Radiotherapy in cervical cancer

Abstract

Radiotherapy plays a significant role in the management of cervix cancer. In recent decades, there have been several advancements in radiation therapy treatment techniques. Moving from conventional two-dimensional techniques to advanced techniques like 3D conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and volumetric modulated radiation therapy (VMAT) has led to improvement in the treatment outcomes. The aim of radiation therapy is achieved by these advanced techniques, which deliver optimal tumoricidal doses to tumor volumes and minimal doses to the normal tissues around the tumor and can reduce toxicity more effectively than the conventional techniques. These external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) techniques along with brachytherapy play a significant role in the treatment of gynaecological cancer. Compared to point-based dose brachytherapy planning, better local control and lower toxicity have been associated with advanced image-based brachytherapy.