[Carcinoma of the cervix. Stages I and 2 proximal. Treatment by radiotherapy alone (author's transl)].

Carcinoma of the cervix stages 1 and 2 (1b and 2a) can be treated either with physical agents exclusively, or by surgery or by combining the two methods. No randomized trial has been performed until now, and to assess the different techniques, the different results found in literature must be used. We analyse here the results of the C.R.L.C. of Montpellier. The improvement of the results over last years' survey, can be judged after the use of external radiotherapy, which started in 1967. The doses must be given according to the size as well as the stage of the lesion. A thourough study of relevant literature confirms the fact that results are as good when only physical agents are used than with other techniques. Local recurrence are exceptional at stage T1, and no more than 4 to 5 per cent at stage T2 (proximal parametrium included. Whem comparing the side-effects and complications to those in other methods (but which are very rare after radio-therapy, at an early stage), the quality of the results may be seen. Actually, side-effects which occur at more advanced stages should not have an influence on the choice of the therapy in the early stages. We can conclude that there is a link between the course of the carcinoma and the chosen therapy starting from early forms to more advanced stages, and that physical agents can in every circumstance be used with benefit.