Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix—the lower part of the uterus that connects the uterus to the vagina. It is commonly caused by infection from the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Although the term “cancer” sounds frightening, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable types of cancer when detected early. Many people assume that surgery is the only treatment option for cervical cancer, but that is not always the case. Several non-surgical treatment options, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, can be tailored to the patient’s stage and overall health condition.
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Types of Cervical Cancer Treatments Other Than Surgery
Here are several types of cervical cancer treatments other than surgery:
1. Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy is a form of internal radiation therapy used to treat cancer by placing a radioactive source directly inside or near the affected area. Unlike external radiation therapy that delivers radiation from outside the body, brachytherapy delivers radiation from very close proximity, making it more precise in destroying cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
For cervical cancer treatment, brachytherapy is one of the most effective methods—either used alone or in combination with external radiation therapy. This approach allows patients to receive high doses of radiation directly to the cervix area with fewer side effects.
2. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. For cervical cancer that has spread beyond the cervix, low doses of chemotherapy are often combined with radiation therapy because it can enhance the effectiveness of radiation.
Higher doses of chemotherapy may be recommended to help control symptoms in advanced cancer cases. In some cases, chemotherapy may also be given before surgery to shrink the tumor and make it easier to treat.
3. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy uses specialized drugs that attack specific chemicals or proteins in cancer cells. By blocking these substances, targeted therapy helps stop cancer growth and promotes cancer cell death. This therapy is often given together with chemotherapy and is one of the options for patients with advanced-stage cervical cancer.
4. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that uses medications to boost the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. The immune system works by attacking germs and abnormal cells, but cancer cells can sometimes hide from it. Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells. For advanced cervical cancer that no longer responds to other treatments, immunotherapy may serve as an additional therapy option.
Comprehensive Cervical Cancer Treatment at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital
Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital provides all of the cervical cancer treatment options mentioned above, supported by advanced medical technology and a team of oncology specialists highly experienced in managing cervical cancer.
As a hospital offering integrated and comprehensive oncology services, Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital provides not only external radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, but also advanced brachytherapy—especially effective for gynecologic cancers such as cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, vulvar, and fallopian tube cancers.
The hospital’s brachytherapy technology uses the Flexitron Brachytherapy System, a cutting-edge system also used by leading cancer centers worldwide such as MD Anderson Cancer Center (USA), National Cancer Center (Singapore), University of Erlangen (Germany), and Medical University AKH (Austria).
This system operates with a high dose rate (HDR) afterloading principle, placing the radiation source directly inside or near the tumor area to deliver a high radiation dose precisely to the target. This approach ensures a safer, more efficient, and highly accurate treatment process while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Each brachytherapy session at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital is personalized based on the cancer’s type and location, ensuring optimal and tailored treatment outcomes for every patient.
Expert Radiation Oncology Team at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital
Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital is home to a team of experienced radiation oncology specialists who are experts in performing modern radiotherapy and brachytherapy for various types of cancer.
1. Prof. Dr. dr. Soehartati A. Gondhowiardjo, Sp.Onk.Rad (K)
Prof. Dr. dr. Soehartati A. Gondhowiardjo, Sp.Onk.Rad (K) is a leading radiation oncologist with extensive clinical and academic experience. She completed her medical degree at the University of Indonesia (UI) in 1980 and pursued specialization in Radiology at the same university, graduating in 1987. Two years later, she advanced her expertise in Radiation Oncology at the University of Indonesia and the Strahlentherapie Abteilung Wilhelm-Westfälischen Universität Münster, Germany.
In 1998, she earned her Doctorate in Medical Science from the University of Indonesia in collaboration with AKH Vienna, Austria. She has also participated in numerous international training and workshops, such as the Indonesia-IAEA Radiation Medicine Workshop (2023) and the ESTRO Evidence-Based Radiation Oncology Course (2023). With her dedication and expertise, she has significantly contributed to the advancement of radiation oncology services in Indonesia.
Practice Schedule:
- Wednesday: 13.30 – 17.00 WIB
2. dr. Novina Fortunata, Sp.Onk.Rad
dr. Novina Fortunata, Sp.Onk.Rad completed her medical degree at Airlangga University and continued her specialization in Radiation Oncology at the University of Indonesia. She actively keeps up with the latest developments in cancer treatment by attending national and international conferences and training programs, such as The 3rd Jakarta Annual Collaborative Cancer Meeting (JACCM) 2022, the Federation of Asian Organizations for Radiation Oncology (FARO) Webinar Series, and Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs by the Indonesian Radiation Oncology Society (IROS). Her commitment ensures she stays updated with the latest innovations in radiotherapy.
Practice Schedule:
- Monday–Friday: 08.00 – 16.00 WIB
- Saturday: 08.00 – 13.00 WIB
3. dr. Riyan Apriantoni, Sp.Onk.Rad
dr. Riyan Apriantoni, Sp.Onk.Rad earned his medical degree from Sriwijaya University and completed his Radiation Oncology specialization at the University of Indonesia. He is skilled in various modern radiotherapy techniques, including Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT), which allow high-dose radiation delivery with extreme precision. He is also experienced in performing brachytherapy and other radiotherapy methods, with treatment approaches tailored to each patient’s condition.
Practice Schedule:
- Monday–Friday: 17.00 – 19.30 WIB
For easy appointment booking at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital, patients can use the Chat via WhatsApp, Book Appointment feature, or the Care Dokter application available on Google Play and App Store—to check queues, manage visits, and access complete information conveniently.
