Three dimensional conformal radiotherapy for 125 cases with gliomas postoperation

Objective: To evaluate the clinical results and side effect of Three dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) for gliomas postoperation. Methods: From July 2002 to July 2003, 125 patients with gliomas postoperation were randomly divided in three dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) and conventional therapy(CT) groups. The 63 patients in 3DCRT group were received three dimensional conformal therapy constantly in 2.0-2.5 Gy/f, 5 fractions a week to a total dose of 50-60 Gy in 5-6 weeks. The 62 patients in CT group were received conventional radiotherapy in 1.8-2.0 Gy/f, 5 fractions a week to a total dose of 50-60 Gy in 4-6 weeks. Radiotherapy starred within 2 weeks to 1 month after surgery. The local control rate, survival rate and side effects were compared in the two groups. Results: The 1-, 2- and 3-year local control rates were 77.9%, 66.5% and 57.7% in 3DCRT group, 67.4%, 47.9% and 37.9% in CT group (χ2=4.65, P <0.05). The 1-, 2-and 3-year survival rates were 81.0%, 71.3% and 63.2% in 3DCRT group, 80.6%, 58.1% and 44.8% in CT group (χ2=4.42, P<0.05). The incidence rate of cerebral edema was 33.3% in 3DCRT group and 51.6% in CT group(χ2=12.09, P=0.001). Conclusions: The local control rate and survival rate of patients with gliomas postoperation treated by 3DCRT is superior to CT. However, the incidence rate of side effect in 3DCRT group is lower than that in CT group. (authors)