[Radiotherapy for tumors of the uterine cervix. Gross tumor volume and clinical target volume].
Treatment of carcinoma of the uterine cervix needs a multidisciplinary approach. External irradiation and brachytherapy are highly curative because of the tumor radiosensitivity. The main prognostic factors are tumoral volume and nodal involvement. Tumoral extent is evaluated by diagnostic MR imaging, and gynecological exam. Nodal involvement can be assessed, accurately by coelioscopic pelvic node sampling and by imaging modalities such as CT scan. The knowledge of these two factors helps to choose the treatment strategy. The use of imaging (MRI and CT) added to clinical findings allows to design external irradiation fields. 3D treatment planning in external irradiation and brachytherapy is based upon the use of imaging (CT and MRI). It leads to a better knowledge of dose distribution to the target and critical organs and allows more individualized and conformal treatment.
Thomas
L
L
Service de radiothérapie, institut Bergonié, 229, cours-de-l'Argonne, 33076 Bordeaux, France. thomas@bergonie.org
Barillot
I
I
D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000379:methods*; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000532:radiotherapy; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011379:Prognosis; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D020266:Radiotherapy, Conformal / Q000379:methods*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*