[Results of a randomized prospective trial comparing postoperative abdominopelvic radiotherapy with postoperative chemotherapy in early ovarian cancer].
OBJECTIVE
In a prospective randomized trial, our aim was to evaluate and compare the tolerance and efficacy of postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy in the treatment of early ovarian cancer.


METHODS
Between 1990 and 1996, 150 patients with ovarian cancer stage IA, IB grades G2-3, and all patients classified IC and IIA, who did not have evidence of residual disease after surgery, were randomized to two treatment branches: radiotherapy or chemotherapy (CH). In the radiotherapy branch (76 patients), a whole abdomen irradiation of 30 Gy in 24 fractions over 5 weeks, with a pelvic boost to 50 Gy, was delivered. In the chemotherapy branch (74 patients), there were six series of polychemotherapy separated with 3-weeks interval. In each series patients received association of cisplatin (50 mg/m2, d1), adriamycin (50 mg/m2, d1) and cyclophosphamide (500 mg/m2, d1).


RESULTS
The tolerance of the treatment was good and comparable in both groups. In the radiotherapy branch, three late grade G3 intestinal complications were observed (three bowel obstructions, which required surgery in two cases). The actuarial survival rate without evidence of disease was 81% at 5 years for both groups. In our series we found that histological grade had the strongest influence on survival prognosis; it was the only significant factor in a multivariate analysis. Patients with grade G3 tumors had the worst survival.


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that efficacy of postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy administered to our patients with early ovarian cancer gave approximately identical results.
Service de gynécologie oncologique, institut oncologique, 11, rue Garncarska, 31-115 Cracovie, Pologne.
Z
Z
Kojs
B
B
Glinski
M
M
Reinfuss
J
J
Pudelek
K
K
Urbanski
T
T
Kowalska
J
J
Kulpa
D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies