Influence of the second radiotherapy course
As stated above, the patients with an insufficient response to the first radiotherapy course (Expectedly, after 3 months we noticed a far better result for the patients with only one radiotherapy course (no need for second irradiation) compared to those with a need for a second course (data from the experimental group in parentheses):DeltaVAS one series: −24.5 (−24.4), difference not significant,DeltaVAS two series: −7.4 (−0.5); difference: After 12 months, we found similar values:DeltaVAS one series: −26.8 (−22.4), difference, not significant,DeltaVAS two series: −8.9 (−4.8); difference Between 3 and 12 months after radiotherapy, there were only minimal changes, and significant differences were not found. Comparison of the functional scores and the quality of life data resulted in no statistically significant differences. Thus, we can assume that in nonresponders the effect of the experimental dose may be inferior compared to that of the standard dose. The second radiotherapy series was found to have no positive effect in nonresponders.