Radiation Therapy Improves Survival in Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Timothy M. Zagar, Robert R. Shenk, Julian A. Kim, Deb Harpp, Charles A. Kunos, Fadi W. Abdul-Karim, William C. Chen, Yuji Seo, Timothy J. Kinsella
Primary Institution: Case Medical Center, University Hospitals
Hypothesis
Does the addition of radiation therapy to gross total resection improve survival rates in patients with retroperitoneal sarcoma?
Conclusion
Radiation therapy, when added to surgery, significantly improves long-term survival and disease control in patients with retroperitoneal sarcoma.
Supporting Evidence
- The 2-year overall survival rate was 70% with a median survival of 52 months.
- Patients treated with radiation therapy had a 2-year locoregional control rate of 77%.
- Patients receiving radiation therapy experienced no significant increase in acute or late toxicities.
Takeaway
If you have a type of cancer called retroperitoneal sarcoma, getting radiation therapy along with surgery can help you live longer and keep the cancer from coming back.
Methodology
This study analyzed 31 patients with retroperitoneal sarcoma who underwent gross total resection and received radiation therapy, either preoperatively or postoperatively.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to the retrospective nature of the study.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and lacks a randomized control group.
Participant Demographics
65% female, 90% Caucasian, median age 56 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.03
Confidence Interval
SE +/- 19%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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