[Radiotherapy of recurrences of endometrial carcinoma]

In a retrospective study the data of 79 patients undergoing radiation-therapy for recurrent endometrial cancer during the years 1972-1978 were evaluated. Group I consisted of 43 patients, who primarily underwent irradiation, group II consisted of 36 patients, who primarily underwent surgery (total abdominal hysterectomy) mostly without irradiation. All patients were primarily classified as FIGO-stage I, the median age was 69 and 67 years respectively. In 32 cases (74%) of group I the localisation of the recurrence was the uterus, in 8 (19%) the vagina and in 3 (7%) the small pelvis. In group II a vaginal recurrence was found in 25 patients (69%), in 11 (31%) a pelvic recurrence. In two thirds of all cases the recurrences were diagnosed within three years of the primary treatment. Late recurrences after 5 years occurred in group I in 10%, in group II twice as often. The treatment of all recurrences was irradiation. 54 patients (68%) died within 2 years, 25 survived their recurrence for more than 2 years, (32%). In group I 23% survived for more than 2 years, in group II 42%. At the time of performance of the study the 5-year-survival-rate is 13%. Thus in two thirds of patients we succeeded in extending the survival for at least 2 years. The prognosis of a recurrence following surgery is distinctly better than following primary intracavitary irradiation. 56% of vaginal recurrences following primary surgery survived more than 2 years. The 5-year-survival-rate was similar in these vaginal recurrences however to the uterine recurrences following primary irradiation. The prognosis of patients undergoing primary surgery was the better, the later the recurrence occurred.