Result of Radiation Therapy of the Cervix Cancer Stage IIIB

Huh, Seung Jae

Abstract

From September 1985 through September 1989, 56 patients with stage IIIB carcinoma of the cervix were treated with radiation therapy with curative aim. The overall survival at 5 year was 38%. The survival rate was better for patients treated with combined external radiotherapy and high dose rate intracavitary radiotherapy than with external radiotherapy alone. No significant survival difference was observed between the unilateral and bilateral parametrial extension of the tumor. Seventeen patients experienced recurrence within the irradiated field with a loco-regional recurrence rate of 30%. Ten patients had complications (18%). The complications were mild in three, moderate in four, and severe in three patients. A study was made on the relationship between the fraction numbers of intracavitary radiotherapy, vaginal packing and the complication rate, respectively. In this analysis author observed that the significant treatment factor influencing the survival of cervical cancer was the use of intracavitary radiation, and meticulous vaginal packing could decrease the late complication rate of radiotherapy of the conical cancer.