A 55-year-old woman with Stage IVA cervical carcinoma (biopsy-proven bladder mucosal invasion) is planned for chemoradiation. Which radiotherapy technique is essential for adequate treatment?
- A External beam radiotherapy to the whole pelvis followed by intracavitary brachytherapy ✓
- B External beam radiotherapy alone to the whole pelvis
- C External beam radiotherapy to the whole pelvis plus extended field radiotherapy to para-aortic nodes
- D Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) boost to the cervical tumor
Correct answer: A. External beam radiotherapy to the whole pelvis followed by intracavitary brachytherapy
Explanation
Standard treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer (Stage IB3 to IVA) is external beam radiotherapy to the whole pelvis followed by intracavitary brachytherapy. Brachytherapy is essential to deliver a high dose to the cervical tumor and parametrium while sparing surrounding organs. EBRT alone cannot achieve adequate tumoricidal dose to the central tumor. Extended field RT is for para-aortic node-positive disease.
Reference: Perez and Brady's Principles and Practice of Radiation Oncology, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.