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Postirradiation sarcoma of the head and neck
1Radiation Medical Group, San Diego, California.
Cancer
|August 1, 1993
Summary
The risk of developing postirradiation sarcoma (PIS) after head and neck radiation therapy is low. This risk appears comparable to other cancer treatments, suggesting radiation therapy remains a viable treatment option.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Increasing cancer survival rates necessitate understanding treatment-related side effects.
- Sarcomas can arise in areas previously treated with radiation therapy.
- This study evaluates sarcoma risk post-radiation compared to other cancer treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the risk of sarcoma development following head and neck radiation therapy.
- To compare this risk with sarcomas arising from other cancer treatment modalities.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 229 head and neck sarcoma cases at UCLA Medical Center (1955-1988).
- Identified 13 patients (6%) with prior head and neck radiation therapy.
- Analyzed radiation doses and latency periods for postirradiation sarcoma (PIS).
Main Results:
- Radiation doses ranged from 30 to 124.4 Gy in 10 patients.
- Latency from radiation to PIS varied from 3 months to 50 years (median 12 years).
- Over 2000 patients received head and neck radiation at UCLA since 1955.
Conclusions:
- Most head and neck sarcomas are not radiation-related.
- The risk of PIS after head and neck irradiation is low.
- PIS risk is comparable to mortality risks from chemotherapy, surgery, and anesthesia, supporting radiation therapy's use.