SINGLE DOSE WHOLE PELVIS MEGAVOLTAGE IRRADIATION FOR PALLIATIVE CONTROL OF HEMATURIA OR URETERAL OBSTRUCTION

Of 7 patients with bladder carcinoma whose medical condition or disease status prevented an operation 5 had intractable vesical hemorrhage and 2 had progressive azotemia caused by ureteral obstruction. These patients were treated with pelvic irradiation of 1,000 rad single doses. Four patients received 3 doses 3 to 4 wk apart and 1 patient received 2 doses at a 4-wk interval. Prompt cessation of bleeding occurred in all patients and renal function improved in the 2 patients with ureteral obstruction.