Radiation-induced sarcomas

J Long Term Eff Med Implants. 2011;21(3):233-40. doi: 10.1615/jlongtermeffmedimplants.v21.i3.70.

Abstract

Radiation-induced sarcomas are rare, high-grade sarcomas that may arise within the radiation volume at a mean latency period of 3-55 years after radiation therapy, doses of which range from 45 to 60 Gy. Radiation-induced osteosarcomas, fibrosarcomas, and malignant fibrous histiocytomas are the most common. Extensive surgery with microscopically negative-margin resection, or amputation is recommended for improved survival. Adjuvant radiation therapy and chemotherapy have not been shown to improve survival rates significantly. The prognosis is poor.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced* / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced* / epidemiology
  • Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced* / therapy
  • Prognosis
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects*
  • Sarcoma* / diagnosis
  • Sarcoma* / epidemiology
  • Sarcoma* / therapy
  • Survival Analysis