Preoperative radiation therapy in advanced carcinoma of the ovary

Preoperative radiotherapy in advanced ovarian carcinoma was evaluated. The overall 5-year survival rate in the irradiated group was 27%. When tumour mass remaining after operation was less than 2 cm in diameter, this figure rose to 52%. Comparison was made between those in whom operation became feasible only after preoperative irradiation and patients in advanced stages who were primarily successfully operated to less than 2 cm and with a 5-year survival rate of 44%. Selection of the cases for preoperative radiotherapy is obviously necessary. Fixed, bulky tumours in the pelvis, with or without metastases, may be suitable for preoperative radiotherapy.