Role of percutaneous radiotherapy in the primary treatment of papillary carcinomas of the thyroid gland

The value post-operative percutaneous radiotherapy is examined by evaluating the case records of 27 patients with papillary carcinomas of the thyroid gland of stage pT4 NOMO and pT1-4pN1-3MO. A loco-regional disappearance of tumors was observed in 95% (20/21) of the post-irradiated patients. In half of all patients not post-irradiated, no loco-regional disappearance of the tumor was achieved; a formation of metastases was found later on in these patients. The percutaneous irradiation has been recommended for years by radiologists, but it is not accepted everywhere. The results suggest the necessity of radiotherapy in case of the above mentioned tumor stages. (orig.)