Kolkata, June 12, 2025: In a comprehensive article titled “Advancing Cervical Cancer Care: The Vital Role of Radiation Therapy,” Dr. Akanksha Anup, Associate Consultant, Radiation Oncology at Narayana RN Tagore Hospital, Mukundapur, highlights the crucial role radiation therapy plays in managing cervical cancer — the second most common cancer affecting Indian women.
Dr. Anup emphasizes that radiation therapy, especially when combined with chemotherapy (chemoradiation), significantly enhances treatment efficacy by increasing cancer cell sensitivity to radiation. The approach is pivotal not only for primary treatment but also for managing recurrent or metastatic cases, as well as post-surgical interventions where there’s a high risk of recurrence.
Two major forms of radiation treatment are discussed:
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): Involves X-rays targeting tumors from outside the body, often combined with weekly chemotherapy and followed by brachytherapy.
Brachytherapy: Involves placing radiation sources close to the tumor using intracavitary methods, especially effective post-hysterectomy.
The article also addresses short- and long-term side effects such as fatigue, nausea, vaginal irritation, and more severe complications like vaginal stenosis, early menopause, and lymphedema. Dr. Anup advocates for transparent communication between oncologists and patients to mitigate these risks through proactive management.
She concludes by noting the evolution of cervical cancer treatment — moving from conventional surgery and basic radiation to more precise and personalized therapies powered by AI, molecular testing, and liquid-based cytology. These advancements have significantly improved survival rates and patient quality of life.
Radiation therapy, as Dr. Anup asserts, continues to be a cornerstone of effective cervical cancer treatment in modern oncology.
