Treatment of endometrial carcinoma with radiation therapy alone

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Of 393 patients treated at Tufts‐New England Medical Center for endometrial carcinoma from 1968–1977, 66 patients underwent radiation therapy alone because of medical contraindications to surgery. The median age for this group was 70 years. The patient distribution was Stage I (39), Stage II (11), and Stage III and IV (16). Therapy consisted of pelvic irradiation to a dose of 4000–5000 rads followed by an intrauterine radium application (3000–5000 mg hr.) and a vaginal radium application (2000–4000 rads to the surface). Local control was achieved in 37 of 50 patients with Stages I and II disease with a three‐year actuarial survival of 78%. Patients with Stages III and IV disease had a median survival of 15 months; 4 of 16 patients survived for 36 months. In this group of patients, bleeding, pain, and vaginal discharge was palliated. Four patients in the series had treatment‐related bowel complications requiring colostomy. This is an effective method of treatment for endometrial carcinoma patients who are not surgical candidates.