Clinical results of image-guided interstitial brachytherapy with or without external beam radiotherapy for postsurgical vaginal recurrence of cervical and endometrial cancers

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcome and efficacy of image-guided interstitial brachytherapy (ISBT) for postsurgical vaginal recurrence of cervical and endometrial cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 11 patients who received CT-based image-guided high-dose-rate ISBT with or without external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). Local control, progression-free survival, and treatment-related toxicities were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Of the 11 patients, 4 underwent ISBT with EBRT and the other 7 ISBT alone; two of the latter patients received previous pelvic radiotherapy. After a median follow-up of 43.9 months (range 3.9–92.7 months), the 2-year local control rate was 100%. The median equivalent doses in 2 Gy fractions received by at least 90% of the clinical target volume for ISBT with versus without EBRT were 82.2 Gy (range 60.4–84.2 Gy) versus 69.0 Gy (range 50.8–98.2 Gy). The 2-year progression-free survival rates after ISBT with versus without EBRT were 75% versus 80%, and the difference was not significant (p = 0.74). Grade 3 late toxicities occurred in two patients. CONCLUSION: Our radiotherapy strategy using image-guided ISBT, either with or without EBRT, for postsurgical vaginal recurrence showed effective treatment outcomes.