Dosimetry of combined intracavitary and external irradiation of carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

Dose distribution around intracavitary applicators (Stockholm technique) has been investigated. The gradient of dose around the combination of intrauterine and vaginal applicators used is steep. The position of the uterus with and without the radium applicators inserted varies. Together with the steep dose gradient this implies that external irradiation following intracavitary treatment involves a risk for overdosage to tissues in the vicinity of the uterus and underdosage to the parametrium.