Extended-field radiation therapy for carcinoma of the cervix
Article Abstract:
The survival of patients with cancer of the cervix, who were treated with a type of radiation therapy, was assessed. In these women, cervical cancer had spread to the lymph nodes in the abdominal and pelvic regions. Thirty-three patients underwent X-ray therapy called extended-field radiation. The overall survival rate was 37 percent at two years and 31 percent at five years. Survival was assessed in terms of patient age, clinical stage, the tissue microscopic features of the tumor, the development of enlarged lymph nodes in the abdominal and pelvic regions, the presence of disease in the peritoneum (the membrane lining the abdominal cavity), and whether intracavitary brachytherapy (a type of radiation treatment) was used. Intracavitary brachytherapy involves the use of implants of radioactive materials, such as radium, cesium, iridium, or gold, at the site of the cancer. This form of treatment controlled cervical cancer and improved the survival of some patients. Among 33 patients, 22 patients died of cervical cancer and five survived without evidence of cancer. Four other patients died of other disorders. Two patients treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy developed complications of the bowel, and one patient died of enteritis (inflammation of the bowel) due to radiation treatment. These findings indicate that extended-field radiation does benefit some patients with cervical cancer, which has spread to lymph nodes in the abdominal and pelvic regions, and may also improve survival. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Cancer
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0008-543X
Year: 1990
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Successful treatment of cervical pregnancy with oral etoposide
Article Abstract:
Cervical ectopic pregnancy (implantation of the embryo in the cervix, the canal between the vagina and uterus) is associated with severe hemorrhage, which often necessitates removal of the uterus. If detected early enough in gestation, however, drug treatment may be effective. A report is presented of a woman with a cervical pregnancy that was diagnosed by ultrasound six weeks after the last menstrual period. She was treated with etoposide (a drug toxic to the fetus) as an outpatient, with careful monitoring by means of blood tests and ultrasonography. Treatment lasted five days; several days later blood hormone levels and sonographic evaluation indicated that the pregnancy had ended. The patient suffered hair loss, but hair growth returned to normal within two months. Most importantly, the patient's reproductive functions were preserved. Early diagnosis is essential for the success of conservative treatment of cervical pregnancy. Etoposide is an effective drug in such cases. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0029-7844
Year: 1990
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