Comparison of intensity-modulated radiotherapy and 3D conformal radiotherapy in the treatment of esophageal carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

e16001 Background: Esophageal carcinoma ranks among the top 10 malignancies in the world, contributing to high morbidity and mortality. With radiotherapy being one of the most administered treatment options, different variations of administration have evolved. Two such variations include intensity-modulated radiotherapy and 3D conformational radiotherapy. These modalities have been investigated for their efficacy and rate of adverse events. However, conclusions from the trials conducted have been variable. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aim to collate these findings to assess the exposure of cancerous cells and rates of adverse events following IMRT or 3D-CRT. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across three databases for all articles published from inception till September 2024. All primary studies evaluating the comparative efficacy of IMRT vs 3D-CRT were included. Outcomes assessed include dose volume histograms (DVHs) at heart and lung, Dmax at the spinal cord, and irradiation toxicity. Data analysis was conducted in RevMan 5.4 using a random-effects model. Results: A total of twenty records were included in the study, with a sample size of 3090 patients. Radiation dosage, estimated as DVHs, was equal across both regimens at heart (MD: 2.67; 95%CI: –0.15 to 5.48; P = 0.06), except at 40 Gy of radiation, where a lower DVH was noted among patients being administered IMRT (MD: 6.64; 95%CI: 0.25 to 13.03; P = 0.04). At the lung, a higher DVH was noted, especially for doses of 20 Gy or above, on using IMRT. Similarly, a lower dosage in the spinal cord was noted in the IMRT group (MD: 2.87; 95%CI: 1.04 to 4.70; P = .002). Consequently, a lower risk of esophagitis was noted among the IMRT group (OR: 1.54; 95%CI: 1.14 to 2.07; p = 0.009]). While considering patient outcomes, the odds of survival were higher in the IMRT group at 3 years post-treatment (OR: 0.53; 95%CI: 0.31 to 0.92; P = 0.02). Conclusions: IMRT was superior to 3D-CRT in terms of volume of tissue irradiated and lower spinal toxicity. A higher chance of survival was noted in the IMRT group. Further trials are needed to strengthen these findings. Outcome Mean Difference (MD) 95% confidence interval (CI) P value Mean dosage at lung 1.14 0.6, 1.68 <0.0001 Mean dosage at heart 2.67 -0.15, 5.48 0.06 Radiation esophagitis Odds ratio, OR: 1.38 1.09, 1.76 0.009 Radiation pneumonitis OR:1.37 0.62, 3.01 0.43 3-year OS OR: 0.69 0.56, 0.84 0.0003 5-year OS OR: 0.53 0.31, 0.92 0.02 Maximum dosage at spinal cord 2.87 1.04, 4.7 0.0002