Management of radiation-induced sarcomas in a tertiary referral centre: a review of 25 cases

Abstract

Introduction: Radiation-induced sarcomas are a rare and late complication of radiotherapy for breast carcinoma which often have poor prognosis.

Methods: This study is a retrospective review of 25 patients referred to a regional sarcoma unit between 1978 and 2009.

Results: Radiation-induced sarcoma following the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer occurred after a mean period of 156 months. Anatomical sites involved were the breast, chest wall, clavicle, scapula, humerus and axilla. Twenty one patients had wide local excision followed by chest wall reconstruction, latissimus dorsi flap cover or limb amputation. The estimated five years survival following the diagnosis of the radiation-induced sarcoma was 27% and the local recurrence rate 52%.

Conclusion: Radiation-induced sarcoma following breast cancer has high local recurrence rate and poor prognosis. They should be managed in a multi-disciplinary setting. Long-term follow-up of patients treated with radiotherapy for breast cancer is therefore advisable.