Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Cervical Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed carcinoma of the cervix of 1 of the following cellular subtypes: Squamous cell Adenocarcinoma Adenosquamous cell Stages IB-IVA disease Stage IVB disease allowed provided the impact on the quality of life is tremendous (e.g., "frozen pelvis" or massive pelvic disease and fistula formation, severe pain, or bleeding) Measurable and/or evaluable disease on MRI PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: ECOG performance status 0-2 No physical or physiological capacity that would preclude study treatment No cognitively impaired patients who cannot provide informed consent Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test No contraindication to MRI, including any of the following: Weight > 136 kg Allergy to MR contrast agent Pacemakers, cerebral aneurysm clips, shrapnel injury, or implantable electronic devices No significant unrelated systemic illness No serious infections No significant cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic, or other organ dysfunction that would preclude study treatment Must be medically fit to receive anesthesia PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: No prior definitive brachytherapy procedures Ring implants or intravaginal cones for the relief of excessive bleeding allowed No prior definitive surgical oncologic procedures (e.g., radical hysterectomy) Concurrent chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or hormonal therapy allowed