Multimodality therapy for carcinoma of the Bartholin gland.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to report the value of chemoradiation in the management of cancers of the Bartholin gland.

METHODS

Primary treatment consisting of 45-46 Gy teletherapy radiation to the vulva, pelvis, and groins in combination with 50 mg/m(2) of cisplatin and 1000 mg/m(2)/day of 5-fluorouracil for 5 days during the first and fifth weeks of irradiation was delivered, followed by interstitial implant or excision.

RESULTS

Two patients were free of disease at 30 and 59 months following therapy. Both patients required myocutaneous flap closure, one after excision of tumor after radiation and one after radionecrosis at the implant site.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary chemoradiation may allow continence-sparing therapy for women with primary carcinoma of the Bartholin gland.