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World J Clin Oncol. Dec 10, 2014; 5(5): 921-930
Published online Dec 10, 2014. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v5.i5.921
Image-based brachytherapy for cervical cancer
John A Vargo, Sushil Beriwal
John A Vargo, Sushil Beriwal, Department of Radiation Oncology, Magee Womens Hospital of UPMC, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
Author contributions: Vargo JA and Beriwal S both had significant contribution to conception and design, acquisition of data, and interpretation of data; both drafted the article and revised it critically for important intellectual content; both approved the version to be published.
Correspondence to: Sushil Beriwal, MD, Department of Radiation Oncology, Magee Womens Hospital of UPMC, 300 Halket St, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States. beriwals@upmc.edu
Telephone: +1-412-6414600 Fax: +1-412-6416601
Received: December 12, 2013
Revised: June 23, 2014
Accepted: July 15, 2014
Published online: December 10, 2014
Processing time: 364 Days and 4.4 Hours
Core Tip

Core tip: Brachytherapy is an integral part of radical pelvic radiation therapy for cervical cancer. While image-based planning has gained wide acceptance in external beam radiotherapy, the integration of image-based planning for brachytherapy has lagged significantly. More recently advances in planning software/hardware have lead to increased use of image-based brachytherapy. Herein, we highlight the clinical advantages of 3D brachytherapy planning for cervical cancer. We present multiple modalities for image-based brachytherapy including outcome data and dose constraints. Finally we outline practical guidelines for contouring target volumes and critical organs; and present future directions in image-based brachytherapy aimed towards improving cervical cancer outcomes.