title: Clinical results in carcinoma of the cervix: radium compared to caesium using remote afterloading.
abstract: In 1979 the Cancer Control Agency of British Columbia changed from radium to remote controlled afterloaded caesium in the treatment of carcinoma of the cervix. In the 3 years prior to the change, 139 patients received radium as part of their treatment and in the 3 years after the change, 158 patients received caesium. Overall referral patterns, patient and cancer demographics, and treatment policies were stable throughout the 6-year period. Radiotherapy technique, dose, dose distribution and dose rate were comparable for both radium and caesium treated patients. The results of treatment in the two time periods showed no difference in survival, local tumour control or complications. The use of afterloading has not compromised treatment results and has allowed better nursing care for patients and protection from radiation for all staff.
authors.affiliation: Division of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Control Agency of British Columbia, Vancouver.
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Jackson
authors.forename: R N
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Fairey
authors.forename: R O
authors.initials: RO
authors.lastname: Kornelsen
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: F L
authors.initials: FL
authors.lastname: Wong
mesh_terms: D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D002588:Cesium Radioisotopes / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000401:mortality; D011379:Prognosis; D011883:Radium / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000532:radiotherapy*
chemical_list: D002588:Cesium Radioisotopes; D011883:Radium