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Current status and perspectives of brachytherapy for cervical cancer

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Abstract

Standard definitive radiotherapy for cervical cancer consists of whole pelvic external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT). In Japan, high-dose-rate ICBT (HDR-ICBT) has been utilized in clinical practice for more than 40 years. Several randomized clinical trials demonstrated that HDR-ICBT achieved comparative outcomes, both for pelvic control and incidences of late complications, to low-dose-rate (LDR) ICBT. In addition, HDR-ICBT has some potential advantages over LDR-ICBT, leading to further improvement in treatment results. Prior to the current computer planning systems, some excellent treatment planning concepts were established. At present, systems modified from these concepts, or novel approaches, such as image-guided brachytherapy (IGBT) are under investigation. One serious problem to be solved in HDR-ICBT for cervical cancer is that of the discrepancy in standard treatment schedules for combination HDR-ICBT and EBRT between the United States and Japan. Prospective studies are ongoing to assess the efficacy and toxicity of the Japanese schedule.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, University of the Ryukyus, 207 Uehara, Nishihara-cho, Okinawa, 903-0215, Japan

    Takafumi Toita

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  1. Takafumi Toita
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Correspondence to Takafumi Toita.

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Toita, T. Current status and perspectives of brachytherapy for cervical cancer. Int J Clin Oncol 14, 25–30 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10147-008-0865-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10147-008-0865-0

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