Q. Can radiation therapy cure uterine cancer?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Yes, radiation therapy can be used as an effective treatment for uterine cancer. Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy X-rays or other particles to destroy cancer cells. The radiation works by damaging the DNA inside the cancer cells, which prevents them from growing and dividing. Radiation therapy may be used alone, in combination with surgery, or before or after chemotherapy.
Uterine cancers are generally responsive to radiation treatments and typically require fewer sessions than other forms of cancer. Depending on how far the disease has spread, women with early stage endometrial adenocarcinomas may cure their condition completely with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), alone or combined with brachytherapy (internal radiotherapy). For more advanced stages of uterine cancer, usually EBRT is combined with chemotherapy. Additionally, radiation therapy may also be given after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence or metastasis.
Overall, many clinical studies have shown that combining different treatments such as chemotherapy and/or hormone drugs along with radiotherapy enhance outcomes for patients suffering from any stage of endometrial adenocarcinoma compared to using one type of treatment alone. This multi-modal approach increases chances for a successful cure and improves quality of life during and after treatment for uterine cancer patients.