A critical analysis of the latest results in the treatment of epithelial ovarian carcinomas indicates significant progress. Postoperative radiotherapy using the moving-strip technique is the treatment of choice in stages I a (grade 2 and 3 lesions and/or tumour rupture), Ib, II and III (asymptomatic) with residual tumours less than 2 cm in size. In the stages Ic, IIc and III (symptomatic) with residual tumours larger than 2 cm, radiotherapy may be curative following successful initial combination chemotherapy. This combined modality treatment is being investigated in our department in a prospective trial. The importance of prognostically significant factors (completeness of operation, age, histology, histological grade and adequate treatment) is discussed. The moving-strip technique is described in particular with regard to its practical application as basis of the modern therapeutic regimen for ovarian cancer.