The preliminary report of cervical cancer treated with californium-252 neutron after loading intracavitary radiotherapy

Objective To observe the therapeutic effectiveness and complications of californium 252 ( 252 Cf) brachytherapy in cervical cancer Methods Fifty one cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed according to the standard of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), Ⅱa:8 cases,Ⅱb:31 cases,Ⅲa:8 cases, Ⅲb:4 cases Treatment schedule: 252 Cf after loading brachytherapy, 10～12 Gy/fraction/week, the total dose of reference point A was 36～40 Gy in three to four implant sessions In the second day after 252 Cf therapy, the whole pelvis was treated with 6 MV X ray external beam radiotherapy, 200 cGy per fraction, 4 times per week The total dose of external beam radiotherapy was 40 to 50 Gy (the middle of pelvis was blocked at width of 4 cm after 20～30 Gy), then the total dose of reference point B was 50～55 Gy;the total treatment time was 5～ 6 weeks Results The average time of complete tumor regression was 25 days, the local control rate of 2 year was 100%, the total 2 year survival rate was 92%, i e ,Ⅱa: 8/8 cases,Ⅱb: 30/31 cases (97%),Ⅲa: 6/8 cases, Ⅲb: 3/4 cases; the late radiation complications of bladder and rectum was 2% respectively during these 2 years Conclusions It is concluded that combined 252 Cf brachytherapy and high energy X ray external beam radiotherapy may be safe and effective in the managment of cervical cancer 252 Cf has advantages of high local control rate; rapidly regression of bulky tumors and low grade radiation complications