Further experience in treating cervical cancer with a central source vaginal applicator

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Abstract
Further experience is described in the treatment of cancer of the cervix with a colpostat, consisting of a transparent shell, attached to the intrauterine tube and containing central radioactive sources. The colpostat allows inspection of the vault, prior to insertion of the vaginal radioactive sources and metal screens designed for rectal protection. The vaginal sources may be "after loaded" with consequent reduction in radiation exposure to staff. Physical estimations show the [gamma] ray doses to important regions in the pelvis differ only very slightly from standard techniques, differences which disappear when supplementary external irradiation is used. Of the 69 patients reviewed, in whom all stages of the disease were presented, 43 had remained apparently free of recurrence in the treated volume of tissue up to over 5 years prior to this analysis. Doses received by the rectum and bladder from this technique are within the limits of safety. This is reflected by the almost complete absence of morbidity.