Response

Radiotherapy is a common and effective treatment for cervical cancer. This method employs high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells, significantly improving cure rates.

The application of radiotherapy depends on the disease stage; it can be used alone or combined with chemotherapy and surgery to prevent cancer recurrence. In some cases, chemotherapy is administered before radiotherapy to enhance overall treatment effectiveness.

Doctor Hong consults a patient. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital

Radiotherapy is commonly indicated for patients with cervical cancer that has locally or regionally invaded, or when the tumor has spread to lymph nodes or organs within the pelvic area.

For precancerous stages, treatments such as conical cervical excision, laser therapy, or loop electrosurgical excision are common. If these initial methods are not successful, doctors may prescribe supplemental radiotherapy to eradicate cancer cells at the lesion site.

Cervical cancer radiotherapy involves two main approaches: external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy. External beam radiation therapy delivers radiation from outside the body, targeting the entire pelvis, including regional lymph nodes. Brachytherapy, or internal radiation therapy, involves placing radiation sources directly inside the body near the tumor. Doctors often combine both methods to maximize effectiveness and minimize side effects on surrounding healthy tissues.

A typical course of cervical cancer radiotherapy involves treatments 5 days a week for approximately 5 to 7 weeks. While patients generally experience no pain or stinging during sessions, later doses may lead to side effects such as fatigue, urinary inflammation, or digestive issues.

It is advisable to consult a doctor who can assess factors like tumor location and disease stage to determine the most suitable treatment for your sister. Modern advancements in radiotherapy, including linear accelerator systems and advanced techniques, enhance treatment efficacy against malignant cells while minimizing harm to healthy surrounding tissues and reducing both short-term and long-term side effects.

Le Thi Thanh Hong, MS, MD, Level II Specialist

Department of Radiotherapy, Oncology Center

Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM