Is it acceptable to treat vulvar cancers with split course radiation?
In an elderly woman who is not felt to be a good candidate for radical surgery is split course radiation alone an option for definitive intent radiation if the patient does not feel she would be able to come daily for radiation for 6 -7 weeks? If so what dose would you use for the split course?
2 Answers
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Radiation Oncology · Varian Medical Systems/Allegheny health network
Answered on
Unless the planned course is for palliation, split course is not suggested.
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Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Radiation Oncology · University of Kentucky
Answered on
I largely agree with Dr. @Dr. First Last, but there is a bit of an issue of semantics. Although I do not consider it appropriate to plan for split course up front in a curative case of vulvar ca, the issue of treatment breaks does arise often when treating vulvar cancer, and especially in elderly women. I recognize that some of my colleagues in the gyn radiation oncology community frown on giving treatment breaks, however, I feel that breaks can often not be avoided if one is to get patients thr...
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