Gynecologic brachytherapy-II: Intravaginal brachytherapy for carcinoma of the endometrium

Brachytherapy plays a significant role in the management of endometrial cancer. In the adjuvant setting, based on pathologic risk factors, intravaginal brachytherapy alone, external radiation therapy alone, or a combination of the two is recommended. For patients who are medically inoperable, brachytherapy with or without external beam therapy is the mainstay of treatment. In recurrent disease, to achieve improved local regional control interstitial and/or intravaginal brachytherapy is used as a boost. This article will highlight the indications and technical aspects of postoperative intravaginal brachytherapy, which is the most common application of brachytherapy in endometrial cancer. Copyright © 2002 by W.B. Saunders Company.