OBJECTIVE: To highlight the increased risk for pelvic relapse in patients with stage 1 seminoma treated with adjuvant radiotherapy limited to para-aortic template alone. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Over a four-year period, three patients presented with early pelvic recurrence after radical orchidectomy and adjuvant irradiation for stage 1 seminoma. In each case, radiotherapy had been limited to the para-aortic region with omission of the ipsilateral hemi pelvis. RESULTS: Pelvic recurrences occurred on the ipsilateral tumor side. Durable complete remission was achieved in each case; however, treatment was complex and there was associated morbidity. CONCLUSION: This significant incidence of pelvic recurrence questions the validity of modern radiotherapy protocol which excludes the ipsilateral pelvis from the radiation field.
OBJECTIVE: To highlight the increased risk for pelvic relapse in patients with stage 1 seminoma treated with adjuvant radiotherapy limited to para-aortic template alone. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Over a four-year period, three patients presented with early pelvic recurrence after radical orchidectomy and adjuvant irradiation for stage 1 seminoma. In each case, radiotherapy had been limited to the para-aortic region with omission of the ipsilateral hemi pelvis. RESULTS: Pelvic recurrences occurred on the ipsilateral tumor side. Durable complete remission was achieved in each case; however, treatment was complex and there was associated morbidity. CONCLUSION: This significant incidence of pelvic recurrence questions the validity of modern radiotherapy protocol which excludes the ipsilateral pelvis from the radiation field.