Definitive Radiation Therapy for Angiosarcoma of the Face and Scalp

Abstract

Aim: To examine the role of radiation therapy (RT) and factors' influence on tumor control for angiosarcoma of the face and scalp (AS-FS).

Patients and methods: We reviewed the records of 14 patients with histopathology proven AS-FS (median age=77 years) who underwent RT between 2000 and 2015. A total dose of 60 to 100 Gy was administered in 24 to 50 fractions. The median calculated biological effective dose (BED) was 93 Gy (range=63.25-120) based on α/β=10. The median follow-up was 16 months (range=5-62).

Results: Of the 14 patients, 8 patients (57%) experienced disease recurrence. The median overall survival (OS) rate was 31 months. The 1-year actuarial OS, event-free survival (EFS) and local control (LC) rates were 83%, 71% and 71%, respectively. In univariate analysis, age ≥78years was a significant prognostic factor for LC and OS. BED ≥95Gy was highly correlated with increased LC with borderline significance (p=0.06).

Conclusion: Older patients had significantly lower survival rates and higher local recurrence rates than younger patients. The higher radiation dose may have a potential to improve local control for AS-FS.

Keywords: BED; Radiation therapy; age; angiosarcoma; prognostic factors.