External-beam Radiation Therapy Combined with Limb-sparing Surgery in Elderly Patients (>70 years) with Primary Soft Tissue Sarcomas of the Extremities : A retrospective Analysis

Overview

Journal Strahlenther Onkol

Specialties Oncology
Radiology

Date 2017 Feb 24

PMID 28229172

Citations 4

Authors

Claudia Andra

Alexander Klein

Hans Roland Durr

Josefine Rauch

Lars Hartwin Lindner

Thomas Knoesel

Martin Angele

Andrea Baur-Melnyk

Claus Belka

Falk Roeder

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose: To report our experience with EBRT combined with limb-sparing surgery in elderly patients (>70 years) with primary extremity soft tissue sarcomas (STS).

Methods: Retrospectively analyzed were 35 patients (m:f 18:17, median 78 years) who all presented in primary situation without nodal/distant metastases (Charlson score 0/1 in 18 patients; ≥2 in 17 patients). Median tumor size was 10 cm, mainly located in lower limb (83%). Stage at presentation (UICC7th) was Ib:3%, 2a:20%, 2b:20%, and 3:57%. Most lesions were high grade (97%), predominantly leiomyosarcoma (26%) and undifferentiated pleomorphic/malignant fibrous histiocytoma (23%). Limb-sparing surgery was preceded (median 50 Gy) or followed (median 66 Gy) by EBRT.

Results: Median follow-up was 37 months (range 1-128 months). Margins were free in 26 patients (74%) and microscopically positive in 9 (26%). Actuarial 3‑ and 5‑year local control rates were 88 and 81% (4 local recurrences). Corresponding rates for distant control, disease-specific survival, and overall survival were 57/52%, 76/60%, and 72/41%. The 30-day mortality was 0%. Severe postoperative complications were scored in 8 patients (23%). Severe acute radiation-related toxicity was observed in 2 patients (6%). Patients with Charlson score ≥2 had a significantly increased risk for severe postoperative complications and acute radiation-related side effects. Severe late toxicities were found in 7 patients (20%), including fractures in 3 (8.6%). Final limb preservation rate was 97%.

Conclusion: Combination of EBRT and limb-sparing surgery is feasible in elderly patients with acceptable toxicities and encouraging but slightly inferior outcome compared to younger patients. Comorbidity correlated with postoperative complications and acute toxicities. Late fracture risk seems slightly increased.

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