Abstract
To evaluate the role of combined hyperthermia and radiotherapy in the management of soft tissue sarcoma, a multi-institutional retrospective analysis was under taken by the JASTRO Hyperthermia Study Group. Clinical records of soft tissue sarcoma treated with thermoradiotherapy in three Japanese institutions were reviewed. In total 71 tumors were enrolled at this study. Thirty-eight male and 33 female. Main treatment sites were lower limbs (26) and pelvic cavities (15). Maximum tumor diameter was 11.6±6.6cm and maximum tumor depth was 7.2±4cm. Average radiation dose was 47.1±14.1 Gy and average heating sessions and average heating time were 7.1±3 and 47.8±7.5min, respectively. Primary effect 1 month after combined treatment was CR in 8 tumors, PR in 25 tumors and NR in 38 tumors, and the overall response rate was 36%(33/71). Local response rate according to radiation dose, 33% at less than 30 Gy and 88% at more than 60 Gy, respectively. Higher radiation dose showed higher response rate. Correlation between intra-tumor (maximum, average and minimum) temperature and local response was analyzed. No positive correlation was observed. The relation between various factors including tumor and treatment parameters and survivals were analysed. Multi-variate analysis showed that the treatment site (lower extremities), tumor volume less than 800cm3, average heating time more than 45 min and no previous radiation history were statistically significant factors.
