ISSN:
1534-4681
Keywords:
Radiotherapy
;
Stomach cancer
;
Gastrectomy
;
Intraoperative radiotherapy
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Background: Fewer than 10% of patients presenting with adenocarcinoma of the stomach in the United States can expect to be cured. These discouraging results have led to trials of various adjuvant therapies. Some studies suggest a role for radiation in improving regional control. Radiation doses, however, are limited by the tolerance of abdominal organs. Methods: Between 1985 and 1989, the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group conducted a phase II study to determine the feasibility of using intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) in the treatment of adenocarcinoma of the stomach. Forty-three patients were entered into the study. Patients underwent maximal surgical resection (subtotal or total gastrectomy and regional node dissection) and IORT doses of 12.5–16.5 Gy were delivered in 27 patients. Adjuvant external beam radiation was given to 23 of the 27 patients with total doses ranging from 24 to 50 Gy. Results: Two-year actuarial survival in the 27 patients receiving IORT was 47% and median survival was 19.3 months. Disease-free survival was 27%. Fifteen percent failed locally only, 26% with distant metastases only and 22% with both. Acute postoperative complications occurred in 14% with one fatality. Severe late complications occurred in 7% with one fatality. Conclusions: Intraoperative radiotherapy combined with surgical resection and postoperative radiotherapy appears to be feasible without excessive morbidity in a multiinstitutional study. Its ultimate value requires further study.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02307060
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