The Effects of Shortened and Massive Electron-beam Fractionated Radiotherapy on Extremely Old Patients with Hemangiosarcoma of the Scalp

Abstract

Recently we treated three patients who were more than 90 years old and had hemangiosarcoma of the scalp. They had no distant metastasis. Considering their extreme ages, we treated them only with massive electron-beam fractionated radiotherapy (2.5 Gy per day×28 times, total 70 Gy), which was completed within 6 weeks. All the cases responded very well to this treatment without any radiodermatitis or systemic side effects. This treatment shortened their admission time and allowed easy care after discharge. They have had no recurrences in the follow-up terms of six months, one year five months, and two years, respectively. We suggest that this radiotherapy can supply a high QOL for extremely old patients with hemangiosarcoma.