Indian Journal of Gynecologic Oncology | 2021
Relationship Between Total Reference Air Kerma and Outcomes of Single-Channel and Tri-Channel Applicators used in High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer
Abstract
Objectives Single-channel and tri-channel applicators are used as a conventional method for the treatment of cervical cancer. We conducted this retrospective study to explore the relationship between total reference air kerma (TRAK) and treatment outcomes of single-channel and tri-channel applicators in high-dose-rate brachytherapy for cervical cancer. Materials and Methods The patients of the retrospective cohort study have been followed from 2016 to 2020 in the Department of radiotherapy who received external radiotherapy (EBRT), chemotherapy, and brachytherapy using single- and tri-channel applicators. All parameters of brachytherapy such as TRAK were calculated using the international protocol. A Kaplan–Meier method was applied for survival rate analysis with a log-rank test. Results The TRAK was 0.52\xa0cGy.m 2 and 0.34\xa0cGy.m 2 , based on treatment duration 15.34 (10–12) days and 21.35 (6.5–28) days for tri-channel applicator and single-channel applicator, respectively. The Pearson correlation was 0.082, 0.009, and 0.032 for tumor, rectum, and bladder based on TRAK. The sensitivity and 1-specificity were 0.70 and 0.30. The AUC was 0.717. The survival rate was 95% and 85% for tri-channel and single-channel applicators, respectively, using the log-rank test ( p \u2009=\u20090.565). Conclusion TRAK was associated with treatment duration and Pearson coloration for tumor, rectum, and bladder, suggesting that the TRAK should be considered for the proper outcomes of single-channel and tri-channel applicators.