What is the success rate of radiation therapy for cervical cancer?

5-year survival rate: The 5-year survival rate of the people receiving EBRT plus brachytherapy was 68.5 percent, compared to 35.4 percent for people receiving EBRT alone. Cancer recurrence: Cancer recurred in 31.3 percent of people getting EBRT plus brachytherapy, compared to 37.2 percent of people getting EBRT alone.

How long is radiation therapy for cervical cancer?

When EBRT is used as the main treatment for cervical cancer, it is usually combined with chemotherapy (called concurrent chemoradiation). Often, a low dose of the chemo drug called cisplatin is used. Other chemo drugs can be used as well. The radiation treatments are given 5 days a week for about 5 weeks.

How many radiation sessions are needed for cervical cancer?

Treatment as an outpatient. You will usually have brachytherapy after having a hysterectomy and chemoradiotherapy. You usually have 2 treatments on separate days, which can last between 10 to 15 minutes.

What are the side effects of radiation therapy for cervical cancer?

Long term side effects

• Skin changes. Generally, radiotherapy can make body tissues become tighter and less elastic.
• Changes to the ovaries. If you have not already had the menopause, your radiotherapy will cause an early menopause.
• Changes to the vagina.
• Swelling.
• Bladder effects.
• Bowel effects.
• Bleeding.

Do you lose your hair with radiation for cervical cancer?

The radiation therapy will not cause you to lose hair from your head or other parts of your body.

Is radiation treatment painful?

Radiation does not hurt, sting, or burn when it enters the body. You will hear clicking or buzzing throughout the treatment and there may be a smell from the machine. Typically, people have treatment sessions 5 times per week, Monday through Friday.

What is the success rate for radiation therapy?

When it comes to early stages of disease, patients very frequently do well with either brachytherapy or external beam radiation. Success rates of around 90% or higher can be achieved with either approach.

Can cervical cancer be cured completely?

Cervical cancer is generally viewed as treatable and curable, particularly if it is diagnosed when the cancer is in an early stage. This disease occurs in the cervix, or the passageway that joins the lower section of the uterus to the vagina.

What can I expect after my first radiation treatment?

The most common early side effects are fatigue (feeling tired) and skin changes. Other early side effects usually are related to the area being treated, such as hair loss and mouth problems when radiation treatment is given to this area. Late side effects can take months or even years to develop.