Case Study: Heavy Ion Therapy for Recurrent Myxoid Liposarcoma of the Lower Leg Post-Reirradiation

Case Study: Heavy Ion Therapy for Recurrent Myxoid Liposarcoma of the Lower Leg Post-Reirradiation

Radiotherapy is one of the important treatment modalities for soft tissue sarcomas. Preoperative or postoperative radiotherapy can reduce the risk of local tumor recurrence. Extensive local resection combined with preoperative or postoperative radiotherapy achieves long-term survival rates comparable to amputation while preserving limb function. In recent years, with advancements in radiotherapy techniques, the risk of normal tissue damage from radiotherapy for soft tissue sarcomas has been decreasing. Results from randomized clinical trials have shown that patients with soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities who undergo limb-sparing surgery combined with adjuvant radiotherapy have survival rates comparable to those treated with amputation. Some studies have also confirmed that postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy for high-grade soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities improves local control rates while prolonging patient survival. Heavy ion therapy, due to its potent tumor-killing effect, is also effective against tumors that are insensitive to conventional radiotherapy.

Indications for heavy ion therapy for bone and soft tissue sarcomas:

1. Bone and soft tissue tumors of the head and neck, skull base, trunk, and extremities, including those that are inoperable (or when surgery is refused), or are postoperative residual or recurrent;
2. Bone and soft tissue tumors with R1 (microscopic residual) or R2 (macroscopic residual) disease after surgery;
3. Bone and soft tissue tumors that have recurred after radiotherapy.

Content Source: Li XJ, Zhang YS, Ye YC, et al. Carbon ion therapy for recurrent myxoid liposarcoma of the lower leg after second surgery and postoperative radiotherapy: a case report. Journal of Modern Oncology. 2022;30(02):314-318.

[Case Providing Physician: Li Xiaojun, Department: First Department of Radiotherapy Center (Lanzhou Campus)]