GRANULOCYTIC SARCOMA IN NONLEUKEMIC CHILDREN - REPORT OF 2 NEW CASES SUCCESSFULLY TREATED BY LOCAL RADIATION-THERAPY AND SYSTEMIC CHEMOTHERAPY

Granulocytic sarcoma (GS) is a rare tumor composed of immature myeloid cells, Exceedingly rare in! childhood, it has more commonly been desc ribed in association with acute myeloid leukemia, Occasional nonleukem ic patients generally go on to develop overt leukemia in a mean period of 10.5 months from diagnosis of GS, We report here two new cases of GS diagnosed in nonleukemic children. They were successfully treated w ith local radiation therapy and conventional systemic chemotherapy. Th e need to suspect more often this all too frequently misdiagnosed dise ase is emphasized. The role of optimally delivered radiation therapy i n achieving and maintaining local control of the tumor is discussed.