BACKGROUND: Invasive carcinoma of the cervix will be diagnosed in 13,500 women in the USA in 1992, of which a significant number will require radiation therapy. METHODS: Based on available information one can define optimal workup and staging, optimal radiation therapy, and the possibilities of interaction of radiation with surgery and chemotherapy in these cases. RESULTS: The pelvic tumor control rates achieved with radiation therapy can reach close to 100% in subclinical tumor (Stage IA), range from 91-98% in Stage IB, but can be as low as 25-34% in Stage IVA. Survival is affected by the presence of metastatic tumor deposits outside the pelvis, which when present in the inguinal or para-aortic nodal regions can be controlled with irradiation. The 5-year survival can be as high as 92% for carcinoma of the cervix Stage I and as low as 28% in Stage III. CONCLUSIONS: Radiation therapy can control the tumor in the pelvis in approximately 90% of patients with Stage I carcinoma of the cervix, but in only approximately 25% in patients with Stage IV disease. To increase tumor control, research is being conducted combining irradiation with chemotherapy, radiation sensitizers, hyperthermia, and new modalities such as neutron irradiation. Prophylactic para-aortic node irradiation is justified in some stages of the disease.
BACKGROUND: Invasive carcinoma of the cervix will be diagnosed in 13,500 women in the USA in 1992, of which a significant number will require radiation therapy. METHODS: Based on available information one can define optimal workup and staging, optimal radiation therapy, and the possibilities of interaction of radiation with surgery and chemotherapy in these cases. RESULTS: The pelvic tumor control rates achieved with radiation therapy can reach close to 100% in subclinical tumor (Stage IA), range from 91-98% in Stage IB, but can be as low as 25-34% in Stage IVA. Survival is affected by the presence of metastatic tumor deposits outside the pelvis, which when present in the inguinal or para-aortic nodal regions can be controlled with irradiation. The 5-year survival can be as high as 92% for carcinoma of the cervix Stage I and as low as 28% in Stage III. CONCLUSIONS: Radiation therapy can control the tumor in the pelvis in approximately 90% of patients with Stage I carcinoma of the cervix, but in only approximately 25% in patients with Stage IV disease. To increase tumor control, research is being conducted combining irradiation with chemotherapy, radiation sensitizers, hyperthermia, and new modalities such as neutron irradiation. Prophylactic para-aortic node irradiation is justified in some stages of the disease.
Authors: Pedro T Ramirez; Anuja Jhingran; Homer A Macapinlac; Elizabeth D Euscher; Mark F Munsell; Robert L Coleman; Pamela T Soliman; Kathleen M Schmeler; Michael Frumovitz; Lois M Ramondetta Journal: Cancer Date: 2010-11-16 Impact factor: 6.860
Authors: S Dinges; C Harder; R Wurm; A Buchali; J Blohmer; J Gellermann; P Wust; H Randow; V Budach Journal: Strahlenther Onkol Date: 1998-10 Impact factor: 3.621