The treatment of stage 3 carcinoma of the cervix by external radiotherapy and high-pressure oxygen

Abstract

The results of treatment are presented in 21 patients with stage 3 carcinoma of the cervix, treated since 1963 by external radiotherapy in six fractions over 18 days while breathing high-pressure oxygen. The encouraging results are associated with a relatively high incidence of fracture of the neck of the femur in those patients treated with wide pelvic fields. Limiting the width of the anterior and posterior fields to 12 cm when possible is suggested to avoid this complication. Attention is drawn to the importance of a period of oxygen saturation at full pressure before treatment and of treating all fields at each treatment session.