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

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 statistically insignificant difference in the response rate and acute toxicities was observed in the two arms.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes