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Irradiation for control of hypersplenism and painful splenomegaly in myeloid metaplasia

Journal Article · · Int. J. Radiat. Oncol., Biol. Phys.; (United States)
In a large series of patients with myeloid metaplasia seen over 8 years, 25 required treatment for painful splenomegaly. Splenectomy was contra-indicated in fourteen of the patients who received 21 courses of megavoltage splenic irradiation as alternative management. The dose required for long-term palliative effect was usually low, i.e., median dose 600 rad in 9 fractions. Spleen enlargement prior to treatment ranged from 2 cm to 20 cm below the costal margin. All 21 treatments produced palliation of pain and 20 (95%) resulted in reduction of spleen size: 6 complete (28%) and 14 partial (67%) responses lasted from 1 to over 73 months, and in 4 patients, over 24 months. No serious hematologic side effects were encountered. Splenic irradiation in myeloid metaplasia has been reported to be hazardous; however, our experience indicates that cautious irradiation can be a safe and useful therapeutic alternative.
Research Organization:
Harvard Medical School, Boston
OSTI ID:
6844889
Journal Information:
Int. J. Radiat. Oncol., Biol. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: Int. J. Radiat. Oncol., Biol. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 2:11-12; ISSN IOBPD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English