Final answer:
Treatment of advanced cervical cancer stages IIB to IVA typically includes chemotherapy, external beam radiation therapy, potentially combined with brachytherapy, and in some cases, surgery such as radical hysterectomy. Specific treatments are determined based on the patient's health, the cancer's characteristics, and the extent of its spread.
Step-by-step explanation:
The treatment of advanced cervical cancer at stages IIB to IVA typically involves a multidisciplinary approach which may include a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. The traditional methods of treating cancer aim to remove or destroy the rapidly dividing cancerous cells, but these can affect normal cells as well.
External beam radiation therapy and chemotherapy are standard treatments for these stages of cervical cancer. They are often used together to increase the effectiveness of treatment. Radical hysterectomy, which includes the removal of the uterus and surrounding tissues, may be considered in certain cases where the cancer has not spread beyond the cervix. However, at these later stages of cancer, radical hysterectomy alone is less likely to be curative. Brachytherapy, a form of internal radiation therapy, is another treatment option that may be used to deliver a high dose of radiation directly to the tumor with less impact on the surrounding healthy tissue.
Research is ongoing to develop targeted therapies and other treatments that aim to reduce the impact on healthy tissues while effectively treating cancer. The choice of treatment will depend on various factors, including the patient's overall health, the exact location and size of the cancer, and whether the cancer has spread.