Comparative Analysis of Dosimetry and Treatment Outcomes of Two Different Dose Fractionation Schedules of HDR Brachytherapy in Carcinoma Cervix Amid Covid-19 Pandemic

Background: Cervical carcinoma is the fourth most common cancer and leading cause of related deaths in women worldwide. Brachytherapy an important part treatment cervical cancer. Delivering HDR Intracavitary Covid-19 era challenging. Objective: To compare dosimetry outcomes between two fractionation schedules 9Gy 2 fractions v/s 7Gy 3 high dose rate patients with locally advanced cervix. Methods: A randomized observational study was carried out on 80 histopathologically proven squamous cell All were treated EBRT 50Gy 25 over a period 5 weeks (2Gy/#) concurrent weekly cisplatin 30mg/m2. After assessing fitness for brachytherapy, arm received intracavitary brachytherapy control arm. Results: The median time follow-up 14 months (range 7 – 20 months). Local 89.75% 92.30% One year disease free survival 76.92% as compared to 74.35% Median disease-free better (14 12 months) trend significant benefit. Rectal bladder toxicities comparable both arms. ICRU rectal point, EQD2 arms not found be statistically significant. Conclusion: Both regimes safe. Disease response also similar There patient compliance schedule view lesser number resulting less hospital visit pandemic.