[Postoperative radiotherapy of renal carcinoma--analysis of 57 patients]

Retrospective analysis of 57 patients with carcinoma of kidney treated by radiotherapy postoperatively from 1970 to 1986 is reported. Thirty-six were male and 21 were female, with ages ranging from 19 to 75. All patients had unilateral nephrectomy followed by radiation therapy after an interval of 3-8 weeks. The kidney area was irradiated using either parallel opposing anterior and posterior portals or two oblique ones. 10-MV photon beam was used to deliver a total dose of 35-60 Gy with daily dose of 1.8 Gy, 5 times a week. The 3- and 5-year survival rates were 62.5% and 58.9%. The authors believe that for extra-capsular extension, tumors larger than 5 cm in diameter, presence of metastatic lymphnodes or local residual lesion, postoperative radiotherapy is indicated.