Role of radiotherapy in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma: Review of the literature

Abstract

En bloc radical vulvectomy with bilateral inguinofemoral lymph node dissection was the standard approach for patients diagnosed with vulvar cancer, regardless of disease extent in the past. This radical surgical approach was with high rates of morbidity and adverse psychological effects and led to insufficient locoregional control rates in patients with locally advanced-stage disease. In recent years, multimodal treatment approaches have been introduced to decrease treatment-related morbidity and increase the locoregional control rates. Radiotherapy (RT) has a major role in the treatment of vulvar cancer. It has been successfully used as an adjuvant approach in patients with high risk of local recurrence after surgery and as a sole local treatment with concomitant chemotherapy in locally advanced disease. In this current review, we will discuss the rationale of RT and provide up-to-date information about the role of RT in the treatment of vulvar cancer.