[Radiotherapy of low-stages seminoma. Results and controversies]

From January 1968 to December 1983, 297 low-stage testicular seminoma patients (209 stage I, 80 stage II A-B, and 8 Nx) were treated by means of prophylactic and/or curative radiotherapy. Overall 10-year relapse-free survival rate is 94% (97.3% stage I, 85.8% stage II A-B). Global survival-rate: 95.8% (100% stage I). Saving treatment was always effective in five relapses at stage I (2 lymphnodal recurrences in untreated areas, and 3 distant metastases). Out of twelve relapses at stage II A-B and Nx patients (4 lymphnodal recurrences in treated areas, 2 in untreated areas, and 6 distant metastases) saving treatment was effective in 3 patients, one of whom died for radiation late effect. Nine radiation sequelae were observed, three of which were neoplastic diseases. Referring to analysis of the results, failures and possible options in the management of seminomas, the authors confirm the effectiveness of current treatment schedule.