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Updated: May 24, 2026
08:34
Proton Therapy Delivery and Its Clinical Application in Select Solid Tumor Malignancies
Published on: February 6, 2019
Radiation therapy: neoadjuvant, adjuvant, or not at all
1Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. tdelaney@partners.org
Surgical Oncology Clinics of North America
|February 28, 2012
Summary
Radiation therapy improves tumor control in extremity sarcomas when combined with surgery. While data is limited for retroperitoneal sarcomas, radiotherapy shows potential benefits for these tumors too.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Extremity sarcomas show improved local tumor control with sophisticated radiation techniques and limb-sparing surgery.
- Controlled data for retroperitoneal sarcomas is lacking, but some studies suggest radiotherapy benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the role and advances of radiation therapy in managing sarcomas.
- To review indications and techniques for radiation delivery in sarcoma treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical trial data for extremity sarcomas.
- Discussion of available studies on retroperitoneal sarcomas.
- Exploration of different radiation delivery methods (external beam, brachytherapy) and timing (pre-operative, post-operative, intra-operative).
Main Results:
- Radiation therapy, combined with expert surgical resection, enhances local tumor control in extremity sarcomas with acceptable morbidity.
- Evidence for retroperitoneal sarcomas is less definitive but suggests a potential benefit from radiotherapy.
Conclusions:
- Sophisticated radiation techniques are crucial for optimizing outcomes in sarcoma treatment.
- Radiation therapy is a valuable modality in the multidisciplinary management of both extremity and potentially retroperitoneal sarcomas.
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