Retreatment of Persistent and Recurrent Carcinoma of the Cervix with Irradiation

Abstract

Recurrence developed in 53 patients with carcinoma of the cervix; all were irradiated initially and on retreatment. Only 1 patient with persistent disease and/or biopsy-proved carcinoma recurrent within six months following initial treatment is alive at three and a half years. Patients with early recurrence responded better to radium or transvaginal cone; none survived five years. Patients with recurrence after five years showed recovery of normal tissues and demonstrate the need for vigorous treatment. High radiation doses are needed in retreatment situations. The high incidence of complications and low salvage rates suggest surgery as an alternative to re-irradiation.