A Comparison between Simple Fractionation and Hyperfractionation in Advanced Cervical Cancer: Tumor Control and Radiation Complications

Oh, Ji Young; Lee, Tae Hwa; Kim, Sung Han

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To discern in advanced uterine cervical cancer whether the hyperfractionation is more effective in tumor control and in reducing radiation complication rates than the simple fractionation.
METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 184 patients with advanced cervical cancer at our hospitals from January 2000 to December 2004. All patients were treated with radiation, 114 patients with simple fractionation, and 70 patients with hyperfractionation.
RESULTS
Mean age was 55.4 years at baseline study. Complications were occurred in 90 patients of the 184 patients who treated with radiation therapy. Of these, 48 patients suffered from gastrointestinal complications, 24 patients suffered from genitourinary complications and 18 patients had both complications. Complications were occurred in 72 cases in simple fractionation group and 40 cases in hyperfractionation group. 77 patients had acute complications and 13 patients had chronic complications. There was no statistically significant difference between two groups (P = 0.772). Mild complication were occurred in 75 patients and severe complication were occurred in 15 patients, there was no statistically significant difference in two groups (P = 0.495). 66 patients had gastrointestinal complications and 42 patients had genitourinary complications, there was no statistical significance in two groups (P = 0.910).
CONCLUSION
Many complications were occurred in patients who treated with radiation therapy, but there was no statistically significant survival and complication difference in two groups. Further research is needed.