Pelvic failure rate and radiation toxicity in relation to total dose of radiation alone for the treatment of cancer of the uterine cervix.

Seventy-four patients presenting between 1978 and 1989 with carcinoma of the uterine cervix were analysed to compare our results with the published literature, especially with regard to the pelvic failure rate and radiation toxicity. Overall 5-year survival reached 41%. Overall 2-year survival rate for Stage IIB was 85% and Stage IIIB was 32%. For Stage IIB the results agreed with those reported in the literature. Pelvic control was related to total dose and the application of intracavitary irradiation. For Stage IIIB the results were disappointing, partly due to a large number of bulky tumours and also to a relatively low paracentral dose and dose to the pelvic side wall. Percentages of radiation side-effects were low compared with those reported in the literature, probably also due to the relatively low total dose.