Toxicity outcome of endorectal brachytherapy boost in medically inoperable patients

Strahlenther Onkol. 2020 Nov;196(11):993-997. doi: 10.1007/s00066-020-01612-0. Epub 2020 Apr 20.

Abstract

Aim: This communication reviews results and toxicity of image-guided high-dose-rate endorectal brachytherapy (HDREBT) boost after external beam radiotherapy (ERT) in medically inoperable patients with rectal cancer.

Materials and methods: A total of 18 patients with rectal cancer and clinical stage T2-4N0‑2 treated with HDREBT boost after ERT were retrospectively reviewed.

Results: Following treatment with a median total dose (EQD2, α/β = 10) of 66 Gy (range 48-92 Gy), the incidence of early and late rectal grade 3 toxicity was 11% and 19%, respectively. There was no correlation between the occurrence of acute and late toxicity.

Conclusion: With proper technique, a combined approach using EBRT and HDREBT was associated with acceptable toxicity in medically inoperable rectal cancer patients.

Keywords: High dose rate endorectal brachytherapy; Medically inoperable; Rectal brachytherapy; Rectal cancer; Toxicity.

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Adenocarcinoma / radiotherapy*
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Brachytherapy / adverse effects*
  • Brachytherapy / methods
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
  • Fecal Incontinence / etiology*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Proctitis / etiology*
  • Radiation Injuries / etiology*
  • Radiotherapy Dosage
  • Rectal Diseases / etiology*
  • Rectal Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Rectal Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Retrospective Studies