Radiotherapy for Gynecological Oncology

Dear Colleagues,

Radiation therapy is an essential component of gynecological malignancies, either used as definitive treatment or as adjuvant postoperative treatment. The role of radiotherapy in gynecological cancer is important, because gynecologic cancers were among the first malignancies treated with ionizing radiation, more than a century ago. Both external radiotherapy and intracavitary or interstitial brachytherapy are frequently used for patients with gynecological malignancies. Although radiotherapy is used in curative intent for most patients, in rare cases it can also be used for symptom palliation. 

In parallel with the innovations in radiotherapy applications, an increase in treatment efficiency and a decrease in side effects were observed. Furthermore, radiotherapy induces the treatment efficacy of certain new systemic agents. Combined used of new generation systemic agents and new radiotherapy techniques should increase the survival, even in patients with recurrent or metastatic disease.

Therefore, the unknown parts of radiotherapy and technical innovations about radiotherapy will be explained by the experts of the subject. The special issue provided by ‘European Journal of Gynaecological Oncology’ will enlighten the issues related to radiotherapy for gynecological cancer.

This special issue will include,

· A review section briefly describing the role of radiotherapy in gynecological cancer (cervical cancer, endometrium cancer, vulva and vaginal cancer) and another review section regarding new radiotherapy delivery methods (stereotactic radiotherapy, image-guided brachytherapy, etc.),

· Original articles with gynecological cancer patients treated with radiotherapy and/or surgery and/or systemic therapy,  

· Case reports or interesting images,

· A clinical perspective section, in which guest opinion leader will provide their perspectives for radiotherapy on clinical practice.

Dr. Cem Onal

Guest Editor