Pediatric neuroblastoma: postoperative radiation therapy using less than 2000 rad

There is considerable controversy regarding the role of radiation therapy in the treatment of neuroblastoma. Postoperative irradiation in the range of 2500-4000 rad is commonly used in the treatment of Evans Stage II or III disease, but there are no data in the literature to suggest the optimum dose of radiation that is necessary. Because much lower doses have been used at the University of Florida, a retrospective study was undertaken in an attempt to determine the optimum dose necessary in conjunction with surgery. From March 1964 through July 1979, 21 children with Stage II or III neuroblastoma were seen at the University of Florida. One patient died postoperatively. The remainder received postoperative irradiation with doses ranging from 900 to 4500 rad. The lower dose of radiation used did not adversely influence survival, particularly for patients less than two years of age at diagnosis. In this group, no patient had a local recurrence or died of disease, even though nine of 15 available patients received doses of 900-1500 rad.