Conformation therapy using a computer controlled telecobalt unit for advanced cervical carcinoma

This retrospective analysis evaluates the results of conformation radiotherapy for patients with advanced cervical carcinoma. Between January 1980 and September 1987, 16 patients with high common iliac/para-aortic node metastases from advanced carcinoma of the uterine cervix were treated using conformation radiotherapy. A large area from L1/L2 to the pelvis, with an average length of 23 cm, was treated to a total tumour dose of 5000-5500 cGy, with a daily tumour dose of 180-200 cGy in 28-30 daily fractions, using a computer controlled tracking cobalt unit (CCTCU). Before external beam irradiation, 11 patients underwent laparotomy/hysterectomy, seven were given chemotherapy and eight received brachytherapy. The preliminary results are encouraging. The actuarial 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival rates after treatment were 81%, 44% and 37%, respectively. The locoregional control rate was 62.5%. None of the patients relapsed in the para-aortic nodes. All patients tolerated the large area of tracking irradiation therapy very well. None had any severe acute or delayed radiation complications. Use of the conformation radiotherapy technique to include the pelvic and para-aortic nodes has been shown to be an effective form of radiotherapy with minimal morbidity.