WHOLE ABDOMINAL IRRADIATION BY A MOVING-STRIP TECHNIQUE FOR PATIENTS WITH OVARIAN-CANCER

A technique of moving-strip irradiation of the whole abdomen was utilized in a randomized trial for patients with ovarian cancer. Subjects were classified as being in stages III, II and III and a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and hysterectomy had been completed. With regards both to 5-year survival and control of occult upper abdominal metastases, abdominopelvic irradiation using this technique was significantly better than pelvic irradiation alone or followed by chlorambucil therapy. The essential features of the technique used are (1) Therapy began with pelvic irradiation 2250 rad in 10 fractions followed immediately by a downward moving-strip that encompassed the entire abdomen and pelvis. (2) The dose to the moving-strip was 2250 rad in 10 fractions. (3) The superior border was placed above the diaphragm. This was confirmed on a radiograph taken in expiration. (4) No liver shielding was used. (5) Posterior renal shielding was used throughout (5-half value layer (HVL)). (6) The patients were treated while in a prone position; two fields were treated per day, using an isocentric technique. Serious or symptomatic late complications were rare and were amply justified by a survival gain of approximately 30%. © 1979.