How is Radiation Therapy Used for Gynecologic Cancers?

Radiation therapy is often used as a part of the treatment process for gynecologic cancers such as uterine cancer (also called endometrial cancer), cervical cancer, ovarian cancer and others. The timing is a bit different for each patient, but it’s usually used in combination with surgery and other treatments like chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Let's discuss the main types of radiation therapy used for gynecologic cancers and how they work with other treatments for the best possible outcomes.

Types of Radiation Therapy Used for Gynecologic Cancers

There are two main types of radiation therapy: external (radiation delivered from outside your body) and internal (radiation that is placed inside your body). 

External Beam Radiation Therapy

External radiation can be delivered via a machine called a linear accelerator. The beam of radiation or carefully delivered to the area where the cancer is, or was, located to kill any remaining cancer cells. There is a lot of planning before treatments start to be sure that the right amount of radiation is given at exactly the right angle during every session. This helps prevent damage to other organs and tissue that’s located nearby. These treatments are typically given 5 days a week for 4-8 weeks. 

Many times a mold will be created that helps the patient stay in the exact spot needed to treat only the cancer and not affect the areas nearby. By reducing the impact on areas such as the rectum and bladder, side effects can be minimized. 

For gynecologic cancer patients receiving external beam radiation therapy, it may be given in combination with chemotherapy. 

Internal Radiation Therapy

Internal radiation, which is sometimes called brachytherapy, is used for some gynecologic cancers. Small radioactive pellets are placed inside a tube that is then placed inside the body for a short period of time. During the time the seeds are in place, radiation is delivered to the area where the cancer is located. 

It can be considered low-dose or high-dose brachytherapy. With high-dose, the applicator is left in place for 10-20 minutes at a time with a few treatments given over the course of a few days. Low-dose brachytherapy for gynecologic cancers typically requires the applicator to stay inside the patient for a few days while they remain immobile. Because of this, low-dose is less commonly used. 

Brachytherapy is less commonly used for ovarian cancer but is often the preferred type of radiation therapy for other gynecologic cancers such as cervical, endometrial, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.

When is Radiation Therapy Used in the Treatment Process?

There are a few ways radiation therapy may be used for gynecologic cancers depending on the stage and whether cancer cells have grown in other areas of the body.

• As the primary treatment method. If found early enough radiation may be able to kill all of the cancer cells. 
• Before surgery. If the tumor is considered large, surgery may be easier if the tumor can be shrunk before surgery. This results in less tissue that has to be removed.
• After surgery. To kill any remaining cancer cells in the body.
• With distant cancer. If the gynecologic cancer cells have spread to other areas of the body such as the liver, colon, etc. external beam radiation may be given to shrink these tumors.

Side Effects of Radiation Therapy in Female Cancers

The side effects of radiation therapy depend on a few factors including:

• The other treatments you’re receiving
• The amount of radiation required 
• Your overall health at the time of treatment
• The type of radiation therapy being used.

Some of the most common side effects for women with gynecologic cancer include:

• Feeling fatigued. Allow yourself to rest and take a break as much as possible during radiation therapy treatments and even afterwards.
• Skin irritation. This is more common if you receive external radiation therapy and it may feel like a sunburn.
• Internal irritation. If you have internal radiation therapy there can be some discomfort in the vaginal area after treatment. This should improve on its own. 
• Hair loss. This is usually specific to the area of the body being treated. 
• An urgency to use the bathroom. Because of the close proximity of the reproductive organs to the bladder and rectum, there could be some side effects in this area. You might feel like you need to urinate, even when you don’t. Or feel like you need a bowel movement when you don’t. You can also experience diarrhea from the treatments. Talk to your oncologist about this. They may be able to prescribe medicines that can help.

Most of these side effects will go away after treatment is complete. Be open with the cancer care team about how you’re feeling. They often have tips or medications they can give on what works to help reduce side effects.

Radiation Therapy for Gynecologic Cancers in the Atlanta Area

For those in the Atlanta area, which includes Blairsville, Conyers, Covington, Decatur, and Snellville, we are here to help patients with a gynecologic cancer diagnosis. Request an appointment at one of our convenient locations for a consultation with our experienced radiation oncologists. We can discuss the right treatment plan for you while making sure it’s conveniently located near your home.