Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays or particles to kill cancer cells. These x-rays may be given in a procedure that is much like having a diagnostic x-ray. In the past radiation was used more often, but now radiation therapy is only rarely used in this country as the main treatment for ovarian cancer.
External beam radiation therapy
In this procedure, radiation from a machine outside the body called a linear accelerator is focused on the cancer. This is one type of radiation therapy recommended for treatment of ovarian cancer. Treatments are given 5 days a week for several weeks. Each treatment lasts only a few minutes and is similar to having a diagnostic x-ray test. As with a diagnostic x-ray, the radiation passes through the skin and other tissues before it reaches the tumor. The actual time of exposure to radiation is very short, and most of the appointment is spent getting the patient precisely positioned so that the radiation is aimed accurately at the cancer.
During the course of external beam radiation therapy, skin in the treated area may look and feel sunburned. This gradually fades, returning to a normal appearance in 6 to 12 months. Because the abdomen and pelvis are sensitive to radiation, many women also notice fatigue, nausea, or diarrhea. If you are having side effects from radiation, discuss them with your cancer care team. There may be things you can do to obtain relief.
Brachytherapy
Radiation therapy also may be given as an implant of radioactive materials, called brachytherapy, placed near the cancer. This is rarely done for ovarian cancer.
Radioactive phosphorus
For this treatment, a solution of radioactive phosphorus is instilled into the abdomen. The radioactive phosphorus gets into cancer cells lining the surface of the abdomen and kills them. It has few immediate side effects but can cause scarring of the intestine and lead to digestive problems, including bowel blockage. This was used in the past, but is no longer part of the standard treatment for ovarian cancer.
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