Ep. 117 Radiation Therapy Advances for Gynecologic Cancers with Dr. Andrew Lim

"The treatment of cervical cancer is definitely a team sport." Hear how recent radiation advancements are impacting gynecologic cancer care, and how to partner with your radiation oncologist to tailor therapy. This BackTable Women’s Health / Tumor Board episode features hosts Dr. Mona Guo and Dr. Marcia Ciccone joined by USC radiation oncologist and brachytherapy director Dr. Andrew Lim discussing modern radiation techniques, indications for definitive/adjuvant therapy, and toxicity management in gynecologic cancers. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction02:39 - Modern External Beam IMRT05:47 - Planning With CT And AI08:14 - Daily Setup Imaging Workflow13:30 - Dose and Fractionation Basics18:50 - HDR Image Guided Brachy21:50 - Brachy Vs External Boost Evidence24:54 - Managing Side Effects and Menopause28:49 - Hormone Therapy Benefits30:37 - Dilators and Pelvic Rehab33:12 - Long Term Radiation Effects38:14 - Spacers and Prolapse Planning41:42 - Reirradiation and Plan Review44:05 - Palliative Radiation Choices46:50 - Gamma Knife Explained50:16 - Conclusion --- More about this episode Dr. Lim contrasts historical four-field box radiation with contemporary IMRT, CT-based planning, daily cone-beam verification, and AI-assisted contouring with dosimetrist support. They review pelvic radiation treatment timelines, emerging hypofractionation data, and the essential role of image-guided brachytherapy for cervical cancer, including outpatient workflows and improved tumor coverage with reduced bladder/rectum dose. The group covers patient counseling on expected side effects, radiation-induced menopause, fertility, sexual health, vaginal stenosis prevention with dilators/pelvic floor therapy, late effects, re-irradiation considerations, spacers, palliative regimens, and stereotactic radiosurgery/Gamma Knife for brain metastases. --- BackTable Women's Health is the go-to podcast for gynecologists, gynecologic surgeons, and other healthcare professionals focused on women’s health. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app