Radiation therapy in the management of carcinoma of the ovary.

The results in 212 patients treated with radiation therapy for various stages of carcinoma of the ovary are reported. The role of radiation therapy in the management of these patients is analyzed in the light of available data. Radiation therapy may improve the survival of patients with stage I ovarian cancer (with poorly differentiated lesions or extension through the capsule) and the survival of patients with stage II ovarian tumors. The patients with stage III ovarian lesions may benefit by a combination of irradiation and chemotherapy. A multidisciplinary approach to ovarian carcinoma must be promptly established, with participation of gynecologic surgeons, radiation therapists, pathologists, and chemotherapists. More thorough staging procedures and well-defined pathologic classifications are necessary. The biologic and pathologic behavior of these tumors must be further elucidated. The limitations of each treatment method must be exactly defined. Based on this information, rational treatment schemes may be formulated. Controlled clinical trials are necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of optimal surgery, irradiation, and chemotherapy, or their combinations.