Ovarian cancer

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Radiation therapy for ovarian cancer

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells. Radiation is rarely used to treat ovarian cancer. It may be used:

  • occasionally when chemotherapy cannot be used
    • For example, radiation therapy may be given to older women or those with another serious illness that prevents the use of chemotherapy.


External beam radiation therapy


Systemic radiation therapy

In systemic radiation therapy, a radioactive material (radioactive isotope) is taken by mouth or is injected into the body. It travels throughout the body and is absorbed by cancer cells. For ovarian cancer, a solution of radioactive phosphorus is instilled (gradually injected) into the abdomen. This treatment was used in the past, but is no longer part of the standard treatment for ovarian cancer.




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