RADIATION THERAPY FOR GYNECOLOGIC CANCERS
Understanding Your Treatment Options

Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy (also called internal or intracavitary radiotherapy) involves placing radioactive sources in or next to the cancer. This is most often done at the same time or after external beam radiation therapy. Brachytherapy is very important in the treatment of vaginal, cervical and uterine cancers.

There are two main types of brachytherapy:

• Low-dose rate brachytherapy is delivered over the course of 48 to 72 hours. Patients are admitted into the hospital to receive this treatment.
• High-dose rate brachytherapy is given over the course of several minutes, but the entire procedure typically takes a few hours. Patients may be able to go home immediately after this treatment.

Several brachytherapy sessions may be required to cure your cancer.

Potential Side Effects

Side effects depend on the area being treated, the type of radiation used and whether or not you also received chemotherapy. Talk with your doctor before treatment so you know what you can expect.

• Some patients experience minor or no side effects and can continue their normal routines.
• Some patients experience fatigue, skin irritation, vaginal irritation, frequent urination, burning with urination and/or diarrhea. These symptoms will all resolve after treatment ends.
• Some patients will have sexual changes, such as changes in the vagina.
• Tell your doctor or nurse if you experience side effects. He or she can give you medicine to help.

Helpful Web Sites On Gynecologic Cancer

American Cancer Society
www.cancer.org

National Cancer Institute
www.cancer.gov

National Cervical Cancer Coalition
www.nccc-online.org

Women's Cancer Network
www.wcn.org

Learning About Clinical Trials

The radiation oncology team is constantly exploring new ways to treat gynecologic cancers through studies called clinical trials. Today's standard radiation therapy treatments are a result of clinical trials completed many years ago. For more information, please contact the following organizations:

National Cancer Institute
www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials

Radiation Therapy Oncology Group
www.rtog.org

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