Cancer Health Center

Font Size

Vaginal Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) - Stage III Vaginal Cancer

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

STANDARD TREATMENT OPTIONS:

Combination of interstitial, intracavitary, and external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT). EBRT for a period of 5 to 6 weeks (including pelvic nodes) followed by an interstitial and/or intracavitary implant for a total tumor dose of 75 Gy to 80 Gy and a dose to the lateral pelvic wall of 55 Gy to 60 Gy.[1]
Rarely, surgery may be combined with the above.[2]

Adenocarcinoma

STANDARD TREATMENT OPTIONS:

Combination of interstitial, intracavitary, and EBRT as described for squamous cell cancer.[1]
Rarely, surgery may be combined with the above.[2]

References:

Perez CA, Camel HM, Galakatos AE, et al.: Definitive irradiation in carcinoma of the vagina: long-term evaluation of results. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 15 (6): 1283-90, 1988.
Boronow RC, Hickman BT, Reagan MT, et al.: Combined therapy as an alternative to exenteration for locally advanced vulvovaginal cancer. II. Results, complications, and dosimetric and surgical considerations. Am J Clin Oncol 10 (2): 171-81, 1987.

WebMD Public Information from the National Cancer Institute

This information is produced and provided by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The information in this topic may have changed since it was written. For the most current information, contact the National Cancer Institute via the Internet web site at http://cancer.gov or call 1-800-4-CANCER

Last Updated: January 09, 2008

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.

Some material in CancerNet™ is from copyrighted publications of the respective copyright claimants. Users of CancerNet™ are referred to the publication data appearing in the bibliographic citations, as well as to the copyright notices appearing in the original publication, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.