A COMPLEX ASSESSMENT OF GENERAL TOXICITY AT 3D-IMAGE–GUIDED BRACHYTHERAPY FOR CERVICAL CANCER

Abstract

Backround: radiation therapy is of great importance in the treatment of cervical cancer, and, if this is the generally
accepted method of treating cervical cancer. The effectiveness of radiation therapy is enhanced thanks to brachytherapy,
which reduces the costs of physical and intellectual impact on the surrounding healthy organs and tissues.
Objective: to assess acute hematological and general toxicity in 3D-visualized brachytherapy for locally advanced
cervical cancer.
Materials and methods: research within the framework of grant funding for research projects for 2018-2020. The object
of the study was 12 women with squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix IIB and IIIB stages, who underwent complex
chemoradiotherapy using 3D-image–guided brachytherapy. The study of toxic effects of treatment was carried out in
accordance with the criterion of toxicity criteria for the oncological group of radiation therapy (RTOG) and the European
Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) and the US National Cancer Institute (common terminological
criteria for adverse events v3.0-CTCAE V3.0).
Results: The development of anemia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, which are amenable to correction, were
observed in 3 (25.0%), 4 (33.3%) and 2 (16.7%) women in the main group, respectively, whereas in the control group they
were diagnosed in 7 (29.2%), 8 (33.3%) and 4 (16.7%). Gastrointestinal manifestations occurred in both groups in 15.0% of
women. The development of rectitis and cystitis of the II degree in the studied group occurred in 2 (16.7%) and 1 (8.3%)
cases, respectively, whereas in the control group - in 10 (41.6%) and 7 (29.2%) ) cases, while 2 (8.4%) women developed
grade III rectitis, and 1 (4.2%) patients had grade III cystitis.
Conclusions: a preliminary assessment of the manifestations of acute toxicity showed that hematologic toxicity and the
development of gastrointestinal side effects were equally common in the studied groups, but the 3D method of brachytherapy
control showed an advantage compared to the standard radiotherapy regimen in assessing the manifestations of acute
toxicity on the part of risk organs.