Palliative Radiotherapy In Advanced Cancer Of The Cervix

Aim: To assess the role of high dose palliative pelvic radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced/metastatic cancer of the cervix not suitable for radical treatment.Method: Seventy two patients with carcinoma of the cervix receiving palliative radiotherapy to the pelvis from January 2006-December 2010 were included in this study. Patients were treated with parallelopposed pelvic portals with megavoltage radiation monthly up to a maximum of three fractions. The dose per fraction was 8Gy. The patients were assessed for relief of bleeding, vaginal discharge, pain, response and toxicity.Results: The mean age at presentation was 55 years and the mean duration of symptoms was 10 months. A control in vaginal bleeding was observed in 95% patients receiving three fractions. Sixty-six percent patients receiving three fractions had relief from vaginal discharge. Fifty eight percent patients had 100% pain relief after the third fraction. No grade 3-4 acute or late toxicity was observed in evaluable patients on follow up.Conclusion: 8Gy per fraction in two to three monthly fractions is an effective schedule for palliation in patients with advanced cancer of the cervix not suitable for radical radiation.