Radiation therapy palliation in malignancy-associated ureteral obstruction.

Between 1981 and 1985, 20 patients with malignancy-associated ureteral obstruction (MAUO) were given external beam irradiation with a palliative intent. In the majority of cases, MAUO was due to carcinoma of the cervix or prostate gland. Complete symptomatic relief occurred in 91% and measurable (neoplasm or its manifestation) improvement was seen in 23% of the evaluable patients. Significant alleviation of ureteral blockage was noted in about a third of cases. The overall median period of survival was 7.5 months.