HEMOSTATIC RADIOTHERAPY IN CARCINOMA OF THE UTERINE CERVIX

Objective: To evaluate the treatment of hemorrhagic carcinoma of the u terine cervix with hemostatic radiotherapy (external and intracavitary radiotherapy). Method: Twenty cases of refractory hemorrhagic carcino ma of the uterine cervix receiving hemostatic radiotherapy between Apr il 1987 and May 1992 were analyzed. The age of the patients ranged bet ween 30 and 60 years with a median of 42 years. Results: The mean tumo r volume was 130 mm(3); all cases were classified as FIGO stage IIb (n = 8), IIIb (n = 11) or IVa (n = 1). Radiotherapy was carried out eith er by the external or intracavitary technique. The control of hemorrha ge was 100% within 12-48 h after radiotherapy. However 85% of patients failed locally in the form of residual, recurrent pelvic or metastati c disease, within 24 months of follow-up. Conclusion:Hemorrhagic cervi cal cancer has a poor prognosis.