A comparative analysis of quality of life after postoperative intensity-modulated radiotherapy or three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy for cervical cancer

AIMS: The aim of this study is to compare the quality of life (QOL) between adjuvant three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) or intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for cervical cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: QOL assessment was done at the baseline and then longitudinally after completing (chemo) radiation. All patients completed EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ Cx-24 modules. Independent-sample t-test was used to compare the mean scores between the two groups. Analysis of variance was used to compare differences in QOL measures over the six time points (baseline, post-RT, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after treatment) and between treatment groups (3DCRT vs. IMRT). Linear mixed model was also performed to account for attrition. RESULTS: Overall, 64 patients (image-guided IMRT, n = 40 and 3DCRT, n = 24) completed QOL assessment. The median age and follow-up period were 48 years and 15.5 months, respectively. General QOL domains such as emotional (at 12 months, P = 0.04) and social (at 3 months, P = 0.02 and 12 months, P = 0.03) were better with IMRT. Pain (12 months, P = 0.03); fatigue (12 months, P = 0.05); nausea and vomiting (12 months, P = 0.03); insomnia (post-RT, P = 0.05 and 12 months, P = 0.03); appetite loss (post-RT and 12 months, P = 0.04); and diarrhea (6 months, P = 0.02 and 12 months, P = 0.003) scores were significantly better with IMRT. On linear mixed model analysis, there was a significant interaction between treatment cohort and assessment intervals for physical, emotional, and social functioning, appetite loss, diarrhea, lymphedema, and menopausal symptom scores were significantly better with IMRT. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment technique (IMRT vs. 3DCRT) impacts early QOL in undergoing adjuvant radiation for cervical cancer.