Contraindications for radiotherapy of cervical cancer

Radiation therapy is a commonly used treatment for cervical cancer, which includes external irradiation and intracavitary irradiation. In the early stage, intracavitary radiotherapy is the main treatment, supplemented by external irradiation, with the aim of controlling local lesions. In the mid-stage, the treatment is half internal and half external. In the late stage, external irradiation is the main treatment, supplemented by intracavitary radiotherapy, to treat lesions in the pelvic lymph nodes and paracervical tissues.

Radiotherapy can be performed at any stage of cervical cancer, but not everyone is suitable for radiotherapy. While radiotherapy kills cancer cells, it can also damage normal tissues and produce toxic side effects. Research data shows that when conventional irradiation is given to 45 to 50 Gy, patients will develop grade 3 to 4 complications, with an incidence rate of 4% to 15%. 40% of patients will develop long-term chronic diarrhea after radiotherapy.

Patients with the following diseases should not undergo chemotherapy:

1. Bone marrow suppression, total peripheral blood leukocyte count <3×109/L, platelets <70×109/L.

2. Tumor

3. Acute or subacute pelvic inflammatory disease.

4. Patients with acute hepatitis, psychotic episodes, or severe uncontrolled cardiovascular diseases.

5. For patients with cervical cancer and ovarian tumor, the ovarian tumor should be removed first and then radiotherapy should be performed.

Tips: For women before menopause, their ovarian function will be damaged after radiotherapy, and these patients will also experience certain complications after radiotherapy, which should be fully understood before treatment.