[Short time afterloading curietherapy of gynecological carcinomas: technique and problems (author's transl)]

A short time remote afterloading curietherapy system for treatment of carcinoma of the cervix using one 50 to 150 Ci 192 Ir source in newly constructed kidney shaped applicators in connection with the Gamma-Med is presented. Computer calculated and plotted symmetric and asymmetric isodoses have been drawn by a plotter, adapted to individual cases. Dosage problems and solutions respecting clinical experiences as well as radiobiological information are discussed. Short time irradiations don't offer radiobiological advantages by themselves. On the other hand, flexibility in modelling absorbed dose distributions, excellent reproducibility of applications and therefore possibility of reliable procedures in higher fractionation, and above all the possibility to avoid hospitalisation or the great majority of patients are a decisive argument in favour of the proposed system, not only from a medical and psychological point of view, but also for economic reasons.