LATE INJURY OF CANCER-THERAPY ON THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE-TRACT

The purpose of this article is to review the late effects of cancer th erapy on the female reproductive tract. The anatomic sites detailed ar e the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. The available pathophysiology is discussed. Clinical syndromes are presen ted. Tolerance doses of irradiation for late effects are rarely presen ted in the literature and are reviewed where available. Management str ategies for surgical, radiotherapeutic, and chemotherapeutic late effe cts are discussed. Endpoints for evaluation of therapeutic late effect s have been formulated utilizing the symptons, objective, management, and analytic (SOMA) format. Late effects on the female reproductive tr act from cancer therapy should be recognized and managed appropriately . A grading system for these effects is presented. Endpoints for late effects and tolls for the evaluation need to be further developed.