[Pion radiation therapy of non-resectable bone- and soft tissue sarcomas at the Swiss Institute for Nuclear Research]

Schweiz Med Wochenschr. 1988 Mar 12;118(10):333-40.
[Article in German]

Abstract

A dynamic, tumor conforming treatment technique ("spot scan") for deep-seated tumors using pions (negative pi-mesons) has been in use at the Swiss Institute for Nuclear Research (SIN) since November 1981. This technique, with a favorable integral dose distribution, allows curative irradiation especially for large, unresectable tumors in the retroperitoneal and pelvic region. Between 1983 and 1986, 26 patients with sarcomas were treated: 18 had soft tissue sarcomas and 8 bone sarcomas. The tumor volumes ranged from 36 to 3400 cc. After previous therapy (23/26 patients) 14 out of 23 patients had progressive disease. In 20 fractions over 5 weeks a total dose of 30-36 Gy (90%-isodose) was administered. In a follow-up period of 9-50 months (median 14 months), the two year local control rate (Kaplan-Meier) for the soft tissue sarcomas was 93.3% and the two year survival rate 67.9%. Each of the 6 patients with bone sarcomas treated with curative intent showed clinically local tumor control. After a total dose of 30-36 Gy, no severe radiation induced morbidity was found.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bone Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Elementary Particles*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mesons*
  • Middle Aged
  • Palliative Care
  • Pelvic Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Retroperitoneal Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Sarcoma / radiotherapy*