High-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy for the treatment of high-volume locally recurrent endometrial carcinoma

Abstract Purpose Limited therapeutic options are available for the treatment of locally recurrent endometrial carcinoma. Our objective was to report an institutional experience using interstitial brachytherapy (IBT) to treat significant recurrent endometrial carcinoma, including previously irradiated disease. Methods and materials Between December 2004 and September 2012, 40 patients with high-volume locally recurrent endometrial cancer were treated by high-dose-rate IBT (± external beam radiation therapy EBRT). Sixteen patients had prior radiotherapy: EBRT alone ( n  = 5), intracavitary brachytherapy alone ( n  = 3), or EBRT with intracavitary brachytherapy boost ( n  = 8). Actuarial outcome rates were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Results Median followup interval was 18 months. Median disease-free interval was 61 months. Actuarial local control, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival were 74% and 60%, 70% and 51%, and 83% and 72% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. p -Values for local control, progression-free survival, and overall survival between patient who had prior RT ( n  = 16) to no prior RT ( n  = 24) were p  = 0.38, 0.32, and 0.90, respectively. Acute toxicities include Grade 1–2 pain (5%), genitourinary (7%), gastrointestinal (12%), soft tissue (5%), and dermatologic (12%). Four patients observed late Grade 3–4 toxicities, including rectal bleeding/fistula and soft tissue necrosis. Conclusions High-dose-rate IBT is an effective treatment for locally recurrent endometrial carcinoma with an acceptable toxicity profile. Outcomes are similar between previously irradiated and nonirradiated patients. In women who have received prior radiotherapy and are often considered for palliative treatment, interstitial brachytherapy is a potentially curative option.