Intraoperative electron beam radiotherapy for primary treatment of stage IIB cervical cancer: a retrospective study.

Objective:A retrospective study to evaluate intraoperative electron beam radiotherapy (IOERT) as a primary treatment modality for stage IIB cervical squamous cell carcinoma.Methods:Patients underwent treatment with IOERT (n = 78) or radical radiotherapy (RT; n = 89). Patients in the IOERT group received 20 Gy external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in 10 fractions, intracavitary brachy -therapy (7 - 14 Gy, in patients with tumours ≥ 4 cm in diameter) and simple hysterectomy/selective lymphadenectomy with 18 - 20 Gy IOERT. Patients in the RT group received 50 Gy EBRT in 25 fractions followed by intracavitary brachytherapy (35 - 40 Gy).Results:Median duration of follow-up was 92 months. IOERT resulted in significantly better 5- and 10-year overall survival, disease-free survival and local control rates, as well as fewer rectal and bladder complications, compared with RT.Conclusion:IOERT is an effective primary treatment for stage IIB cervical squamous cell carcinoma.