Radiation therapy for endometrial cancer.

For endometrial cancer, radiation is usually given after surgery, tailored to the individual risk of recurrence shown by the pathology.

When radiation is used

Following hysterectomy, the decision to add radiation depends on factors such as tumour grade, depth of invasion and stage. Lower-risk disease may need vaginal brachytherapy alone; higher-risk disease may warrant external beam radiotherapy to the pelvis.

• Vaginal-cuff HDR brachytherapy for many post-operative cases
• External beam radiotherapy to the pelvis where risk is higher
• Coordination with the surgical and pathology findings

What to expect

Brachytherapy is typically a short course of a few sessions; external beam is delivered daily over weeks. Dr. Bhatnagar will explain which approach your pathology calls for, and why.