Carcinoma of the Endometrium: Radiation and Surgery Versus Surgery Alone

The results in 282 cases of endometrial carcinoma treated from 1941 to 1964 are reviewed. Surgery alone was used during the first fifteen years. The survival rate was 60% (70% in resectable cases). Preoperative intrauterine and vaginal radium was added to the treatment regimen in 1956 and survival rate increased to 78% (89% in resectable cases). In comparable groups, surgery alone yielded a 79% survival rate versus 91% for combined therapy. Recurrences, which carry a poor prognosis, were more frequent after surgery alone. Current evidence, though inconclusive, favors combined therapy for most patients.