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Re-irradiation of soft-tissue sarcoma
J D Graham1, M H Robinson, C L Harmer
1Sarcoma Unit, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK.
The British Journal of Radiology
|February 1, 1992
Summary
Re-irradiation for soft-tissue sarcoma recurrence offers limb salvage. Radical re-treatment improved survival, while palliative approaches showed limited benefit but achieved local control in some cases.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Re-irradiation for malignancy recurrence is established for head and neck sites.
- Its use for soft-tissue sarcoma recurrence is less common.
- Initial management often involves limb-sparing surgery and radiotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of re-irradiation for local recurrence of soft-tissue sarcoma.
- To assess the potential for limb conservation and survival benefit.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 10 patients with soft-tissue sarcoma recurrence.
- Re-irradiation using external-beam techniques (high-energy electrons or megavoltage photons).
- Doses ranged from 12-60 Gy for radical or palliative intent.
Main Results:
- Median survival post-re-treatment was 14 months.
- Patients treated with radical intent (40-60 Gy) had a median survival of 36 months and recurrence-free survival of 16 months.
- Limb conservation was achieved in 8 out of 10 patients; acute reactions were generally not severe.
Conclusions:
- Re-irradiation of soft-tissue sarcoma offers good local control and can help avoid amputation.
- Radical re-irradiation demonstrates promising survival outcomes.
- Palliative re-irradiation may achieve local control but has not improved survival in this series.