Endometrial cancer, which begins in the lining of the uterus, is a common gynecologic cancer. For many individuals diagnosed with this condition, radiation therapy is a treatment option. Understanding the duration of this therapy is a frequent concern, as it helps patients prepare for the commitment involved. Radiation therapy works by using high-energy beams or radioactive materials to target and destroy cancer cells, either after surgery to eliminate any remaining cells or as a primary treatment.
Understanding Radiation Treatment Duration
The duration of radiation treatment for endometrial cancer depends on the specific type of radiation administered. Two main types are commonly used: External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy. These methods differ in how the radiation is delivered and, consequently, in their typical schedules.
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) involves a machine outside the body directing radiation beams at the pelvic area. When used for endometrial cancer, EBRT is usually given five days a week, Monday through Friday, for a total duration of four to six weeks. Each individual treatment session lasts between 15 to 30 minutes. This daily fractionation helps to minimize exposure to healthy tissues while effectively treating the cancer.
Brachytherapy, also known as internal radiation therapy, involves placing a radioactive source directly inside the body, close to the tumor or the area where the tumor was located. For endometrial cancer, high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy is used. This approach is characterized by its shorter, more concentrated nature compared to EBRT. Patients receive a few sessions, weekly or even daily, for a total of two to three treatments over one to two weeks. Each HDR brachytherapy session lasts between 10 to 30 minutes, and patients can go home the same day. Less commonly, low-dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy may be used, which involves a hospital stay for one to four days as the radioactive source remains in place for an extended period.
Factors Influencing Treatment Length
Several individual factors influence the exact length and type of radiation treatment for endometrial cancer. The specific characteristics of the cancer itself play a role in determining the appropriate treatment plan. This includes the cancer’s stage, which indicates how far it has spread, and its grade, which describes how abnormal the cancer cells appear under a microscope. Higher stages or grades of cancer may necessitate more intensive or prolonged radiation courses.
A patient’s overall health and medical history are also considered when planning radiation therapy. For individuals who may not be healthy enough to undergo surgery, radiation therapy can serve as the primary treatment. The oncology team develops a treatment protocol tailored to each patient, which can impact the duration.
Radiation therapy is used in combination with other treatments, particularly surgery. Radiation is given after surgery to target any remaining cancer cells and reduce the chance of recurrence. In these cases, a healing period of about four to six weeks follows surgery before radiation therapy begins. Sometimes, chemotherapy may be given alongside radiation, a combination known as chemoradiation, which can enhance the effectiveness of the radiation but may also influence the overall treatment timeline.
The Treatment Experience
Radiation therapy involves a structured routine for precise treatment delivery. Each visit to the radiation center is necessary, though the actual radiation delivery portion is short.
This time includes preparing the patient and ensuring precise positioning on the treatment table. Before starting treatment, imaging scans are performed to map the exact location of the cancer, and sometimes custom molds are created to help patients maintain the same position for each session. The radiation machine itself does not touch the patient, and the process is painless, similar to getting an X-ray.
During brachytherapy sessions, an applicator is carefully placed in the vagina to deliver the radiation. While the applicator might cause some mild discomfort, pain medication can be provided if needed. Throughout both types of radiation therapy, the medical team monitors patients for any side effects, providing guidance and support as needed.
Life After Radiation Therapy
After radiation therapy for endometrial cancer concludes, the patient enters a phase of recovery and monitoring. Follow-up appointments with the oncology team are an important part of this period. These visits begin within a few months after treatment completion, scheduled every three to six months for the first two to three years, gradually becoming less frequent over time.
During these follow-up appointments, physical examinations are conducted, and imaging scans or blood tests may be performed to monitor recovery and check for any signs of cancer recurrence. The healthcare team also assesses the resolution of any short-term side effects experienced during treatment. Many acute side effects, such as fatigue, skin irritation, or gastrointestinal issues, begin to improve and resolve within weeks to a few months after therapy ends.
Some individuals may experience long-term side effects that can persist or develop months to years after radiation therapy. These can include vaginal dryness or scarring, which may lead to discomfort, or issues with bowel and bladder function. Lymphedema, a type of swelling in the legs, is another potential long-term effect. Maintaining open communication with the healthcare team about any new or persistent symptoms is important, as they can offer strategies and support for managing these effects.