Radiation late effects in children treated for orbital rhabdomyosarcoma

Background and purpose: The experience resulting from large cooperative stu dies shows that correct radiation therapy at doses adequate to the tumor bu lk are crucial for local control of rhabdomyosarcoma. The aim of the presen t study was to document the correlation between modalities and doses of rad iotherapy and radiation side effects. Patients and methods: Between 1980 and 1997, 19 patients affected by primar y orbital rhabdomyosarcoma have been followed at the University Federico II of Naples. All but three patients, who received 45, 54 and 55 Gy respectiv ely, have been treated by immediate radiation at the dose of 60 Gy, deliver ed in 2 Gy fractions, five times per week, by cobalt 60 megavoltage equipme nt. Combined chemotherapy using vincristine and vincristine plus dactinomyc in on alternate weeks was also administered as part of induction therapy. Results: An overall survival rate of 94.7% was registered. In our patients the majority of radiation late effects were paid by orbit and ocular adnexa . Side effects to lens and ocular structures were fewer and of low grade. Conclusions: Radiation therapy is still essential for local control of orbi tal rhabdomyosarcoma, however radiation side effects have to be carefully c onsidered together with the therapeutic goal to be obtained. (C) 1999 Elsev ier Science Ireland Ltd. All nights reserved.