A. Grann et al., Sphincter preservation of leiomyosarcoma of the rectum and anus with localexcision and brachytherapy, DIS COL REC, 42(10), 1999, pp. 1296-1299
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of patients wit
h leiomyosarcoma of the rectum or anus treated with local excision and brac
hytherapy. METHODS: Eight patients with leiomyosarcoma of the rectum (7 pat
ients) or anus (1 patient) were treated with a transanal excision followed
by a temporary iridium-192 interstitial implant to 4,500 cGy. Median tumor
size was 4.2 (range, 1.5-5) cm. Margins were positive in six patients, nega
tive in one patient, and close in one patient. RESULTS: With a median follo
w-up of 53 months, median survival time was 53 months and the three-year ac
tuarial survival rate was 71 percent. The cumulative incidence of failure a
s a component of failure for local was 25 percent (2/8), for abdominal was
0 percent (0/8), and for distant was 25 percent (2/8). Four patients eligib
le for functional analysis all had excellent sphincter function (1-2 bowel
movements per day, no soilage). CONCLUSION: In selected patients the use of
conservative surgery followed by brachytherapy is a reasonable alternative
to an abdominoperineal resection. However, more experience and longer foll
ow-up are needed before this approach can be recommended routinely.