Dose–volume analysis of acute gastrointestinal complications in cervical cancer undergoing definitive concurrent chemoradiation

Definitive concurrent chemoradiation with brachytherapy is the prime modality of treatment of cervical cancer. The small bowel is one of the critical organs responsible for gastrointestinal complications.This study aims to analyze the relation of small bowel dosimetric parameters with the incidence of acute gastrointestinal complications.The study analyzed 40 patients of stage IIB-IVA who underwent concurrent chemoradiation with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and weekly cisplatin from June 2017 to June 2018. The small bowel was contoured as the organ of risk. Dose-volume histogram parameters of the small bowel subjected to analysis were mean dose, maximum dose, the total volume of organ receiving 20 Gy, 40 Gy, and 45 Gy (V20-45), and the volume of V20-45 to total volume (V20-45 ratio). Gastrointestinal toxicity was graded using CTCAE version 5.0 criteria. Association between dosimetric parameters and incidence of 1-2 gastrointestinal complications were evaluated.A total of forty patients treated with concurrent chemoradiation were analyzed. Seven patients reported Grade 1, whereas three patients reported Grade 2 gastrointestinal complications. None of the patients reported Grade 3 or higher gastrointestinal complication. Patients with gastrointestinal complications had greater V30-45 and mean dose as compared to those without gastrointestinal complication.Dosimetric parameters of small bowel should be evaluated to reduce the incidence of gastrointestinal complications.