Chemoradiation Therapy In Gynecology

Cancer
In 2020, 9.2 million women were diagnosed with new cancer cases. It is the most effective
treatment for cancer available. But it also has its side effects that should be taken into
consideration.

Vinay K Malviya MD will tell you about this therapy in this article. He also discusses the
symptoms that are associated with the therapy. And also the possible side effects that could
occur.

What is Gynecology Cancer?

Gynecology cancer is cancer that originates in the female reproductive organs. It affects the
uterus, vagina, cervix, and vulva. Additionally, it is the second most common cancer affecting
women.

What Is Chemoradiation Therapy?

This treatment uses both chemotherapy and radiation. It uses anticancer drugs, such as
cisplatin, to treat cancer. During CRT, intense beams of X-rays are aimed at the tumor from many
directions.

The goal is to kill cancer cells while limiting damage to normal cells. While the entire process is
not painless, it can help maintain a good quality of life during difficult times like treatment or
diagnosis.

How Does It Work?

In chemoradiation therapy, there are two main factors. The first is the use of radiation. And the
second is the use of drugs. Radiation is projected upon the tumor to kill it. While drugs are
injected into the bloodstream. Although initially difficult, it can be very successful.

The radiations kill cancer cells, while drugs prevent new cells from forming. There are two types
of this treatment.

● Single-Agent Chemoradiation Therapy.

In this treatment, just one type of drug is used to treat cancer.

● Combination Chemoradiation Therapy.

Multiple drugs are used to kill cancer and prevent it from coming back.

Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy is a form of radiation therapy. In this treatment seeds, ribbons, or capsules that
contain radiation are placed near the tumor, in your body. This can either be done through
needles directly into the tumor or through catheters. By having these sources placed close
together, they are able to deliver high doses of radiation to tumors while minimizing damage to
surrounding healthy tissue. This treatment is most effective for minimizing damage to healthy
tissue.

Benefits
● Chemotherapy can help shrink or slow the growth of cancer.
● Chemotherapy can decrease cancer enough for surgery to remove it,
● The risks of recurrence of cancer may be reduced.

The effects of chemoradiation in cancer treatment are significant. Both of these treatments
together are more effective than just one. This method has also helped in medical research. For
instance, at the University of Washington, scientists have used it to study tumors.

Side-Effects
Because cancer treatment, like all medical treatment, can have serious side effects. It is
important to talk to your doctor about how chemotherapy and radiation work. Its side effects, and
what your treatment options are. Below Vinay K Malviya MD has outlined some of these side
effects;

● Fatigue.
● Hairloss.
● Nausea and vomiting.
 ● Headache.
● Infertility.

Chemotherapy has varying effects on different people. In essence, it may or may not be effective
for some. You will have to visit the hospital regularly for treatment, check-ups, and testing. Which
may occur on different days, which can be exhausting.

Conclusion
In summary, chemoradiation therapy has better results than just one therapy alone. But it also
has many side effects. That can change the life of a patient forever even after beating cancer.

Therefore, Vinay Kumar Malviya advises thinking carefully before starting this treatment. Since
it is a life-changing decision. If you have any feedback for us or personal experience regarding
chemoradiation therapy. let us know in the comments below.