[The effect of combined radiotherapy on blood levels of ACTH, cortisol and aldosterone in cervical cancer].

Blood-ACTH, cortisol and aldosterone levels in patients with cancer of the uterine cervix were measured radioimmunologically prior to complex radiotherapy, following a half-dose exposure of tumor focus and immediately on completion of the treatment course. Patients showed a rise in cortisol and aldosterone levels and a slight increase in ACTH. Radiation therapy inhibited production of cortisol and aldosterone matched by a rise in ACTH output.