Is SBRT Boost Feasible for PET Positive Lymph Nodes for Cervical Cancer? Evaluation using Tumor Control Probability and QUANTEC Criteria.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to examine the feasibility of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) as an external beam radiation therapy boost to positron emission tomography (PET) positive lymph nodes (LN) in patients with cervical cancer and to evaluate overall tumor control probability (TCP) increase.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Ten patients with cervical cancer and PET positive LN metastasis who received external beam radiation therapy (45 Gy), followed by a 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy boost (5.4-9 Gy) and tandem-and-ovoid high-dose-rate brachytherapy (16-30 Gy) were retrospectively enrolled in this study. SBRT plans were generated using 21 Gy, 24 Gy, or 30 Gy as a replacement for 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy boost. The 2 Gy-per-fraction equivalent dose maps were made using an α/β value of 10 for PET positive LNs and 3 for organs at risk (OARs). TCP values were calculated using a logistic TCP model, where 2 input parameters (D and Gamma = 2) were modeled by 2 clinical outcomes: our institution and the literature. OAR sparing was evaluated using Quantitative Analyses of Normal Tissue Effects in the Clinic (QUANTEC) dose limits.

RESULTS

Thirty percent of 10 patients receiving conventional boost experienced recurrence. The TCP of the SBRT schemes was 88% ± 7% (97% ± 2%; 21 Gy), 96% ± 1% (99% ± 0%; 24 Gy), and 99% ± 1% (100% ± 0%; 30 Gy), and the conventional LN-boost TCP value was 25% ± 11% (58% ± 15%) when TCP input parameters were based on published clinical outcome data for LN SBRT treatments (institutional outcome data). The tumor coverage doses (D90) of the SBRT boost plans were on average 32.34 Gy (21 Gy), 37.78 Gy (24 Gy), and 55.54Gy (30 Gy) higher than the conventional LN boost plan. The QUANTEC OAR dose constraints were met for the bladder, rectum, and bowel in all cases for the SBRT LN 21 Gy group, and in 90% and 70% of cases in the SBRT LN 24 Gy and SBRT LN 30 Gy groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

An SBRT boost dose of 30 Gy can be delivered without compromising QUANTEC OAR limits. The use of SBRT increases TCP values, regardless of the input parameters.