Curative and palliative radiotherapy of bladder cancer. A retrospective study of 11 years experience

A total of 119 patients with bladder cancer were irradiated over a period of 11 years. Fifteen had Stage B1, 15 B2, 38 C, 9 D1, 23 D2, and 19 D3. The pelvis, bladder, or both received less than or equal to 7,000 rad (70 Gy) in 7 weeks in 78 patients treated with curative intent (Group I) and less than or equal to 5,000 rad (50 Gy) in 5 weeks in 41 patients treated for palliation (Group II). Major complications developed in 3 patients due to irradiation and were fatal in 2, while 22 had minor, self-limited complications which were often related to the technique used. In Group I, the 3- and 5-year disease-free survival rates were 18% and 14%, respectively, whereas only 3% of Group II patients survived 3 years; however, reasonable palliation was achieved in a large percentage of cases. Superficial lesions (B1) can be cured with irradiation (60% 5-year survival). Other prognostic factors are presented.