The current use of adaptive strategies for external beam radiotherapy in cervical cancer: a systematic review

Amerah Alshamrani, Marianne Aznar, Peter Hoskin, Robert Chuter, Cynthia L. Eccles

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose
Variability in the target and organs at risk (OAR) in cervical cancer treatment presents challenges for precise radiotherapy. Adaptive radiotherapy (ART) offers the potential to enhance treatment precision and outcomes. However, the increased workload and a lack of consensus on the most suitable ART approach hinder its clinical adoption. This systematic review aims to assess the current use of adaptive strategies for cervical cancer and define the optimal approach.

Method
A systematic review of current literature published between January 2012 to May 2023 was conducted. Searches employed PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases, supplemented with the University of Manchester, Google Scholar, and papers retrieved from reference lists. The review assessed workflows, compared dosimetric benefits, and examined resources for each identified strategy. Excluded were abstracts, conference abstracts, reviews, articles unrelated to ART management, proton therapy, brachytherapy, or qualitative studies. A narrative synthesis involved data tabulation, summarizing selected studies detailing workflow for cervical cancer and dosimetric outcomes for targets and OARs.

Result
16 Articles met the inclusion criteria these were mostly retrospective simulation planning studies, except four studies had been clinically implemented. We identified five approaches for ART radiotherapy for cervical cancer: reactive and scheduled adaptation, ITV-based approach using library of plans (LOP), fixed margin approach using LOP, and real-time adaptation, with each approach reducing irradiated volumes without compromising target coverage compared to the non-ART approach. The LOP-based ITV approach is the most used and clinically assessed.

Conclusion
Identifying the optimal strategy is challenging due to dosimetric assessment limitations. Implementing cervical cancer ART necessitates strategic optimisation of clinical benefits and resources through research, including studies to identify the optimal frequency, and prospective evaluations of toxicity.
Original languageEnglish
JournalClinical Oncology
Early online date17 Sept 2024
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 17 Sept 2024

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