Comparitive study of efficacy, tolerability of four field box technique vs. two field anterior posterior technique in locally advanced carcinoma cervix:A prospective analysis

Abstract

Purpose: The pelvic failure rate decreases with increase in the radiation dose but the complications increase. The four field pelvic technique has a theoretical advantage of providing a higher tumor dose with less dose to the surrounding normal tissue thus reducing the complications.

Result: Eighty-three patients completed treatment, 42 in Arm A and 41 in Arm B. The complete response achieved in the two groups was 85.75% and 87.8% (p = 0.67). Skin reactions were more in Arm B (p < 0.05). Grade II GIT symptoms were more common in both the groups (p = 0.75). Grade I GUT toxicity was the most common toxicity in both the arms (p = 0.38). The most common hematological toxicity in the two arms was of grade II (p = 0.78).

Material and method: After satisfying the eligibility criteria histo-pathologically proven locally advanced carcinoma cancer cervix patients were randomized to four (Arm A) or two (Arm B) field techniques.

Conclusions: Both two and four field box techniques are equally effective and feasible as stastically insignificant difference in the response rate and acute toxicities was observed in the two arms.