Short time afterloading curietherapy of gynaecological carcinomas: technique and problems

A short-time remote afterloading curietherapy system for the treatment of carcinomas of the cervix using one 50 to 150 Ci 192Ir source in newly constructed, kidney-shaped applicators in connection with the Gamma-Med is presented. Computer-calculated and -plotted symmetric and asymmetric isodoses have been drawn by a plotter, for individual cases. Dose problems and solutions respecting clinical experience as well as radiobiological information are discussed. Short-time irradiation does not offer radiobiological advantages. On the other hand, flexibility in modelling absorbed dose distributions, excellent reproducibility of applications and therefore a possibility of reliable procedures in higher fractionation, and above all the possibility to avoid hospitalisation in the great majority of patients are a decisive argument in favour of the proposed system, not only from a medical and psychological point of view, but also for economic reasons. (orig.)