High dose rate (HDR) cervical ring applicator to control bleeding from cervical carcinoma

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of the high dose rate (HDR) cervical ring applicator to control acute cervical bleeding from carcinoma of the uterine cervix. This study consists of 15 patients presenting with invasive carcinoma of the uterine cervix with acute vaginal bleeding requiring transfusion. Initial irradiation, delivered emergently because of vaginal bleeding, consisted of two fractions (5 Gy each fraction to the surface of the cervix) utilizing the HDR intracavitary vaginal ring applicator. Two fractions were administered at one week intervals for a total of 10 Gy to the surface of the cervix. Irradiation doses from the HDR ring applications were not considered into the composite total dose to point A. Diagnostic imaging evaluation and initiation of external irradiation were commenced during this initial weekly interval between fractions. Vaginal bleeding requiring no additional transfusions was achieved in 93% (14/15) of patients. No acute or long-term Grades 3, 4, or 5 bowel or bladder sequelae were noted. In conclusion, HDR cervical ring brachytherapy is effective in controlling acute vaginal bleeding and can be delivered without undue acute or long-term toxicity.