| Abstract: | Three hundred and sixty-two cases of primary vaginal carcinoma were treated at the Irradiation Department of the University Clinic for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vienna, from 1950 to 1977. As the method of choice an individually dosed, fractioned, and protracted radium-telecobalt therapy was employed. Comparing the last period analyzed (1971-1977) with another period 20 years earlier (1951-1956), a marked increase of advanced stages and older patients can be observed. These changes are reflected in the 5-year remission rate: in the total population it was 39.8%, as compared to 32% for the period from 1971 to 1977. For a group of 99 patients, who were treated between 1971 and 1977, the therapeutic effect of different therapy schemes is reported. The benefit of teletherapy is remarkable for advanced states, whereas for stages I and II an intrauterine application may be of importance. The complication rate amounted to 8% recto- or vesicovaginal fistulas and 41% and 43% cystitis and proctitis. The central importance of gynecological screening, especially for older women, is emphasized. |
