Gender-Affirming Surgery and Cancer: Considerations for Radiation Oncologists for Pelvic Radiation in Transfeminine Patients

Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2023 Oct 1;117(2):301-311. doi: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.05.028. Epub 2023 May 24.

Abstract

Access to gender-affirming surgery is increasing for many transgender and nonbinary people in the United States, and radiation oncologists must be equipped to care for patients who have undergone such surgery in the region of their planned radiation treatment field. There are no guidelines for radiation treatment planning after gender-affirming surgery, and most oncologists do not receive training in the unique needs of transgender people with cancer. We review common gender-affirming genitopelvic surgeries for transfeminine people, including vaginoplasty, labiaplasty, and orchiectomy, and summarize the existing literature on the treatment of cancers of the neovagina, anus, rectum, prostate, and bladder in these patients. We also describe our systematic treatment approach and rationale for pelvic radiation treatment planning.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Anal Canal
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Radiation Oncologists
  • Sex Reassignment Surgery*
  • Transgender Persons*
  • Vagina