Preliminary results of MRI-assisted high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy for uterine cervical cancer

Abstract Purpose To investigate the effectiveness of our novel MRI-assisted high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy for uterine cervical cancer. Methods and Materials Between June 2005 and June 2009, 29 previously untreated patients with cervical cancer were enrolled (2 T2b, 2 T3a, 19 T3b, and 6 T4 tumors). We implanted MRI-compatible plastic catheters using our unique ambulatory technique. The total treatment doses were 30–36 Gy (6 Gy per fraction) combined with external beam radiotherapy. Results The median D90 (high-risk clinical target volume), D2 cc (bladder), and D2 cc (rectum) per fraction were 6.9, 5, and 4.6 Gy, respectively. The 3-year local control rates were 100%, 95%, and 83% for T2, T3, and T4 tumors, respectively. Grade 3 or 4 late complications occurred in 4 patients. Conclusions Our preliminary evaluation of image-based high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy showed favorable local treatment results with an acceptable complication rate.