Diseases Treated

Gynecologic Cancer

Radiation is a primary treatment for many patients with gynecologic cancers. Through the development of novel techniques and innovative approaches, the goal remains to cure tumors of the female reproductive tract using both external beam and brachytherapy.

Radiation for gynecologic malignancies can be administered externally, by generating a radiation beam from a machine called a linear accelerator, or internally, by placing an applicator containing radioactive material directly into or near the body tissues or cavities. This internal radiation therapy is called brachytherapy, and is given either alone or in conjunction with external radiation.

The goal of external beam radiation is to treat the area of the tumor (or tumor bed for women who have had a hysterectomy), as well as the adjacent lymph nodes, vessels and supporting ligaments, all of which may be at risk for cancer spread or tumor recurrence. Women who are treated with both external radiation and brachytherapy typically receive the brachytherapy after or toward the end of their course of external radiation. Brachytherapy is highly effective at treating gynecologic tumors because the radioactive sources can be placed inside or adjacent to the uterus or cervix.