Hemostatic radiotherapy in carcinoma of the uterine cervix

Objective: To evaluate the treatment of hemorrhagic carcinoma of the uterine cervix with hemostatic radiotherapy (external and intracavitary radiotherapy). Method: Twenty cases of refractory hemorrhagic carcinoma of the uterine cervix receiving hemostatic radiotherapy between April 1987 and May 1992 were analyzed. The age of the patients ranged between 30 and 60 years with a median of 42 years. Results: The mean tumor volume was 130 mm³; all cases were classified as FIGO stage IIb (n = 8), IIIb (n = 11) or IVa (n = 1). Radiotherapy was carried out either by the external or intracavitary technique. The control of hemorrhage was 100% within 12–48 h after radiotherapy. However 85% of patients failed locally in the form of residual, recurrent pelvic or metastatic disease, within 24 months of follow-up. Conclusion:Hemorrhagic cervical cancer has a poor prognosis.