We use non-essential cookies (including anonymous analytics) to help us understand if our website is working well and to learn what content is most useful to visitors. We also use some cookies which are essential for our platform to work and help us to provide you with the best experience possible. You can accept or reject our non-essential cookies and change your mind at any time. To learn more, please read our cookies policy.

Update cookie preferences

Radiotherapy

Healthcare professional

Radiotherapy uses radiation to kill cancer cells although it’s rarely used to treat ovarian cancer. 

In some cases, usually at stage 1c or stage 2, your oncologist will recommend having radiotherapy post-surgery to wipe out any remaining cancer cells and lower the risk of recurrence. It may also be used to target ovarian cancer when it’s returned and no other treatments are available. 

Sometimes radiotherapy is given in advanced stage ovarian cancer to help shrink tumours and reduce symptoms. This is called palliative radiotherapy.

Visit Cancer Research UK's website for a detailed explanation of how and when radiotherapy is used to treat ovarian cancer.