Comparative Effectiveness Research in Radiation Oncology: Stereotactic Radiosurgery, Hypofractionation and Brachytherapy

Abstract

Background: Radiation oncology offers multiple modalities for tumor control, including stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), hypofractionation, and brachytherapy. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of these techniques in solid tumor management.

Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted at IGIMS, Patna, from April 2022 to December 2024, enrolling 150 patients divided equally into three groups: SRS, hypofractionation, and brachytherapy. Primary outcomes included local tumor control, toxicity, and progression-free survival (PFS).

Results: SRS demonstrated superior local control (92%) and PFS (80%) compared to brachytherapy (88%, 74%) and hypofractionation (84%, 70%). Grade ?3 toxicities were lowest in the SRS group (6%). Quality of life (QoL) scores favored SRS over other modalities.

Conclusion: SRS showed better tumor control, lower toxicity, and improved QoL compared to hypofractionation and brachytherapy, suggesting its potential as a preferred option in selected patients. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Keywords: Stereotactic radiosurgery, hypofractionation, brachytherapy, radiation oncology.