Solitary bone plasmacytoma: Management of isolated local relapse followingradiotherapy

Radiotherapy is the prime treatment modality for solitary plasmacytomas of bone (SPB). Although local control rates are excellent, progression to mult iple myeloma is frequent, albeit with varying latency. Local failure in the absence of dissemination is rare and thus management is poorly documented. We discuss such a patient who presented 3 years after local radiation for a pelvic SPB and review the relevant literature. Radiation doses, portals e mployed and prognostic factors that may predict progression to myeloma are discussed. This report shows that an isolated recurrence of SPB in a previo usly irradiated field was successfully treated with orthopaedic surgery. Th is resulted in good pain relief and mobility for the patient, who remains f ree of disease 6 months after operation.