Brachytherapy boost after chemoradiation in anal cancer: a systematic review.

Brachytherapy boost after chemoradiation in anal cancer: a systematic review. J Contemp Brachytherapy. 2018 Jun;10(3):246-253 Authors: Frakulli R, Buwenge M, Cammelli S, Macchia G, Farina E, Arcelli A, Ferioli M, Fuccio L, Tagliaferri L, Galuppi A, Frezza GP, Morganti AG Abstract Radio-chemotherapy (RCT) is the primary treatment of anal cancer (AC). However, the role and the optimal total dose of a radiation boost is still unclear. No randomized controlled trials nor systematic reviews have been performed to analyze the efficacy of brachytherapy (BRT) as boost in AC. Therefore, we performed this systematic review based on PRISMA methodology to establish the role of BRT boost in AC. A systematic search of the bibliographic databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane library from the earliest possible date through January 31, 2018 was performed. At least one of the following outcomes: local control (LC), loco-regional control (LRC), overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), or colostomy-free survival (CFS) had to be present for inclusion in this systematic review in patients receiving a BRT boost. Data about toxicity and sphincter function were also included. Ten articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All the studies had retrospective study design. All studies were classified to provide a level of evidence graded as 3 according to SIGN classification. Median 5-year LC/LRC, CFS, DFS, and OS were: 78.6% (range, 70.7-92.0%), 76....
Source: Journal of Contemporary Brachytherapy - Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: J Contemp Brachytherapy Source Type: research