Experience in the treatment of carcinoma of the cervix using a rotational technique

The radiation technique described is an unconventional method of treatment for carcinoma cervix patients and is essentially external beam therapy alone, using a (60)Cobalt rotation plan. This is in contrast to the more conventional series of 2 or 3 intracavitary radium insertions, either preceded and/or followed by fixed field external beam therapy. An advantage to the patient from this treatment scheme is the avoidance of the trauma associated with the repeated anaesthetics required for uterine and vaginal radium applications. Dosage levels have also been determined to ensure minimal post-radiation complications, and the 5- and 10-year survival rates for stage II and stage III cases are comparable with the survival results published by other centres. The series was treated during 1957-64 and consisted of all stage II and III cases referred to the Westminster Radiotherapy Department during this period, together with 13 stage I cases which were considered to be poor anaesthetic risks, and 4 stage IV cases. The 5- and 10-year survival rates for 69 stage II cases were 44% and 36% respectively, and for 81 stage III cases were 38% and 23% respectively.