Brachytherapy and function preservation in the localized management of soft tissue sarcomas of the extremity Journal Article
| Authors: | Harrison, L. B.; Zelefsky, M. J.; Armstrong, J. G.; Schupak, K. D.; Brennan, M. F. |
| Article Title: | Brachytherapy and function preservation in the localized management of soft tissue sarcomas of the extremity |
| Abstract: | Over the past 20 years, it has become evident that limb preservation is possible in the management of soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities. Amputation has been generally replaced by more conservative operations that preserve limb function, followed by radiation therapy. Although external beam irradiation has been the most commonly applied adjuvant, there has been increasing interest in using brachytherapy instead of external beam therapy. The reasons for this trend include the apparent equivalence of local control for properly selected patients using brachytherapy, improved patient convenience, shorter treatment time, and lower cost. A recetly, published report of a prospective randomized trial shows statistically significant improvement in local control when brachytherapy is added to surgery for high grade sarcomas. The treatment concepts used when using brachytherapy challenge many of the original teachings for external beam irradiation with regard to field size, volume irradiated, and the tissues that require treatment in the postoperative setting. This article addresses these controversies, as well as reviews the evolving role of brachytherapy in the management of soft tissue sarcomas. Issues such as patient selection, integration with other local therapies, and complications are highlighted, and special situations are discussed. © 1993 W.B. Saunders Company. All rights reserved. |
| Keywords: | cancer surgery; limb salvage; major clinical study; review; cancer recurrence; cancer radiotherapy; prospective study; iodine 125; soft tissue sarcoma; brachytherapy; randomization; cancer control; thorax wall tumor; iridium 192; desmoid tumor; preservation; complication; beam therapy; human |
| Journal Title: | Seminars in Radiation Oncology |
| Volume: | 3 |
| Issue: | 4 |
| ISSN: | 1053-4296 |
| Publisher: | Elsevier Inc. |
| Date Published: | 1993-10-01 |
| Start Page: | 260 |
| End Page: | 269 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.1016/s1053-4296(05)80123-7 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| PUBMED: | 10717078 |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | Article -- Export Date: 1 March 2019 -- Source: Scopus |
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