The results of postoperative radiotherapy in patients with renal cell carcinoma in third stage of clinical advancement based on data of Greatpoland Cancer Centre

Abstract

The role of complementary radiotherapy in patients with stage III renal cell carcinoma after radical nephrectomy still remains a matter of discussion. In connection with lack of alternative solutions the treatment is still conducted in many centres. In Greatpoland Cancer Centre in period 1985–1991 complementary radiotherapy was carried out in 169 patients with infiltration of adipose capsule and/or renal stalk or metastases in closest lymph nodes confirmed during operation.

The patients were irradiated from two opposite fields including a bed of the removed kidney and regional lymph nodes. Total dose amounted 50 Gy (25 fractions), 2 Gy daily, five times a week.

Early complications after radiotherapy like lack of appetite, diarrhoea and moderate leucopenia, disappearing after pharmacologhical treatment, were observed in 20% of patients and did not cause interruption in treatment. No late complications were observed.

5-year survival without recurrence was achieved in 47% of thease patients. In the whole group only four local recurrences were found. The reasons of treatment failure were distant metastases. We proved that teleradiotherapy turned out to be efficient method protecting against local recurrence of disease but did not influence significantly 5-year survival rate.