ABSTRACT
Combined radiation treatment for cervical cancer is associated with radiation injury to the intestine, bladder, hemopoietic system and suppression of T-system, nonspecific immunity and thyroid function. Modified gamma-ray teletherapy was suggested which included low-dose (0.1 Gy) sensitizing irradiation of tumor and zones of regional dissemination prior to delivering therapeutic dose (1.9 Gy). The procedure assured lower incidence of radiation-induced reactions and complications, leukopenia and T-lymphocyte function suppression, stimulated nonspecific resistance and thyrotropic function of the pituitary, and provided normal function of the thyroid. As a result, five-year survival rate in patients with stage III cancer increased by 14%.
Subject(s)
Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Adult , Aged , Brachytherapy , Cobalt Radioisotopes/administration & dosage , Female , Gamma Rays/therapeutic use , Humans , Immunity, Cellular/radiation effects , Immunity, Innate/radiation effects , Middle Aged , Radiation Injuries/epidemiology , Radioisotope Teletherapy , Radiotherapy Dosage , Thyroid Gland/radiation effects , Time Factors , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/immunology , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/mortalityABSTRACT
Low sensitizing doses given to patients with cervical carcinoma in the course of complex radiation treatment were responsible for a greater decrease in the frequency of radiation injuries to the intestine as compared with standard complex radiation procedure. This was matched by an increase in the incidence of exacerbation of chronic adnexitis. Radiation appeared to inhibit thyroid function. Low sensitizing dose treatment given in the course of complex radiotherapy did not affect the gland's function. However, cases of stage III cancer exhibited a more pronounced decrease in thyrotrophin levels accompanied by higher somatotropin levels.
