Isolated limb perfusion and external beam radiotherapy for soft tissue sarcomas of the extremity: long-term effects on normal tissue according to the LENT-SOMA scoring system.

Background: With the combined treatment procedure of isolated limb perfusion (ILP), delayed surgical resection and external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for locally advanced soft tissue sarcomas (STS) of the extremities, limb salvage rates of more than 80% can be achieved. However, long-term damage to the healthy surrounding tissue cannot be prevented. We studied the late effects on the normal tissue using the LENT-SOMA scoring system.

Long-term locoregional vascular morbidity after isolated limb perfusion and external-beam radiotherapy for soft tissue sarcoma of the extremity.

Background: Isolated limb perfusion (ILP) with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and melphalan, followed by delayed surgical resection and adjuvant external-beam radiotherapy is a limb salvage treatment strategy for locally advanced soft tissue sarcomas. The long-term vascular side effects of this combined procedure were evaluated.

Methods: Thirty-two patients were treated for a locally advanced sarcoma of the upper (n = 5) or lower limb (n = 27).

Isolated limb perfusion with tumor necrosis factor alpha and melphalan for locally advanced soft tissue sarcoma: three time periods at risk for amputation.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term limb salvage rate and overall survival after isolated limb perfusion (ILP) with tumor necrosis factor alpha and melphalan for locally advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS).

Methods: From 1991 to 2003, 73 patients (36 men, 37 women, median age 54 [range 14-80] years) with biopsy-proven STS underwent 77 perfusions followed by delayed surgical resection, with or without adjuvant radiation. Limb salvage and overall survival curves were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method.

Quality of life after hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion for locally advanced extremity soft tissue sarcoma.

Background: Quality of life (QoL) and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) were studied in patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS) of the extremities treated with isolated limb perfusion and delayed resection, with or without adjuvant irradiation.

Methods: Forty-one patients received a questionnaire that included the RAND-36 and Impact of Event Scale.

Results: Thirty-nine STS survivors (16 [41%] male and 23 [59%] female; median age, 59 years; range, 15-78 years) participated in the questionnaire survey (response rate, 95%).

Isolated limb perfusion with tumor necrosis factor alpha and melphalan for locally advanced soft tissue sarcoma: the value of adjuvant radiotherapy.

Background: The aim was to investigate the value of adjuvant radiotherapy for locally advanced soft tissue sarcoma after hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion (ILP) with tumor necrosis factor alpha and melphalan followed by limb-saving surgery.

Methods: From 1991 to 2003, 73 patients (median age, 54 years; range, 14-80 years) underwent 77 ILPs, followed by resection in 68 patients (93%). Radiotherapy was administered in case of marginally or microscopically positive resection margins.

Radiation-induced sarcoma: a challenge for the surgeon.

Background: Treatment of radiation-induced sarcoma (RIS) remains an unsolved problem. To provide more insight into the disease process, its characteristics, outcome, and potential outcome determinants were defined.

Methods: From 1978 to 2003, 27 patients--20 females (74%) and 7 males (26%) with a median age 44 years (range, 1-73 years) at the time of diagnosis of the primary tumor--developed an RIS after a median interval of 8 years (range, 3-41 years).