[The use of the "Selectron" apparatus in the radiotherapy of patients with uterine cancer]

Med Radiol (Mosk). 1986 Jul;31(7):23-7.
[Article in Russian]

Abstract

The technique of combined radiotherapy of uterine cancer is described employing gammatherapy biaxial rotation and the intracavitary gammatherapy using radiotherapeutical catheter apparatus "Selectron" (Holland). At stage I combined radiotherapy irradiation has been applied daily (2 Gy 5 times weekly) with the total dose reaching 18-20 Gy. The treatment stage II involved intracavitary gamma irradiation by "Selectron". Radiation has been carried out in two regimes of dose fractioning: 1) single local dose in point A (5-6 Gy, 2 times a week and 2) single local dose in point A (10-18 Gy, once a week). The total local dose for both variants is 60 Gy (in point A). Irradiation of regional metastases has been carried out on days free from intracavitary gammatherapy, that permitted withdrawal of the primary tumour lesion from the zone of radiation effect. A conventional regime of dose fractioning has been used. Thus, the combined radiotherapy of uterine cancer has provided the total local dose (in point A) 80-90 Gy, and up to 60 Gy in point B. In some cases the stages of treatment were changed, for the bleeding tumours the treatment started with "Selectron" therapy with subsequent irradiation of the small pelvis. The efficiency of treatment has been evaluated in accordance with clinicomorphological data. The tumours with prevailing exophytic forms of growth have exhibited more rapid regression than those with endophytic growth. In majority of cases reactivity has been restricted to catarrhal epitheliitis. Radiation-induced reaction of the adjoining organs was insignificant. The patients' tolerance was satisfactory. Radiation-induced complications have not been registered in the time interval from 6 months to 2.5 years. The complete clinical regression has been observed in 88% of patients, partial regression in 4%, no response in 8%. 80% of patients have survived 1 year without recurrences and metastases, 75% were alive 2.5 years after treatment. Intracavitary irradiation by the 137Cs sources ("Selectron") are no less efficient than 60Co sources. "Selectron" is convenient, adjustable for different irradiation programmes and ensures radiation safety.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / mortality
  • Adenocarcinoma / radiotherapy*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Brachytherapy / instrumentation*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / mortality
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / radiotherapy*
  • Female
  • Gamma Rays
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiotherapy Dosage
  • Uterine Neoplasms / mortality
  • Uterine Neoplasms / radiotherapy*