Radiation Therapy for Patients with Bone Metastasis from Uterine Cervical Cancer: Its Role and Optimal Radiation Regimen for Palliative Care.

AIM To determine the role of radiation therapy for patients with bone metastasis from uterine cervical cancer and identify an optimal radiation regimen. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 20 patients with bone metastases from uterine cervical cancer received radiation therapy to the pelvis. The median total dose of 60.2 Gy in the 2 Gy per fraction-equivalent dose (EQD2) was delivered to cervical tumors of all patients. Thirteen patients underwent chemotherapy during and/or following radiation therapy. RESULTS In 18 of 20 patients, the primary tumors disappeared or were markedly reduced after radiation therapy. In all but one of 17 patients with pelvic pain and bleeding, these symptoms disappeared or were remarkably relieved. However, three patients had primary tumor progression at 7, 9, and 15 months after irradiation with total doses of 56.8, 58.4, and 68.3 Gy in EQD2, respectively. Two of these patients had relapses of bleeding and pain. The primary progression-free rate considering all patients was 69% at 1 year and 34% at 2 years. The corresponding overall survival rates were 34% at 1 year, and 8% at 2 years, with an estimated median survival time of 7 months. The number of metastatic bone sites (p=0.027) and administration of chemotherapy (p<0.001) were significant prognostic factors for survival. CONCLUSION Radiation therapy is effective for relief of pelvic symptoms in patients with bone metastasis from uterine cervical cancer. For patients who are expected to survive for more than 1 year, almost curative-dose irradiation to primary tumors is recommended.