Radiation-Induced Soft-Tissue and Bone Sarcoma

Abstract

Cases (47) with an established diagnosis of radiation-induced sarcoma were identified and divided into 2 groups. The 1st group included 20 cases of soft-tissue sarcoma arising from irradiated tissues, and the 2nd group comprised 27 cases of bone sarcoma arising from normal bones in the irradiated field. Medians for the latent periods from irradiation to diagnosis of bone and soft-tissue sarcoma were 11 and 12, yr respectively. In bone sarcomas the latent period was longer after larger radiation doses and children appeared more susceptible to cancer induction than adults. Criteria for establishing the diagnosis of radiation-induced sarcoma and the magnitude of the risk of bone sarcoma are discussed.