Dosimetric and toxicity comparison between Syed-Neblett and Fletcher-Suit-Delclos Tandem and Ovoid applicators in high dose rate cervix cancer brachytherapy.

PURPOSE: To compare patient and tumor characteristics, dosimetry, and toxicities between interstitial Syed-Neblett and intracavitary Fletcher-Suit-Delclos Tandem and Ovoid (T&O) applicators in high dose rate (HDR) cervical cancer brachytherapy.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for cervical cancer patients treated with 3D-based HDR brachytherapy from 2011 to 2023 at a single institution. Dosimetric parameters for high-risk clinical target volume and organs at risk were obtained. Toxicities were evaluated using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0.

RESULTS: A total of 115 and 58 patients underwent Syed and T&O brachytherapy, respectively. Patients treated with Syed brachytherapy were more likely to have larger tumors and FIGO stage III or IV disease. The median D2cc values to the bladder, small bowel, and sigmoid colon were significantly lower for Syed brachytherapy. Patients treated with Syed brachytherapy were significantly more likely to be free of acute gastrointestinal (44% vs. 21%, p = 0.003), genitourinary (58% vs. 36%, p = 0.01), and vaginal toxicities (60% vs. 33%, p = 0.001) within 6 months following treatment compared to patients treated with T&O applicators. In contrast, Syed brachytherapy patients were more likely to experience late gastrointestinal (68% vs. 49%, p = 0.082), genitourinary (51% vs. 35%, p = 0.196), and vaginal toxicities (70% vs. 57%, p = 0.264).

CONCLUSIONS: Syed-Neblett and T&O applicators are suitable for HDR brachytherapy for cervical cancer in distinct patient populations. Acute toxicities are more prevalent with T&O applicators, while patients treated with Syed-Neblett applicators are more likely to develop late toxicities.