The role of radiation in endometrial cancer

The role of radiation in endometrial cancer
MELANIE EB POWELL, MD.
Department of Radiotherapy, St Bartholomews Hospital, West Smithfield, London

ABSTRACT The value of radiotherapy in endometrial cancer has become the subject of international debate. In particular, with the recent publication of the ASTEC study, doubts
regarding the benefits of irradiation in stage I disease have been raised. This review will discuss published trials looking at adjuvant radiotherapy in endometrial cancer and suggest
evidence based treatment guidelines.

Key words endometrial cancer, external beam radiotherapy, vaginal vault brachytherapy, FIGO stage


INTRODUCTION The role of adjuvant radiotherapy in endometrial cancer has become a controversial topic, particularly in early-stage disease. Traditionally, either brachytherapy and/or
external beam radiotherapy has been offered postoperatively. However, studies from The Netherlands (PORTEC) and the UK and Canada (ASTEC and EN.5) have called into question
the benefits of irradiation for women with stage I disease. This overview will discuss the evidence for adjuvant radiotherapy for the different stages of epithelial endometrial cancer.

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