Radiation therapy in primary carcinoma of the vagina

The experiences with irradiation of 25 patients with primary carcinoma of the vagina are presented. The 3-year survival was 36 per cent despite the fact that most of the cases were advanced. Further improvements in survival may probably be achieved with extension of the radium implantation to paravaginal tissues. Choice and technique of treatment must be individualized. Surgery is limited to the more advanced cases with involvement of the bladder and rectum.