WEEKLY VERSUS TRI-WEEKLY CONCURRENT CISPLATIN WITH RADIOTHERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF CERVICAL CANCER: A STUDY COMPARING EFFICACY AND TOXICITY

Abstract

Introduction: Concurrent chemoradiation is the standard treatment for the locally advanced cervical cancer. The optimal Cisplatin dose and dosing schedule are still undetermined. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of weekly and tri-weekly cisplatin with radiotherapy in treatment of cervical cancer.
Material And Methods: Fifty patients with histologically proven Stage IA-IIIB cervical cancer were randomly assigned to weekly (Arm 1, cisplatin 35 mg/m2, five cycles) and tri- weekly (Arm 2, cisplatin 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks, two cycles) chemotherapy during radiotherapy. The difference of efficacy and toxicity profiles between the two regimens was investigated, and the response rate was analyzed.
Results: All patients tolerated both treatments well. There was significantly better chemotherapy compliance in tri-weekly arm (100% vs 68%, p=0.002). Leucopenia was higher in ARM-B then ARM-A (16% vs 4%, p=0.15). Vomiting grade II/III was significantly higher in ARM-B then ARM-A (64% vs 24%, p=0.009). Grade II Genito-urinary toxicity was higher in ARM-B then ARM-A (20% vs 4%, statistically not significant).
Conclusion: Both weekly cisplatin 35 mg/m2 and tri-weekly 75 mg/m2 concurrent with radiotherapy are equally feasible and efficacious.