Summary
The need for an efficient, fast technique to irradiate large concave targets lead to the introduction of intensity-modulated arc therapy in the multimodality treatment of pelvic gynaecological tumours. Postoperatively irradiated cervical and endometrial cancer patients benefit by reduced toxicity rates. In locally advanced cervical cancer the use of intensity-modulated arc therapy with a simultaneously integrated boost allows for a safe hysterectomy, resulting in promising control and survival rates. In chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis, the use of intensity-modulated arc therapy facilitates a safe whole abdominopelvic irradiation, one of the few effective solutions for patients with bowel obstruction. Continuing efforts should be made to further decrease toxicity and increase response rates and survival in the multimodality treatment of pelvic gynaecological tumours.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2013;7(2):53–56)
