The first treatment for uterine cancer is usually surgery. After surgical removal of the uterus, the end of the vagina is sutured together to form a vaginal stump. No additional treatment is required for low-risk tumors. However, sometimes the tumor characteristics require postoperative radiotherapy to reduce the likelihood of tumor recurrence. Radiotherapy can kill cancer cells that may still be present in the vaginal stump or in the pelvic lymph nodes. If post-operative radiotherapy is required, the patient is first given enough time to recover after the operation, usually between four to six weeks. This is followed by radiotherapy, which in selected cases is combined with chemotherapy to improve its effectiveness.
So-called definitive radiotherapy is used to cure uterine cancer, either alone or in combination with drug therapy. This occurs very rarely, for example in cases where surgery is not possible due to secondary diseases.
If the uterine cancer has already spread, so-called palliative radiotherapy can prevent or alleviate the symptoms caused by metastases, e.g. in the lungs or bones.
Each patient is discussed in detail by a panel of experts from all relevant specialist areas. After this discussion, the patient is presented with the optimal choice of treatment and her wishes and opinions are taken into account. Personal support is a matter of course for us.
Types of radiotherapy for uterine cancer
Two types of radiotherapy can be used for uterine cancer: external and internal.
In external radiation therapy, a linear accelerator is used to send high-energy X-rays to the tumor or remaining tumor cells in order to kill them in a targeted manner. External radiation therapy is carried out as an outpatient treatment, does not require anesthesia and can be easily integrated into everyday private and professional life. The treatments are not painful and each session only takes a few minutes. As a rule, it is carried out once a day for five weeks. The treatment only takes place on weekdays, therefore five times a week. At the USZ, we use only the latest technology to achieve a personalized and precise dose distribution in the tissue.
In postoperative internal radiation therapy, known as brachytherapy, a cylinder is inserted into the vagina up to the vaginal stump in order to destroy the tumor cells at close range. The radiation source is then placed directly into the cylinder and any remaining tumor cells are irradiated from a short distance. Brachytherapy with a vaginal cylinder is painless, does not require anesthesia and is performed as an outpatient treatment. If surgery was not possible and definitive radiotherapy is required, brachytherapy sources are inserted into the uterus under anesthesia or sedation to destroy the tumor. In brachytherapy, the beams only travel a short distance so that healthy tissue in the vicinity is optimally protected. After the treatment, the source is removed from the body and the patient can leave the hospital.
Brachytherapy is a clinical and scientific focus of Prof. Primoz Petric, an internationally recognized expert in this field, who passes on his knowledge at international congresses, courses and through publications. The USZ uses the latest technology of magnetic resonance or computer tomography-guided brachytherapy. This technique enables highly precise and personalized delivery of the radiation dose to the tumor or remaining tumor cells and minimizes the irradiation of normal tissue.
You will be looked after by internationally recognized experts in the research and treatment of gynaecological cancer. The irradiation of gynecological tumors with a modern magnetic resonance or CT-guided technique is a clinical and scientific focus of Prof. P. Petric. He passes on his knowledge in a large number of international courses and congresses and is active as an international expert in guideline commissions. He is involved in research and development activities that have an impact on the global field of cervical cancer radiotherapy.
The Department of Radiation Oncology at the USZ uses only the most modern techniques for precise and low side-effect radiation treatment of uterine cancer. State-of-the-art equipment and experienced medical staff contribute to treatment of optimum quality and safety.
Our team works closely with our colleagues in gynecology and medical oncology in order to guarantee “one-stop” treatment.
In clinical trials, we are continuously working on improving the treatment of uterine cancer to make it even more effective and tolerable. To the overview of currently open studies.
In the following, we will describe radiotherapy for the different types and stages of uterine cancer.
