Bone sarcomas

Abstract

The literature on radiotherapy for sarcomas originating in bone is limited, and the disease is uncommon. Consequently, this review is based on only 28 scientific articles, including 6 randomized studies, 1 prospective study, and 11 retrospective studies. These studies involve 1 394 patients. Radiotherapy is of limited value for treating the primary tumors of osteosarcoma. The effects of prophylactic lung irradiation for treating osteosarcoma are unconfirmed. Radiotherapy represents an integrated component of primary treatment for Ewing's sarcoma, but different fractionation schedules should be assessed. Radiotherapy is of limited value in the treatment of chondrosarcoma. © 1996 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved.