[Postoperative radio- and/or chemotherapy in ovarian stage III cancers. Results of a prospective randomized study]

In advanced ovarian carcinoma operation alone does not give any change of permanent cure. Therefore an additional treatment is necessary. From 1977 to 1980 we performed a prospective random study about the significance of postoperative radio- and chemotherapy (group A, n = 20) versus combined longterm chemotherapy (group B, n = 24) in ovarian carcinoma stage III. Radical operation was possible in 82% of all cases. 8 of them (18%) occasionally a second-look operation (A = 2, B = 6). Radiotherapy was a whole abdomen irradiation (Co60-teletherapy-40 Gy in two series, pelvis additional 20 Gy) by means of open field technique. Cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracile and vinblastine were used for the purpose of chemotherapy. The survival time was not significantly prolonged in group B (20,4 months) compared to group A (13,9 months). 44% (B) survived three years contrary to 36% (A); after four and five years survival rates are equal in both groups (A = 36%, B = 37%). Thus additional radiotherapy does not improve survival rate. On the other hand there are considerable side-effects and tolerance against chemotherapy is diminished. That is why a general radiotherapy is not recommendable in the present modification.