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Radiation-induced dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma with orbital invasion
Brett W Davies1, Christina R Prescott, Sherif A Said
1*Department of Ophthalmology, Oculoplastic and Orbital Surgery, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, Colorado; †Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland; ‡Department of Pathology, Denver Health Medical Center; §Colorado Head and Neck Specialists, Denver, Colorado, U.S.A.; ‖Department of Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University of São Paulo, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil; ¶King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; #Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, Colorado; and **Texas Oculoplastic Consultants, Austin, Texas, U.S.A.
Radiation therapy in childhood can increase the risk of developing secondary chondrosarcoma, a rare bone cancer, in the orbit. Lifetime monitoring is crucial for early detection in patients with a history of radiation exposure.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Ophthalmology
- Radiotherapy
Background:
- Chondrosarcoma is a rare malignant tumor arising from cartilage.
- Orbital tumors can significantly impact vision and facial structure.
- Radiotherapy is a common treatment modality for various childhood cancers and benign conditions.
Observation:
- Two cases of dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma involving the orbit are presented.
- Both patients had a history of childhood radiotherapy for retinoblastoma and craniofacial fibrous dysplasia, respectively.
- The latency period between radiotherapy and chondrosarcoma diagnosis was over three decades in both instances.
Findings:
- Dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma developed in the orbit years after therapeutic radiation exposure.
- The tumors occurred in distinct anatomical locations within the orbit and adjacent structures.
- Literature review indicates a potential link between radiation and secondary orbital chondrosarcoma.
Implications:
- These findings underscore the long-term risk of secondary malignancies following radiotherapy.
- Lifetime surveillance is recommended for individuals treated with radiation during childhood, particularly for orbital tumors.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and optimize monitoring strategies for radiation-induced sarcomas.
