Comparison of local recurrence with conventional and intensity-modulated radiation therapy for primary soft-tissue sarcomas of the extremity

Abstract

Purpose: The use of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) of the extremity is increasing, but no large-scale direct comparison has been reported between conventional external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and IMRT. Results: Treatment groups were comparable in terms of tumor location, histology, tumor size, depth, and use of chemotherapy. Patients treated with IMRT were older (P =.08), had more high-grade lesions (P =.05), close (< 1 mm) or positive margins (P =.04), preoperative radiation (P