The Development Of Gynecological Radiotherapy/Oncology In Sweden

Abstract

The development of gynecological radiotherapy and oncology during this century has changed the methods of diagnosis and treatment of cancer and given better results. From the beginning the gynecologist could only palpate and inspect. Later on roentgen examination was introduced and later still microscopic diagnosis, more advanced diagnostic methods, e.g. endoscopy, ultrasound, isotope examination, advanced microscopic diagnosis and computerized tomography. In parallel with the development in diagnosis, treatment has developed. To start with surgery was the only method available. Later on intracavitary radiation, low energy radiation, endocrine therapy, chemotherapy and high energy treatment became available along with some experimental therapies. Today we have a broad range of therapeutic tools to use. In the future we might use profylaxis more than we do today to prevent cancer and when cancer is already there we might enhance the immune defense or introduce specific immunotherapy with clonal antibodies, specially made for the actual tumour, and consequently surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy will be often less used.

It is, of course, impossible in a short paper to review fully the development of gynecological radiotherapy/oncology in Sweden. The following is a short review based on my personal selection of some important and interesting developments in the field of gynecological radiotherapy/oncology, especially treatment of cancer of the cervix uteri (1).