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- MR-guided radiotherapy boost for cervical cancer
MR-guided radiotherapy boost for cervical cancer
MR-guided radiotherapy boost is an advanced form of non-invasive radiotherapy that can be used to treat locally advanced cervical cancer, when brachytherapy isn’t possible.
Precision radiotherapy
At GenesisCare our state-of-the-art radiotherapy machines called MR Linacs deliver an advanced type of radiotherapy called MR-guided stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR).
This cutting-edge technology combines a powerful radiotherapy machine (called a linear accelerator or linac) with MRI technology to produce live, detailed images of your internal organs and tissues during treatment (this is referred to as MRI-guided) so clinicians can see as they treat.
MR Linacs have the unique functionality of being able to automatically turn on the radiation beam only when the tumour is positioned precisely in the treatment window and automatically turn it off if the tumour moves outside the target zone. This helps to protect healthy tissue from unnecessary radiation exposure. No other radiotherapy technology is currently able to achieve this.
Radiotherapy boost delivered on the MR Linac is non-invasive and is exclusively available at our centres in Oxford and London.
We have successfully treated thousands of patients across a wide range of cancer types using this advanced technology
MR-guided radiotherapy boost for cervical cancer is available for both insured and uninsured patients.
Benefits of the MR Linac for cervical cancer
Real time images for accurate targeting
Real-time MRI scanning means the MR Linac can show the exact position and shape of the tumour during treatment enabling us to precisely target radiation at the tumour.
Reduced side effects
The exceptional accuracy of the MR Linac means the radiation beam is less likely to damage surrounding healthy tissue than with conventional radiotherapy. Reducing the damage to healthy tissue means side effects are reduced or eliminated altogether.
Treatment within days not weeks
Treatment is delivered in just five treatment sessions over five alternate days meaning less interruption to your normal daily life.
MR-guided radiotherapy boost for cervical cancer
The current standard of care for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer is a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, also known as chemoradiotherapy. This is usually followed by a treatment called brachytherapy boost, a type of radiotherapy given internally. Occasionally, due to the position of the tumour or because of other conditions, it may not be possible to receive a brachytherapy boost.
If you have locally advanced cervical cancer and are unable to receive brachytherapy, MR-guided radiotherapy may be a suitable alternative for you. Your oncologist can refer your case to our expert team for review.
Treatment delivered on the MR Linac is less invasive than brachytherapy and is delivered in an out-patient setting with no hospital stay required.
Side effects
As with any treatment, MR-guided radiotherapy can cause side effects. These can affect people in different ways and not everyone experiences the same side effects. Your care team will explain any likely side effects before you start your treatment and help you manage any that do develop.
One of the most common side effects of radiotherapy is tiredness. This tends to improve in the weeks after your treatment is completed.
Your skin may change colour and become sore after treatment. We can help you manage this with specialist creams, dressings and pain management if required.
Treatment of the cervix can also affect the bladder, rectum and bowel. You may experience some diarrhoea during treatment. There is a risk of long-term bowel side effects.
Radiotherapy may also cause inflammation of the bladder leading to symptoms such as a stinging feeling when you pass urine, needing to pass urine more often or sometimes blood in the urine.
Most side effects will improve shortly after your treatment ends. Other side effects may develop in the months after treatment. We’ll continue to be available to offer you all the support you need during this time, helping you to get back to your normal life.
Integrative cancer care to help you manage side effects
We understand cancer is a life-changing experience, and our goal is to help you meet the emotional and psychological as well as physical challenges in the most positive way possible.
If you choose to have your cancer treatment at GenesisCare, using your private health insurance, you’ll have access to integrated cancer care which includes exercise medicine and well-being services through our partnerships with The Sleep Project through and Penny Brohn UK.
What to expect during treatment
Here is an outline of what to expect after your initial consultation and before, during and after your treatment. There are three stages to the process: your planning appointment, treatment and follow-up.
Before your first appointment, your care team will phone you to explain any preparation instructions in advance of your appointments and to answer any questions.
Your GenesisCare consultant will discuss with you which of these you may experience. It’s important that you attend your follow-up appointments so we can identify and treat any problems as soon as possible. Your consultant and radiographers can also provide advice about things you can try to help, and no question is too small if you have any queries or concerns.
We know that living with cancer can be challenging. That’s why you’ll also be offered support through life-changing therapies, such as psychological support and wellbeing therapies. These are provided to all patients at no extra cost to you or your insurer, to help you manage the side effects of treatment and symptoms of cancer.
We’ll invite you for an MRI scan five weeks after the start of your chemoradiotherapy so that we can plan your radiotherapy treatment. You’ll need to have completed the first phase of your chemoradiotherapy treatment schedule before receiving the MR-guided radiotherapy boost.
The treatment itself will typically take place over five sessions on alternate days. Each session should last around one hour, and you can go straight home after each treatment session. You’ll be given contact details for your care team so you can call if you have questions about anything.
We’ll invite you for a follow-up MRI scan three months after your treatment. We’ll also continue to keep in touch with you for three years so we can monitor any side effects that may develop and help you manage them.
Expert teams at GenesisCare
At GenesisCare our radiotherapy treatments are delivered by our expert teams of oncologists, radiographers, physicists and other cancer professionals. We understand receiving treatment for cancer can be a very stressful time. Our multi-disciplinary teams work together to provide the best care possible, whilst helping you to continue to lead as normal a life as possible.
Book an appointment
Contact us today to find out more about MR-guided radiotherapy boost for cervical cancer and to discuss your treatment options.
Helpful resources
Enquire now about MR-guided radiotherapy
Our state-of-the-art MR Linacs are exclusively available at our centres in Oxford and Cromwell Hospital in London. Your cancer specialist can refer you for a consultation. We’re recognised by all major insurers and we’ll help you with transport depending on treatment and locations, when required.