Afterloading short-term irradiation of the vagina following radical surgery of uterine cancer

Abstract

A report is given of results and complications following postoperative irradiation in endometrial carcinoma via monitored high-dose afterloading therapy (iridium 192). Intravaginal irradiation was performed in all operated cases. In advanced cases or in cases with poor prognosis (deep infiltration of the myometrium, tumour grading 1-2) percutaneous irradiation (cobalt 60) was employed additionally. 327 patients with endometrial carcinoma were treated by postoperative irradiation between 1981 to 1985 and could then be followed up for at least 12 months to 5 years. Evaluation was done with regard to recurrence-free survival rate and side effects. With the postoperative afterloading iridium 192 technique, the 3-year recurrence-free rates were 91% in stage I and 78% in advanced stages. All of the patients in stage I with a control time of 5 years survived. The incidence of radiation side effects in the overall group was: cystitis 4%, proctitis 7% and fistulas 0.6%. No further severe complications occurred with the optimal intravaginal fraction dose of 700 cGy (twice). The afterloading therapy with high dose rates and remote control monitoring reduces the risk of radiation exposure of the medical staff and also places less strain on the patients because of the short-term irradiation. Intravaginal applications were performed without anaesthesia or any drugs, and treatment on an outpatient basis was possible in almost all of the cases.