[Radiotherapy in tubal carcinomas].

PURPOSE

Cancer of the fallopian tube is one of the rarest gynecological malignancies. The treatment of choice for this tumor is not well defined because of its very low incidence. The preferred primary treatment is surgical resection consisting of abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and omentectomy. The value and extent of adjuvant radiotherapy is unclear so far. This retrospective analysis shows the experience at our clinic, which will be discussed in comparison with the existing literature.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 1967 to 1994, 9 patients were treated at the Clinic and Polyclinic for Radiotherapy--Radio-Oncology of the University of Münster with adjuvant radiotherapy following surgery for carcinoma of the fallopian tube. The staging according to FIGO yielded 2/9 stage I, 4/9 stage II and 3/9 stage III patients. In 5/9 patients the tumor could be resected completely. In 3/9 cases the pelvis alone, in 5/9 cases the pelvis and para-aortal region were irradiated with doses ranging from 45 Gy to 50 Gy. In 1/9 cases the target volume comprised the whole abdomen. The treatment results were acquired retrospectively by analysis of the patients' records and inquiries among their general practitioners.

RESULTS

Median survival of our patients was 25 months, 6/9 developed recurrence after a median time of 10.5 months. All of these were localized in the abdominal cavity; 1 patient also developed liver metastases. All patients with recurrent tumor died from their disease within a median period of 9 months. Of the other 3/9 patients, 2/3 died after 6 and 36 months, and 1 patient is still alive after 42 months; all of them without any sign of recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Adjuvant radiotherapy of carcinoma of the fallopian tube seems to be indicated with the exception of little invasive tumors of FIGO stage I. From our findings, the target volume should comprise the whole abdomen. A smaller treatment volume (pelvis alone or plus the para-aortal region) can only be of any use in a palliative situation or as a salvage therapy.