Gynecologic cancers: How brachytherapy afterloaders improve survival reduce side effects

For patients with gynecologic cancers, radiation therapy is often an important part of treatment. But radiation toxicity is a key concern when treating tumors close to important structures like the bowel and bladder. At Roper St. Francis Healthcare, brachytherapy afterloaders help us strike the right therapeutic balance - delivering a high-enough dose to destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to nearby tissues. The result: Higher survival rates, lower risk of recurrence, and fewer side effects.

"Without afterloading, radiation therapy would be much more toxic. We use the latest brachytherapy technologies to minimize this, and combine it with compassionate care to give patients the best of both worlds," saysBrian Beaty, MD, a board-certified radiation oncologist at Roper St. Francis.

How cervical and endometrial cancer patients benefit from brachytherapy

Afterloading technology delivers high-dose-rate brachytherapy through applicators placed at the tumor site. By minimizing toxicity, the technology reduces the risk of incontinence, bowel problems and other complications.

Brachytherapy afterloaders are particularly valuable in treating locally advanced cervical cancers when surgery isn't an option. In research published in theInternational Journal of Radiation Oncology-Biology-Physics, cervical cancer patients treated with high doses of external radiation had survival rates of 27% to 34%, compared with 53% for those treated with lower doses of external radiation combined with more intensive internal brachytherapy. Patients in the internal radiation group also had a significantly lower risk of major complications - just 28%, compared to 57%-68% for those treated with high-dose external radiation alone. "With afterloading technology, we're able to cure more patients," Dr. Beaty says.

Afterloading also reduces toxicity for endometrial cancer patients. After hysterectomy, patients are often treated with radiotherapy to reduce the risk of recurrence. Brachytherapy delivers targeted, high-dose radiation to the vaginal cuff, where tumors are most likely to recur. Research published inThe Lancetfound similar recurrence rates for patients treated with vaginal brachytherapy or pelvic external beam radiotherapy - but brachytherapy resulted in fewer gastrointestinal side effects and better quality of life.

Collaborative, customized care for gynecologic cancer patients

The experience and expertise behind brachytherapy is just as important as the technology. At Roper St. Francis, we've offered brachytherapy for years, we regularly adopt the latest afterloader technologies and we use them to help xxx patients per year[1] . We offer:

• Customized care: Our radiation oncologists design an individualized approach for each patient - and each visit. We use MRI-based planning to generate a new plan for each treatment, so we can treat a tumor as it exists today, not based on what it looked like weeks ago. "Patients come in every shape and size. We take all of the anatomy into account so we can deliver the treatment precisely every time," Dr. Beaty says.
• Timely treatment: Swift treatment is especially important with brachytherapy, when procedures must be delivered on a precise schedule for optimal effectiveness. "We respond quickly to referring providers and work closely with our gynecologic oncology colleagues to streamline planning and expedite care," Dr. Beaty says.
• Close collaboration: Our radiation oncologists partner closely with referring providers, and also collaborate with gynecologic oncologists to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. For patients receiving tandem and ring treatment, gynecologic oncologists join radiation oncologists in the OR to prep patients, ensuring seamless care and optimal comfort.
• Convenience and compassion: Brachytherapy for gynecologic cancers typically requires multiple treatments over several weeks. By providing the most effective radiation therapy options close to home, patients can be treated near their support networks, in the same system where their primary care and OB/GYN providers practice. Our team of caring, experienced support staff specializes in working with gynecologic cancers, making a challenging and stressful situation as smooth as possible.

For new patient referrals

Referrals can be made seamlessly through Epic:
Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital - RSF CC Radiation Oncology
Roper St. Francis Berkeley Hospital - RSB Radiation Oncology
Roper Hospital - RSD Radiation Oncology

Alternatively, referrals can be faxed to the respective locations:

We're committed to delivering advanced care with the sensitivity, collaboration and convenience that patients - and referring physicians - can count on.