Granulocytic Sarcoma: Results of Radiotherapy

We analyzed retrospectively the patients of granulocytic sarcoma treated with radiotherapy at the Department of Radiation Oncology, Yonsei University College of Medicine from Mar. 1987 to Mar. 1992 in an attempt to review our experience with irradiation of granulocytic sarcoma and to evaluate the treatment results for the radiation dose response. Fourteen lesions of granulocytic sarcoma in 9 patients were developed in variable clinical settings such as AML, CML and without leukemia. The involved lesions were bone, lymph node, soft tissue and skin in descending order of occurrence. All of the lesions in 9 patients were treated with external beam radiotherapy(Co-60 or electron beam). Both age distribution and clinical settings did not show any correlation with the response to treatment. The response to treatment seemed to be bettor for lesions in the bone than in other involved lesions. The majority received local irradiation of a total dose of more than 2000 cGy. Radiation dose of more than 2000 cGy showed excellent local control of 100% (11/11), while local control decreased to 33%, (1/3) with total dose less than 2000 cGy. In conclusion, local radiotherapy seems to be very effective for palliative or curative aim of granulocytic s and a radiation dose more than 2000 cGy is highly recommended