TURKISH JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY
2021 , Vol 36 , Num 4
Role of Radiotherapy in Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Review of the Literature
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara-Turkey
DOI :
10.5505/tjo.2021.3327
En bloc radical vulvectomy with bilateral inguinofemoral lymph node dissection was the standard approach
for patients diagnosed with vulvar cancer, regardless of disease extent in the past. This radical
surgical approach was with high rates of morbidity and adverse psychological effects and led to
insufficient locoregional control rates in patients with locally advanced-stage disease. In recent years,
multimodal treatment approaches have been introduced to decrease treatment-related morbidity and
increase the locoregional control rates. Radiotherapy (RT) has a major role in the treatment of vulvar
cancer. It has been successfully used as an adjuvant approach in patients with high risk of local recurrence
after surgery and as a sole local treatment with concomitant chemotherapy in locally advanced
disease. In this current review, we will discuss the rationale of RT and provide up-to-date information
about the role of RT in the treatment of vulvar cancer.
Keywords :
Chemoradiotherapy; radiotherapy; treatment; vulvar cancer