Radiotherapy in seminoma of the testis

Five hundred and forty-seven patients with histologically proven seminoma of the testis were treated by radiotherapy between 1960 and 1978 using a standard method. Of these, 448 patients had 'early' disease and a life-table survival of 94% at 5 years was achieved. Survival was significantly improved in patients treated in later time periods. Survival in more advanced disease was less good (62% in Stage IIB, 51% in Stage III and 13% in Stage IV at 5 years). The radiotherapeutic management of this tumour is discussed.