External vs. Interstitial irradiation in unresectable recurrent cancer of the cervix

Abstract

One-hundred and fourteen patients were explored and found to have un-resectable recurrent carcinoma of the cervix. Forty-four patients were unsuitable for further treatment. Seventy patients were treated with a combination of interstitial implantation and/or external irradiation. All of the patients in the untreated group died within 15 months. In the treated group, 10% of the patients lived 15 months or longer, and 6.2% (4 patients) survived 5 years or more. Interstitial and external radiation therapy provide, therefore, temporary relief of disabling signs and symptoms and an occasional long-term survivor.