Radiation therapy in carcinoma of the vulva.A review of 53 patients

Fifty-three patients were treated with radiation therapy for carcinoma of the vulva. Twenty-four of these patients received primary radiation therapy, and the absolute 5-year survival for this group was 8.3% (2/24). Twenty patients were treated for post-surgicl recurrence with an absolute 5-year survival of 20% (4/20). Surgery is considered the treatment of choice in this disease entity. However, radiation therapy may be indicated when localized cancer, either primary or recurrent, has extended beyond the limits of surgicalresection; when distant metastases are present; when the patient's general condition precludes surgery, or when surgery is refused. Following is a discussion f our experience in the treatment of carcinoma of the vulva and the problems encountered with the use of radiation therapy.