Intraoperative Radiotherapy in Soft Tissues Sarcomas

Aim: To assess the efficacy, effectiveness, and quality of life of intraoperative radiotherapy in treating soft tissues sarcomas; and to assess the safety of this treatment.

Conclusions and results: The published evidence does not clearly show better survival from intraoperative radiotherapy compared with other procedures for soft tissue sarcomas. It could lower the risk of local recurrence in highly selected patients. Intraoperative radiotherapy is a relatively safe procedure.

Twelve studies and a systematic review were included. Most of the studies were case series without a comparison group. The studies showed different survival depending on the sarcoma location and its extension. The most frequent adverse effects relate to tissue dehiscence and ischemic processes. Periferic neuropathy can also present in some types of sarcomas. None of the results address quality of life, and the quality of the published studies is poor.

Methods: The following resources were searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Library Plus, NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (including the DARE, NHS EED, and HTA databases), and Trip Database. Other secondary databases and sources were also searched. The citation lists of all relevant articles were examined to assure complete retrieval of studies.

Two independent researchers selected and reviewed the papers according to previously established selection criteria, and the information was synthesized in evidence tables. Study quality was evaluated using a scale specifically designed for this report.

Further research/reviews required: Recommended update in 2 years.

Written by: Alberto Ruano-Ravina and Miguel Conde-Rodríguez, AVALIA-T, Spain