Palliation of recurrent myxofibrosarcoma with radiotherapy and hyperthermia

Ichinohe K, Kobayakawa M
Correspondence: Dr Kenji Ichinohe, koya@moon.odn.ne.jp

ABSTRACT
Soft tissue sarcomas are rare biologically and histologically heterogeneous neoplasms that may arise throughout the body. The preferred treatment is total resection with a sufficient margin. Radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy offers another treatment option, but its effectiveness is limited. Hyperthermia, a treatment method that heats tumour tissue by exposing the target tissues to conductive heat sources or non-ionising radiation, is known to enhance the effect of radiotherapy. We report a case of an elderly man with a second recurrent myxofibrosarcoma in the left groin, who responded well to radiotherapy in combination with hyperthermia. This combination treatment was effective in maintaining the patient’s quality of life during his remaining years.

Keywords: contralateral lymph node, hyperthermia, myxofibrosarcoma, palliative radiotherapy, recurrence
Singapore Med J 2010; 51(11): e187-e190