Optimizing Palliative Pelvic Radiotherapy in Gynecological Cancers: A Systematic Review and Analysis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiotherapy
• Gynecologic Oncology

Background:

• Palliative radiotherapy is vital for symptomatic gynecological cancers (GCs).
• Systematic review of palliative pelvic radiotherapy for cervical, endometrial, ovarian, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.
• Focus on symptom relief, quality of life (QOL), and toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review literature on palliative pelvic radiotherapy for GCs.
• Evaluate symptom relief, QOL, and toxicity.
• Ascertain optimal radiotherapy regimens.

Main Methods:

• Medline search for papers published until November 2023.
• Selection of studies detailing symptomatology and QOL in palliative pelvic radiotherapy for GCs.

Main Results:

• Thirty-one studies reviewed, many retrospective with varied outcomes.
• Effective management of hemorrhage (55%) and pain control (70%).
• 10 Gy fractionation showed benefits for bleeding and pain in female genital tract cancers.

Conclusions:

• Palliative pelvic radiotherapy is effective for symptomatic GCs.
• Dosing and fractionation require further investigation.
• Combining modern therapies with radiotherapy improves symptom control for selected patients.