• Interstitial radiation therapy—with radioactive iridium temporarily implanted directly into the tumor—is being investigated.
• Hyperthermia , a technique using radiation therapy and heat, is also being studied.
Stage IIIa or IIIb
Stage III is defined as a carcinoma that extends to the pelvic sidewall, involves the lower third of the vagina or obstructs one or both ureters. Stage IIIa means there is no extension to the pelvic sidewall, but the tumor involves the lower third of the vagina. In Stage IIIb, there is extension to the pelvic sidewall, obstruction of one or both ureters, or there is a non-functioning kidney.
Standard Treatment External beam radiation therapy followed by two insertions of intracavity cesium or interstitial iridium.
