Short course versus conventional interventional radiotherapy (brachytherapy) regimen in locally advanced cervical cancer: A randomized clinical trial.
Mohammad Babaie, Mahdi Aghili, Mohadeseh Poudineh et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized clinical trial compared a one-week versus conventional three-week high-dose-rate interventional radiotherapy (brachytherapy) schedule in patients with stage IB2–IVA cervical cancer receiving definitive chemoradiation. At five-year follow-up, 68 patients were analysed. The shorter schedule reduced median overall treatment time (59 vs. 64.5 days; p = 0.01) and was associated with a higher complete response rate (53.1% vs. 31.3%; p = 0.041). Overall and disease-free survival did not differ significantly between groups, and acute and late adverse events were comparable.
Key findings
- Median overall treatment time was 59 vs. 64.5 days with the one-week and three-week schedules, respectively (p = 0.01).
- Complete response rates were 53.1% vs. 31.3%, respectively (p = 0.041).
- No significant between-group differences were observed in overall survival (p = 0.962) or disease-free survival (p = 0.128).
- Acute and late adverse events, including proctitis, cystitis, and vaginal hemorrhage, were comparable (all p > 0.05).
Why it matters
Treatment duration and response are relevant outcomes in definitive cervical cancer therapy. This trial suggests that completing brachytherapy over one week can shorten overall treatment time and improve complete response without a detected increase in toxicity. However, the absence of a significant survival difference means the response finding should not be interpreted as evidence of longer survival.
What to keep in mind
Seven patients were lost to follow-up, leaving 68 for analysis. The trial found no significant survival benefit, and the abstract does not report confidence intervals for the outcomes.