[Low-dose rate intracavitary afterloading radiotherapy for cancer of uterine cervix].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the results of Gynatron low dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy for cancer of uterine cervix.

METHODS

From April 1980 to June 1986, 136 patients with uterine cervical carcinoma were given radical radiotherapy through LDR afterloading irradiation and (60)Co external irradiation, compared with those through radium and high dose rate (HDR) intracavitary therapy.

RESULTS

All patients except 5 were followed up for 15 years with a follow-up rate of 96.3% (131/136). The overall 10-year survival rate was 63.5%. The 10-year survival rates of stage II and III patients were 83.9% and 43.2%. The frequency of proctitis and cystitis were 12.5% (17/136) and 9.6% (13/136).

CONCLUSION

Gynatron LDR system has achieved good results with tolerable complications including proctitis and cystitis which are more often than those of radium and less so than those of HDR.