Phase 2 trial of postoperative hypofractionated intensity-modulated radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy in patients with cervical cancer

Prospective data assessing the safety of hypofractionated (40 Gy in 16 fractions) radiotherapy among patients who receive postoperative concurrent chemotherapy for cervical cancer are lacking. The phase 2 POHIM-CCRT trial, at five centers in South Korea, evaluated hypofractionated IMRT with concurrent chemotherapy for cervical cancer. In this nonrandomized controlled trial including 79 patients, acute grade 3 or higher toxic effects were observed in 2 patients (2.5%). After a median follow-up of 43.0 months, 3-year disease-free and overall survival rates were 79.3% and 98%, respectively. The authors conclude that postoperative pelvic IMRT combined with concurrent chemotherapy can be safely delivered. A larger randomized phase 3 trial comparing treatment outcomes of hypofractionated and conventional fractionated concurrent chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer is warranted.