Outcomes and toxicity in re-irradiation of gynecologic cancer: Systematic review of the Italian association of radiation and clinical oncology (AIRO).

AIMS: The aim of this study was to provide a literature review on the efficacy and safety of reirradiation(re-I) of locoregional recurrences in gynecological malignancies. METHODS: A computerized literature search was performed in 4 electronic databases (1993-2020). Random-effects models and a tendency towards high heterogeneity (Cochran Q chi-square test and the I2 statistic) were used. A meta-analysis technique over single and multi-arm studies was performed to determine the pooled acute and late toxicity rate ≥ G3, locoregional control (LC), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Out of 178 articles, only 18 articles accounting for 820 patients (pts) met the inclusion criteria. Outcomes were evaluable for 522 patients. Subgroup analyses highlighted moderate to high heterogeneity among studies. BT (Brachytherapy) showed a 2y OS of 63% (95% CI, 55 to 71 p = 0,36) and 5y OS of 42% (95% CI, 35 to 50, p = 0,43) with 1y-2y-3y LC of 74 (95% CI, 62 to 75, p = 0.04)49% (95% CI, 40 to 58, p = 0.38) and 48% (95% CI, 39 to 58, p = 0,45) respectively. Chemotherapy does not improve SBRT outcomes: BT showed a G3- G4 toxicities rate was of26% (95% CI: 8-49%); studies on SBRT re-I showed a G3-G4 toxicity around of 20% if combined with CHT, and <10 when alone. CONCLUSION: A large heterogeneity among studies was revealed, but showing promising results in terms of safety and feasibility. BT resulted the best kind of radiation therapy delivery in terms of clinical outcome and comparable to the SBRT technique in terms of toxicities.

Postoperative treatment of intermediate-risk early stage cervical cancer: results of a survey from the Gynecology Study Group in the AIRO Gyn and MITO Groups.

This survey investigated prognostic factors, treatment modalities, references followed and radiation oncologists' opinions to prescribe adjuvant therapy in early intermediate-risk cervical cancer. All but one recommended pelvic radiotherapy ± vaginal boost (45%) with or without chemotherapy (20%). 88% believed other prognostic factors could integrate classic risk criteria. 66% considered chemo-radiation indicated in case of lymphovascular invasion and suboptimal node dissection, high grade, size ≥ 4 cm, non squamous histology and risk factors combination. This wide heterogeneity of treatments reflects the different guideline options due to the lack of defined indications. The need of integrating the classic prognostic factors with others factors was unanimously expressed by radiation oncologists. The best local and systemic therapy should be established through new studies. These results highlighted the need of a position paper to standardize adjuvant treatment in Italy and to design collaborative studies to clarify the controversial aspects.

Brachytherapy or external beam radiotherapy as a boost in locally advanced cervical cancer: a Gynaecology Study Group in the Italian Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncology (AIRO) review.

This review analyzes the experience and trends in external beam radiotherapy for delivering a boost in locally advanced cervical cancer, identifying whether radiation therapy modalities impact clinical outcomes with the ultimate aim of evaluating alternatives to brachytherapy. Three independent Italian radiation oncologists conducted a literature search on different external beam radiotherapy boost modalities in locally advanced cervical cancer. The search yielded 30 studies. Eight dosimetric studies, evaluating target coverage and dose to organs at risk, and nine clinical investigations, reporting clinical outcomes, were analyzed. Dosimetric studies comparing external beam radiotherapy boost with brachytherapy produced divergent results, while clinical studies were limited by their retrospective nature, heterogeneous doses, radiation schedules, volumes and techniques, diverse follow-up times, and small cohorts of patients. Evidence emerged that high-tech external beam radiotherapy seemed no better than image-guided brachytherapy for delivering a boost in locally advanced cervical cancer. Prospective clinical studies comparing high-tech external beam radiotherapy and image-guided brachytherapy should be encouraged.