[Follow-up after radiation therapy for cervical cancer]

Abstract

Radiation therapy plays a central role in treatment strategies of cervical cancer. Follow-up after external pelvic radiation therapy and brachytherapy is based upon French and international specific recommendations. It aims to assess early tumour response, and to detect local or metastatic recurrences which can be suitable for salvage treatment. Follow-up after radiation therapy for cervical cancer should also assess gastro-intestinal, urinary and sexual toxicities which may have an impact on quality of life. This is a major concern in the evaluation of the results of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and MRI-guided brachytherapy, which should lead to a better local control and to a better bowel tolerance.

Keywords: Brachytherapy; Cancer du col utérin; Cervical cancer; Curiethérapie; Follow-up; Pelvic radiation therapy; Radiothérapie pelvienne; Surveillance.