Palliative pelvic radiotherapy for gynaecologic cancer

Abstract

Background Radiotherapy delivered with palliative intent can relieve many of the distressing pelvic symptoms associated with advanced, recurrent, or metastatic gynaecologic cancer. Results Series in the literature mainly focus on the outcomes of bleeding and pain for which high response rates are seen. This article reviews the hypofractionated palliative radio-therapy regimes and outcomes reported in the literature. Conclusion Treatment should be individualized for each patient, taking into account symptom burden and etiology, risk of toxicity, performance status and life expectancy.