Radiation therapy technique in soft tissue sarcomas of the extremity-policies of treatment at the national cancer institute

We have formulated certain treatment techniques for soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities in adults, based on the experience of treating 75 patients at the National Cancer Institute. Attaining a high likelihood of tumor control is heavily dependent on a variety of factors. These factors include a knowledge of the biological characteristics of the tumor, of the normal tissue anatomy and its relationship to the tumor and of the surgical techniques available and the details of the surgery already performed. Obtaining good long term function in the irradiated extremity is dependent on sparing a strip of soft tissue and using sophisticated radiation therapy techniques. These techniques include casting of the extremity for immobilization, using a variety of gantry and collimator angulations, using treatment planning for determining the necessity for wedges or compensating filters in the radiation field and utilizing secondary collimation. With this highly individualized approach to treatment of patients with soft tissue sarcomas, optimal results can be obtained.