Radiation Therapy for Ovarian Cancer

At Moffitt Cancer Center, we emphasize a team approach to radiation therapy for ovarian cancer. This philosophy encompasses not only the treatment itself, but also the treatment planning. Our multispecialty team of experts works collaboratively and takes into account a number of factors to create an optimal treatment plan for each individual patient. And, just as a surgical outcome can be enhanced by the skill level of the surgeon who performs the procedure, radiation therapy is most effective when delivered by expert radiation oncologists.

While having access to state-of-the-art machines and equipment is important, it constitutes only part of the equation. The true differentiating factor is the technical expertise of the professionals who utilize these tools to administer treatments to patients. At Moffitt, each radiation oncologist specializes in treating a distinct type of cancer, such as gynecological cancer. As a result, our team sees more patients with a specific type of ovarian cancer in one year than most radiation oncologists will see during their entire careers. This high level of specialization is very beneficial to our patients, who consequently have more options for optimizing their treatments.

Moffitt's Radiation Oncology Program makes evidence-based treatment recommendations based on clinical pathways and studies that compare emerging techniques to existing ones. For instance, depending on the type and stage of the cancer as well as a patient’s overall health and personal preferences, we might recommend that radiation therapy for ovarian cancer be utilized before, during or after surgery, chemotherapy or other treatment approaches. Options available to Moffitt patients include:

• External beam radiation therapy – An external machine generates X-rays that pass through a woman’s skin and other tissue to target the cancer.
• Brachytherapy – Radioactive substances are implanted in a woman’s body in or near the site of the cancer.
• Ovarian transposition – The ovaries are moved out of the field of radiation and into a different area of the abdomen to minimize their radiation exposure. 

In addition to taking multiple factors into consideration to determine which radiation treatment option would be best for each patient, the Moffitt team carefully determines the precise dose of radiation that will effectively address the cancer while minimizing the impact on the surrounding healthy tissues. In sum, every aspect of cancer care at Moffitt is specific to both the patient and the condition. 

Medically reviewed by Erin George, MD.

If you'd like to find out more about radiation treatment for ovarian cancer at Moffitt, please call 1-888-663-3488, or schedule an appointment online. Our physicians are available to you with or without a referral.