Radiotherapy & Chemotherapy in Gynaecological Cancers Flashcards
cervical cancer is most common in what age group?
<35 years
describe the aetiology of cervical cancer?
HPV - high risk subtypes 16, 18
what proteins produced by HPV viruses are known to suppress tumour suppressor genes?
E6 and E7 proteins
cancers in what other area of the body are associated with HPV?
head and neck cancer
what factors other than HPV can increase the risk of cervical cancer?
smoking
age of onset of intercourse (early exposure to HPV when T zone immature)
OCP (lack of barrier methods)
multiple partners
compare the 5 year survival rates of stage 1 and stage 4 cervical cancer?
1 = 95% 4 = 20-30%
what are the options for treating cervical cancer?
large loop excision of transition zone
fertility sparing trachelectomy
radiotherapy and chemotherapy
what types of radiotherapy are used for cervical cancer?
external beam
brachytherapy (internal radiation)
what are the different types of chemotherapy available?
neoadjuvant - prior to other treatment
concomittant - alongside radiotherapy
palliative
what drugs are used for cervical cancer therapy?
(platinum)
cisplatin
carboplatin / paclitaxol
what other organs can be impacted by brachytherapy?
sigmoid (can cause stricture / obstruction)
rectum
bladder (can cause fistula)
what etiological factors contribute to endometrial cancer?
obesity
oestrogens - HRT, tamoxifen
genetic - lynch syndrome
how is endometrial cancer treated?
total abdominal hysterectomy
bilateral salpingoophrectomy + washings
adjuvant radiotherapy
adjuvant chemotherapy
what increases a patients risk of ovarian cancer?
> 50yrs
nullparity (or low parity)
delayed pregnancy
FH of breast or ovarian cancer (BRCA)
describe how a patient with ovarian cancer would usually present?
ascites / bloating
pelvic mass / bladder dysfunction
pleural effusion / SOB
incidental finding
