The development of radiotherapy in cervical carcinoma at the University Clinic of Rostock

Abstract

Doubtlessly modern high voltage radiation treatment has less side effects than former techniques. It may be better than conventional methods with respect to 5-year survival rates, but that has to be proven using a large number of cases. Retrospective study using the material of one department of gynecology and obstetrics, practicing both operation and irradiation. 1830 cervical carcinomas are differentiated in stages and then divided in 3 historical collectives. From 1959 to 1968 there was a combination of traditional contact therapy with conventional X-ray irradiation. The period from 1969 to 1972 is characterized as a changing one with partly therapy as described above, partly traditional contact therapy was combined with biaxial telecobalt therapy. From 1973 to 1986 a reduced contact therapy doses was applied to pelvic high voltage irradiation. Five-year survival rate in stage I was 79% in conventional treatment and with ultra high energy 77%. The corresponding figures in stage II are 56% respectively 52%, in stage III 26% respectively 25% (Table 1) of gynecology and obstetrics, practicing both operation and irradiation. Application of ultra high energy radiation in higher doses in Rostock had not the consequence of elevating the 5-year survival rate, but the quality of life is much better.