What is the future of uterovaginal brachytherapy in private practice in France?

Abstract

Private radiotherapy centres treat almost one in two patients in France. However, very few of these centres perform uterovaginal brachytherapy. In this short communication, we look at the reasons for the underdevelopment of uterovaginal brachytherapy in private practice. In our opinion, there are three factors limiting its development: the lack of doctors trained in brachytherapy, the complex and human resource-heavy organisation, and the inadequate and insufficient reimbursement of uterovaginal brachytherapy. This last point seems to be shared by the entire community of radiation oncologist in France, and it is vital that brachytherapy is given its due value, otherwise it will continue to decline.

Keywords: Brachytherary; Cancer; Cervix; Col utérin; Curiethérapie; Locally advanced; Évolué.