A pilot study of two radiation fractionation regimens in patients with cancer of the cervix, who were HIV positive and not on antiretroviral therapy

Authors

  • Alain Marcel Hocepied Steve Biko Academic Hospital
  • Henry Westerink Steve Biko Academic Hospital
  • Roy Lakier Steve Biko Academic Hospital

Keywords:

HIV, radiotherapy, locally advanced cervical cancer

Abstract

The Department of Radiation Oncology at the previously named Pretoria Academic Hospital (now the Steve Biko Hospital) undertook a pilot study between 2000 and 2001 of 20 patients who were human immunodeficiency virus-positive with locally advanced cancer of the cervix. At the time of the study, these patients were not on antiretroviral therapy, as per government policy. The patients were randomised into two arms. Six patients underwent a short palliative course of radiotherapy and 13 received a protracted and radical course of radiotherapy. One patient was lost to follow-up. Although the results were not statistically significant, the short course of palliative radiotherapy was adequate in terms of toxicity. As expected, the radical course was associated with a greater and more significant toxicity, because of the suppressed immune status of the participants.

Author Biographies

  • Alain Marcel Hocepied, Steve Biko Academic Hospital
    MD (Brussels), MMed (Rad Onc) Steve Biko Academic Hospital Pretoria
  • Henry Westerink, Steve Biko Academic Hospital
    MBChB, MMed (Rad Onc) Steve Biko Academic Hospital Pretoria
  • Roy Lakier, Steve Biko Academic Hospital
    Bsc (Wits), MBChB, MMed (Rad Onc) Steve Biko Academic Hospital Pretoria

Downloads

Additional Files

Published

2012-08-20

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 2 (2012)

Section

Original Research

License

South African Journal of Gynaecological Oncology (SAJGO) Copyright is held by South African Society of Gynaecologic Oncology (SASGO). Copyright of the articles is held by the authors. The work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial Works 4.0 South Africa License (CC BY NC). Material submitted for publication in the SAJGO is accepted provided it has not been published elsewhere. The SAJGO does not hold itself responsible for statements made by the authors. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do no purport to reflect the opinions or views of SASGO or its members.