A randomized controlled trial compared two types of applicators used during pelvic external beam radiotherapy for cervical cancer. The study involved 36 patients who completed their treatment. One group received a tandem-ring applicator, while the other received a tandem-ovoid applicator. Both were used with CT-guided volume-based intracavitary brachytherapy.
The main finding showed that the tandem-ring device delivered significantly lower radiation doses to the rectum and sigmoid colon. Specifically, the dose to the rectum was 2.7 Gy lower, and the dose to the sigmoid colon was 6.8 Gy lower. The radiation dose to the bladder remained comparable between the two groups.
Coverage of the tumor target and early clinical outcomes did not differ significantly between the devices. No serious adverse events were reported during the study period. However, the researchers noted that longer follow-up is needed to confirm whether these dosimetric advantages translate to reduced long-term side effects.