Evaluation of Bone Density and Pelvic Fractures in Women Undergoing Definitive Pelvic Radiation Therapy for Cervical, Endometrial or Vaginal Cancer

If you agree to take part in this study, the following tests and procedures will be performed before radiation therapy:

• You will have a bone mineral density test. A bone mineral density test measures bone loss over time, identifies osteoporosis (a disease of the bones that causes them to be weak and easily breakable) or the risk for developing osteoporosis, and checks your risk for fractures. During the test, you will lie on a cushioned table while a mechanical arm-like device will pass over your body. This device will not touch you.
• During your routine visits, you may have either a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or a computed tomography (CT) scan of the pelvis as part of your standard of care. A PET scan may be done if your doctor thinks it is necessary. These scans will be reviewed by the research staff of this study to determine your response to therapy, determine if your cancer has returned, and to look for broken bones.
• Blood (about 1 tablespoon) will be drawn to test for bone turnover.
• Blood (about 2 to 3 teaspoons) will be drawn for tests to measure the level of vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone (PTH).
• Researchers will collect information from your medical record. This information will include your medical history, your ethnicity, if you have had any bone fractures, if you have a history of bone fractures in your family, and your use of tobacco and/or alcohol.

At 4 weeks after start of radiation therapy, blood (about 2 to 3 teaspoons) will be drawn to test for bone turnover.

At 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years after you complete radiation:

• You will have a bone mineral density test.
• You may have either an MRI or CT scan of the pelvis as part of your standard of care. A PET scan may be done if your doctor thinks it is necessary. These scans will be reviewed by the research staff of this study to determine your response to therapy, determine if your cancer has returned, and to look for broken bones.
• Blood (about 2 tablespoons) will be drawn for tests to measure the level of vitamin D and to test for bone turnover.