Controversies in the radiotherapeutic management of cervical cancer.
Radiotherapy is a critical component of treatment for many patients with cervical cancer. The role of concurrent cisplatin-based chemotherapy in the majority of cases where radiotherapy is indicated has been established. However, optimal planning and delivery of radiotherapy require attention to multiple factors beyond combined-modality chemoradiation and the continuing search for novel and effective synergistic systemic agents. Several important issues surrounding radiotherapy for cervical cancer that require clarification include the following: the effect of anemia and tumor hypoxia on outcome and their potential as therapeutic targets, the appropriate incorporation of contemporary imaging and high-technology treatment planning systems in routine clinical practice, the role of prophylactic para-aortic radiation, and the role of radioprotectors. Ongoing and newly proposed studies are expected to provide insights into these questions, which will ultimately lead to enhanced radiotherapeutic and overall care for patients with cervical cancer.
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. wkoh@u.washington.edu
Wui-Jin
WJ
Koh
D000740:Anemia / Q000209:etiology; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015687:Cell Hypoxia; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000009:adverse effects; D050397:Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated / Q000009:adverse effects; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents