to recent published literature approximately half of locally advanced disease fails in treated pelvic area.[2],[3] This is attributable to presence of bulk of the primary lesion with its attendant increase in hypoxic cells, poor geometry, impaired blood supply and increase in growth fraction thereby resulting in poor radiation response.

Standard treatment regimen for such cases has remained external beam radiation with concurrent chemotherapy followed by brachytherapy wherever possible.[4] Cure is interlinked with radiation dose escalation however; such ingredients to improve local control by increasing radiation dose are hampered by the limited tolerance of surrounding critical organs. Attempts have been made to improve the local control and survival in the advanced stages of the disease by combination of radio-sensitizer like cisplatin with external beam radiation. Several authors have claimed overall improvement of disease free survival (DFS) as compared to treatment with radiation alone.[5],[6],[7],[8],[9]

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy, feasibility and toxicity of concurrent chemotherapy and brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical carcinoma (LACC). It has been found that this modality in LACC has not been systematically evaluated in prospective set up. The study aims to quantify objectively the potential to improve the loco regional control, DFSs, normal tissue toxicities (acute and late), overall survivals (OSs) and possibility of recurrences and distant metastasis rates.

Subjects and Methods

Sixty-four patients who had advanced uterine cervical carcinoma and treated with concurrent chemotherapy and external beam radiation were enrolled from July 2011 to May 2013 for concurrent chemotherapy and brachytherapy.

Patient's details are charted in [Table 1]. The patients with advanced cervical cancers (Stage IIB–IVA) who received whole pelvis external beam radiotherapy (RT) with 6 MV photons on siemens primus linear accelerator to a tumor dose of 50 Gy/25#/5 weeks with concurrent cisplatin 35 mg/m 2 weekly. After 1 week interval, intracavitory brachytherapy was administered. All patients were planned on multi-slice computed tomography (CT) scanner and complete evaluation of the local disease and its correlation with critical structure were noted. Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy plan were generated using digital imaging and communication in medicine for data transfer from CT-simulation (SIM) to treatment planning system for eliminate personal errors. Dosage to critical structure, gross tumor volume and lymphatic's were recorded.{Table 1}

The selection of the patients had stringent selection and rejection criteria. All patients who received definitive external RT and chemotherapy were included. Written and informed consent of the entire patient included in the study were taken. Pathology of uterine cervix tumour other than squamous cell carcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma were not included, Details in [Table 1]. The patients who could not have standard protocol are not included for the study. All patients in this study treated with same radiation and chemotherapy dose irrespective of stages of patients.

The selected patient underwent three fractions of brachytherapy by flexitron brachytherapy unit and the dose to Point A for each application was 6 Gy by high dose rate (HDR). Chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin was infused (35 mg/m 2) 1 day before intracavitary irradiation in each application. Each patient was planned on CT-SIM and ICRU-38 dosimetric methods was utilized to evaluate the dosage to reference volume and various pelvic structures.

Intracavitary

Brachytherapy protocol included evaluation and application under general anesthesia. The intrauterine tandem with appropriate size and angle was inserted in the uterus after dilatation of uterine cervix and two colpostats were placed in the vaginal vault with appropriate packing by fletcher system, all patients received same radiation dose no vaginal cylinder were used because we excluded patints with lower third of vaginal involved and postoperative case where cylinder was appropriate option. CT-SIM of the pelvis done and treatment planning with flexitron software were performed. Point A, bladder, rectum, and parametrial points according to the ICRU-38 recommendations were determined. Total dose of 18 Gy to Point A was delivered in three fractions separated by a week with dose of 6 Gy per fraction with HDR. The maximal dose was limited to low dose rate equivalent 70 Gy to the rectum and 75 Gy to the bladder [Figure 1]. Partial volumes of the rectum and bladder falling in reference volume were recorded to objectively access the toxicity.{Figure 1}

Chemotherapy protocol

Complete hematological and biochemical evaluation was done and cisplatin was prescribed intravenously at doses of 35 mg/m 2 given in normal saline during 2 h infusion 1 day before each insertion. Preventive medication for nausea and vomiting was routinely administered.

Evaluation of follow-up

Before each course of CT patients were evaluated and during RT they were seen weekly by radiation oncologist for normal tissue reaction and tumour response. Routine investigations were performed and if required supportive management was given. As per Radiation Therapy Oncology Group criteria adverse reaction was documented. During CT all patient were admitted in ward. Patients were examined after completion of RT and then at 6 weeks followed by 3 monthly bases up to 2 years than 6 monthly. Blood count, X-ray chest, ultrasonography abdomen. Patients belong to rural area were also motivated to come for regular follow-up.

Response

After completion of treatment, all patients were evaluated for response and acute toxicity. Response was evaluated 3 months after the end of RT by means of clinical examination and computed scan of pelvis. Complete regression was defined as disappearance of the disease according to both clinical and radiological examination. Partial regression was defined as tumor size regression more than 50%. A regression of <50% or stable disease was defined as no change. Acute hematological toxicity was monitored weekly during treatment through serum examination and blood cell counts. Patient symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, dysuria were reported.

Statistical methods

Patient characteristics, safety profile of the concurrent modality treatment administration, and response rates were characterized by descriptive methods. Locoregional relapse free survival (LRFS), DFS and OS curves were calculated according to the Kaplan–Meier method. For LRFS all local and/or regional recurrences and deaths due to disease were taken as events, for DFS all the deaths because of disease were taken as events, while for OS all deaths regardless of any cause were taken as events.

Results

Initial results of this study were found to be very encouraging. Follow-up range was 8–30 months, median follow-up 19 months. The clinical complete response rate is 89% at 3 months of follow-up. OS and DFS after 30 months of follow-up is 88% and 75% respectively [Table 2]. Stage wise response and pattern of failure were included in [Table 3].{Table 2}{Table 3}

Acute side effect as nausea and vomiting Grades I and II is 55% and 28% respectively, no patients had reported renal dysfunction and thrombocytopenia. Grades II and III leucopenia is 11% and 6% respectively. All acute side effects were well managed with ondensetron and filgrastim support. No patient had Grade IV or life threatening toxicity [Table 4]. Late toxicities in 30 months of follow-up only one patient reported rectal fistula and two patients reported uncontrolled rectal bleeding which requires laser coagulation, others were well managed with symptomatic treatment [Table 5].{Table 4}{Table 5}

Discussion

Radical RT (external RT + brachytherapy) is standard treatment option available for LACC with use of concurrent chemotherapy during external RT. The dose of radiation depend upon stage of disease, parametrial involvement, lymph node involvement, institutional protocol etc., in early cervical carcinoma more dose was given with brachytherapy while in advanced cervical carcinoma more dose was given with external RT. According to American brachytherapy society total dose (external + brachy) in early cases was 80–85 Gy and in advanced cases 85–90 Gy of LDR equivalents. Many authors reported similar results with lower radiation dose with similar effects and less complications rates.[10] In our study we delivered 50 Gy by external and 18 Gy (6@3 fractions) by HDR brachytherapy.

Meta-analysis of five randomized trial report published in February 1999 shows that concurrent chemoradiation with cisplatin a dose of 40 mg/m 2 on weekly basis is standard of care in LACC. In our study dose of cisplatin 35 mg/m 2 was used on weekly basis as radiosensitizer it is little lower side because review of this reports also shows that only 67% of patients completed 6 cycle of plane chemotherapy due to acute toxicity of chemotherapy.[11] Punushapai et al.[12] found in there study that concurrent chemoradiotherapy with weekly cisplatin 40 mg/m 2 in locally advanced cervical cancer gives good treatment outcomes. When reducing the cisplatin dose to 20 mg/m 2, treatment responses were still comparable to the standard, but acute toxicity could be reduced. The 40 mg/m 2 group showed unplanned interruptions in 13/70 (18.6%), which was significantly different from the 5/70 (7.1%) in the 20 mg/m 2 group (P = 0.02), resulting in prolonged treatment time (P = 0.026). Complete responses were found in 69/70 (98.6%) and 68/70 (97.1%), respectively, with no significant difference. Hematological and gastrointestinal toxicities were most frequently observed. Acute toxicities in the first group was significantly higher when compared to the second group (P < 0.05) as follows; Grades I and II leukopenia (14.8% vs. 6.4%), Grades I and II neutropenia (9.3% vs. 2.6%), Grade II N/V (3.8% vs. 1%), Grade II diarrhea (2.4% vs. 0.7%), and Grade I sensory neuropathy (4.5% vs. 1.2%). No treatment related deaths were encountered.

In this study treated 64 patients with stage locally advanced cervical cancers with concurrent cisplatin and brachytherapy complete response rate was 88%, and 75% of the patients were disease free in 30 months follow-up. Acute effects including Grades II and III leukopaenia 11% and 6% respectively and late effects like rectal toxicity Grades II and III 2.5% and 5% respectively.

Uterine cervical carcinoma is the most common gynecologic cancer in rural India which accounts about 34.4% of cancers in rural Indian women.[13] External RT and intracavitary brachytherapy are the standard treatment modalities in advanced-stages cervical carcinomas. In recent years, concurrent chemotherapy with external RT has improved the treatment outcome in advanced uterine cervical cancers and known as the standard choice of care. Cisplatin is considered the most effective single agent as systemic therapy in eradicating micro metastasis and moreover as a radiosensitizer in uterine cervical carcinoma.[14],[15] Cisplatin when simultaneously administered with RT, have radio sensitivity effects by inhibition of DNA synthesis, inhibition of transcription elongation by DNA inter strand cross-links, inhibition of repair of radiation induced DNA damage and increase the sensitivity of hypoxic cells and cell death.[16],[17],[18],[19] About 40% of total tumor dose is delivered in brachytherapy in uterine cervix and parametriums, and the minimum dose to the rectum and bladder can be achieved by accurate treatment planning. It is logical concept to expect that the best time to apply chemotherapy during the course of RT will be during the brachytherapy insertions. There are two reasons for this assumption, the dose of radiation applied during one brachytherapy insertion is much higher than external radiation, due to that difference we can expect that the effects of the combination of brachytherapy and chemotherapy are substantially greater than either of both, and the second reason is that the dose rate of brachytherapy is decreasing by inverse-square law and thus potentially results in less toxicity to surrounding normal tissues. There are limited data on concurrent use of chemotherapy and intracavitary brachytherapy in uterine cervical carcinoma.

In a Phase I, II trial; Kuske et al.[20] used 5 FU + cisplatin concurrent with RT in the 1st week of treatment and brachytherapy in 23 patients with advanced or recurrent cervical carcinomas and Stages II and III uterine cancers. In another study conducted by Stumpf et al.,[21] 57 cases with cervical cancer were treated with concurrent 5 FU and brachytherapy. The results of both studies showed that concurrent chemotherapy and brachytherapy had better outcome compare to brachytherapy alone.

Vrdoljak et al.,[22] 44 patients were assigned to receive external RT 50 Gy in 25 fractions then all patients received both courses of concomitant chemo brachytherapy and at least 1 cycle of consolidation chemotherapy. The average duration of radiation was 45.1 days. The clinical complete response rate was 100%. Grades III and IV leukopenia occurred in 25% and 11% of the cycles, respectively. After a median follow-up of 34 months (range 20–54 months), the recurrence-free and the OS rates were 84% and 91%, respectively. Major delayed local complications occurred in seven cases (16%). These results indicate that concomitant chemo brachyradiotherapy with ifosfamide and cisplatin is a feasible combination for patients with locally advanced carcinoma of the cervix uteri. Koumantakis et al. in Greece [23] treated 36 cases with Stages IIA/B–IIIA cervical cancers with external beam RT and then concurrent cisplatin or carboplatin and brachytherapy. The dose to Point A was 85–90 Gy. Radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed if possible. In 31 patients who underwent surgery after RT, 83% had pathologic complete response. The most common acute effects were hematological toxicities as Grades III and IV thrombocytopenia in two cases and Grades I and II anemia and leucopenia in three patients. Local abdominal pain and Grades I and II cystitis were noted in six patients. There was no renal dysfunction. In aforementioned study, the patients had surgery by hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy in addition to RT. Acute hematological toxicities were less common in our study, but the other acute effects were similar.

Strauss et al. treated 27 patients with Stages IIB–IIIB cervical cancers with concurrent cisplatin and brachytherapy in Germany.[24] Complete response rate was 92.3%, and 80% of the patients were disease free in 20 months follow-up. Acute effects including Grade III hematological toxicities and late effects were seen in 29.6% and 7.4% of cases, respectively. These toxicities were more common in comparison with our trial.

In the present study, we assessed the efficacy of concurrent cisplatin and HDR brachytherapy in advanced uterine cervical carcinoma. Compared with Strauss et al.[24] A complete response and DFS were 88% and 75% versus, 92.3% and 80% respectively. Acute effects like Grade III hematological toxicities 29.6% versus 6% and late effects like rectal toxicities 7.4% versus 5% respectively. Acute effects specially hematological and renal toxicities, subjective complaints and response rate were acceptable. Interesting findings of this study are very good local control in advanced local disease patients and low metastasis rates (only 5%) and no Grade IV acute and late effects.

Conclusion

Concurrent chemotherapy with bracytherapy is effective and feasible with acceptable toxicity for LACC of the uterine cervix. It is recommended to conduct more clinical trials with more intensive dose of chemotherapy or combination of two or three agents. Although evaluation of late rectal and bladder effects, observed in the 2nd and 3rd years were accomplished, because of the short period of follow-up, it seems that sub-acute effects (seen in 7–30 months after therapy) were acceptable. This is a preliminary report and long-term follow-up will be continued. As per our knowledge no randomized study with concurrent chemotherapy and brachytherapy.

However some drawback was also present in this study: It was not randomized, small sample size, shorter duration of follow-up and cause of death of patient is not known.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.