Radioactive phosphorus and external radiation as an adjuvant to surgery for ovarian carcinoma

At the Johns Hopkins Hospital between the years 1967 and 1973, 40 patients with primary ovarian carcinoma were treated with radioactive phosphorus. Of these, 19 were treated with external radiation in addition. The morbidity from the radioactive phosphorus alone was negligible. Dosages of less than 5000 rads to the pelvis were usually well tolerated even when given in combination with the isotope. Pathologic changes in the bowel are discussed.