[Young adults with Ewing's sarcoma]

Ewing's sarcoma was diagnosed in three men, one aged 22 and two aged 30. The disease was diagnosed by biopsy and chromosome investigations (t(11;22)-translocation). In the youngest patient with localised disease, supplementary radiotherapy was withheld in view of the good results of induction chemotherapy, surgery and consolidation chemotherapy. However, four months later, there was a localised recurrence, again followed by induction chemotherapy, chemotherapy at high dosage, stem cell transplantation, radiotherapy and finally surgical intervention, after which a complete remission was achieved. The 30-year-old man with localised disease was given induction chemotherapy, surgery, consolidation chemotherapy and radiotherapy; 14 months after the diagnosis he was in good condition. The other 30-year-old man had metastases in TXII and both lungs. Despite intensive therapy he died 8 months after diagnosis. Ewing's sarcoma is a musculoskeletal malignancy that occurs in children and adolescents but also in young adults. It generally manifests itself as a painful swelling originating in bone or soft tissue. There are often accompanying symptoms such as weight loss and fever. In 20-25% of cases there are already metastases (to the lungs, bone and bone marrow) by the time of diagnosis. The diagnosis and treatment of this rare, therapy-sensitive disease should take place in a study setting and in co-operation with a multidisciplinary sarcoma working group.