Re-irradiation after radical dose radiotherapy: a case report challenging an established dogma

Lee Na Chong*, Thomas Michael Hughes

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Traditionally, external beam radiation therapy has a dogma pronouncing that re-irradiation of a region previously exposed to radical dose radiotherapy is contraindicated due to unacceptable risk to surrounding tissues. This edict is often zealously maintained to the detriment of certain, carefully selected patients that may benefit from re-irradiation. Liposarcoma is a high-grade malignancy with a poor prognosis and high rates of recurrence. A case is described of multiply recurrent liposarcoma that we treated with re-irradiation of an extended field encompassing the gross recurrent tumor mass and including the previously irradiated region. The patient had a very good cosmetic outcome and remained disease-free after 3 years of follow-up. The case demonstrates the potential to significantly improve patient care if established dogmas are challenged related to the re-irradiation of recurrent high-grade tumors. We propose that with careful patient selection, re-irradiation can be delivered safely to patients with recurrent tumors and contribute to improved clinical outcomes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1203-1208
Number of pages6
JournalCase Reports in Oncology
Volume16
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20 Oct 2023

Bibliographical note

Copyright the Author(s) 2023. Version archived for private and non-commercial use with the permission of the author/s and according to publisher conditions. For further rights please contact the publisher.

Keywords

  • Case report
  • Radiation therapy
  • Re-irradiation
  • Sarcoma

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Re-irradiation after radical dose radiotherapy: a case report challenging an established dogma'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this