Extremity preservation by combined modality therapy in sarcomas of the hand and foot: an analysis of local control, disease free survival and functional result
A primary tumor arising in the hand or foot represents an uncommon presentation for patients with Ewing's sarcoma (ES) or soft tissue sarcoma (STS). While there exists considerable literature on the treatment of extremity sarcomas, very little deals specifically with lesions of the hand or foot. It remains controversial whether these lesions can be successfully treated with combined modality therapy which preserves the extremity and maintains function. From 1972 to 1979, 10 patients with sarcomas arising in the hand or foot were treated with combined modality therapy at the National Cancer Institute. Seven patients with ES of bone received local irradiation to 5000 rad and combination chemotherapy following an incisional biopsy. Three patients with STS received a gross tumor excision and local irradiation to 6000 rad. Local control was achieved in nine patients (90%) with a follow-up of 30 to 119 months (median 56 months). These patients have complete or almost complete function of the treated extremity. Nine patients are alive with five patients remaining disease-free following the initial combined modality treatment. We conclude that for selected patients with sarcomas arising in the hand or foot, combined modality therapy which leaves the extremity intact results in excellent local tumor control and preserves function. Careful treatment planning is an essential aspect of successful radiation therapy of a hand or foot primary. Our treatment recommendations are outlined. This approach is a viable alternative to amputation in these patients.
- Research Organization:
- National Cancer Inst., Bethesda, MD
- OSTI ID:
- 5745016
- Journal Information:
- Int. J. Radiat. Oncol., Biol. Phys.; (United States), Vol. 9:8
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Effectiveness and Morbidity Associated With Reirradiation in Conservative Salvage Management of Recurrent Soft-Tissue Sarcoma
Dynamic pion irradiation of unresectable soft tissue sarcomas
Related Subjects
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
CHEMOTHERAPY
SIDE EFFECTS
FEET
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
SARCOMAS
HANDS
RADIOTHERAPY
PLANNING
DOXORUBICIN
ENDOXAN
HARD X RADIATION
ONCOVIN
PATIENTS
ALKALOIDS
ALKYLATING AGENTS
ANTI-INFECTIVE AGENTS
ANTIBIOTICS
ANTIMITOTIC DRUGS
ANTINEOPLASTIC DRUGS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BODY
BODY AREAS
DISEASES
DRUGS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE DRUGS
IONIZING RADIATIONS
LEGS
LIMBS
MEDICINE
NEOPLASMS
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATIONS
RADIOLOGY
THERAPY
X RADIATION
550603* - Medicine- External Radiation in Therapy- (1980-)
560151 - Radiation Effects on Animals- Man