Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy and Preservation of Ovarian Function
Posted: Monday, July 1, 2019
According to research published in Radiation Oncology, intensity-modulated radiotherapy helped preserve normal ovarian function in patients with cervical cancer. The study sought to determine the appropriate dose constraint for patients who have undergone ovarian transposition.
“Using [intensity-modulated radiotherapy], preservation of ovarian function was possible when the limited dose was as low as possible to the ovaries regardless of bilateral or unilateral limitation to the ovaries,” concluded Guihao Ke, MD, of Fudan University in Shanghai, and colleagues.
The study retrospectively analyzed 118 patients who received a radical hysterectomy and ovarian transposition prior to pelvic irradiation between April 2012 and July 2017. Of the participants, 105 received intensity-modulated radiotherapy with limited radiation to the ovaries, 48 underwent unilateral ovary limitation, and 57 received bilateral ovary limitations.
A total of 39% (n = 41) of patients who received limited ovarian radiation dose intensity-modulated radiotherapy maintained normal ovarian function. The researchers found that a maximum dose of up to 9.985 Gy and a mean dose of up to 5.32 Gy were more likely to prevent ovarian dysfunction. The ideal dose-volume constraints for ovarian treatment was V5.5 (percentage of volume with irradiated dose of 5.5 Gy) less than 29.65%. In addition, age was found to be an independent predictor of ovarian function, with patients younger than 38 years more likely to maintain normal ovarian function. Moreover, limited ovarian side numbers were not found to have a noticeable impact on function preservation.
“Larger studies with a longer follow-up time are needed to confirm the predictors for increased ovarian function preservation,” the investigators concluded.
Disclosure: The study authors reported no conflicts of interest.
