Definitive intensity-modulated radiotherapy for organ preservation in vulvar cancer: A multicenter study

Abstract

Introduction: To evaluate outcome and toxicity of definitive intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for vulvar squamous cell cancers (VSCC). Methods: DRIVE (Definitive IMRT in Vulvar Cancer) multicenter cohort study analyzed VSCC treated with definitive-IMRT across institutions in US/Canada. Outcomes, toxicity, and patterns of failure were investigated. Locoregional control (LRC), metastasis-free survival (MFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier methods. Univariable/multivariable analysis were conducted using Cox-regression method. Results: A total of 159 patients received definitive-IMRT between 2012 and 2022. Median age was 62-years (IQR 54–74). Forty (25 %) patients had stage I-II, and 119 (75 %) stage III-IV disease. Clinical or pathological nodal metastases were identified in 111 (70 %). Among 56 patients with available HPV/p16 status, 38(68 %) were positive. The median radiation dose was 64Gy, and 128 (80.5 %) patients received concurrent chemotherapy. Complete clinical response (CCR) was achieved in 73.6 % at primary and 77.3 % at regional nodes. Median OS was 73-months (95 %CI 45–100), with actuarial 2- and 5-year OS rates of 67.5 % and 58.3 %, respectively. The 5-year LC, RC, and MFS were 70.7 %, 86.2 %, and 81 %, respectively. Only 1 of the cN0 (1/48, 2 %) patients experienced regional failure. Predictors of inferior OS included age > 70-years (p = 0.03), diabetes (p = 0.01), node-positivity (p = 0.01), no chemotherapy (p = 0.009), and lack of CCR (p < 0.001). Planned treatment was completed by 94 % patients. Vaginal stenosis occurred in 40 %, and late grade 3–4 soft-tissue toxicity in 9 %. Conclusion: Definitive-IMRT provides an excellent LRC with acceptable toxicity. High regional control in cN0 patients supports avoiding elective nodal surgery in those planned for definitive RT.