Abstract:
Objective:To investigate the outcome and adverse effects of IMRT with different dose fractionations for as -trocytic tumors. Methods:From October2001to December 2006, 58patients with astrocytic tumor were treated with IMRT in our hospital. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification, there were 32grade Ⅱcases, 20grade Ⅲ cases and 6 grade Ⅳcases (glioblastoma multiforme, GBM). Thirty-two of 58patients (3 grade Ⅳcases, 11grade cas -es and18grade Ⅱcases older than 40years) were treated with hypofractionated IMRT, 26patients were treated with standard fractionation IMRT. Results: The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 86%,52% and 45% respective-ly. The 1-, 3- and 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 77%,38% and 25%, respectively. Patients of grade Ⅱ treated with hypofractionated IMRT had better OS and PFS ( P=0.049 and P=0.006 ). Patients of gradeⅢtreated with hypo -fractionated IMRT had a better OS and PFS, but was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). One patient experienced Radia -tion Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) grade Ⅲlate neurotoxicity. Conclusion:Compared with standard fractionation IMRT, hypofractionated IMRT is helpful for prolonging the survival of patients with astrocytoma.