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Stage III Vaginal Cancer

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Standard treatment options:

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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]

Current Clinical Trials

Check for U.S. clinical trials from NCI's list of cancer clinical trials that are now accepting patients with stage III vaginal cancer. The list of clinical trials can be further narrowed by location, drug, intervention, and other criteria.

General information about clinical trials is also available from the NCI Web site.

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

Last Updated: October 07, 2011

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