Radiotherapy Does Not Impact Long-term Function Following Resection of Soft-tissue Sarcomas of the Hand.

Abstract

Radiotherapy for soft tissue sarcomas (STS) of the hand is thought to be associated with poor function. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term functional outcome in patients with and without radiotherapy. At long-term follow-up (mean 10±5 years), 33 (13 males, 20 female) patients, were alive for review. The mean patient age at surgery was 33±17 years and 13 (39%) patients received radiotherapy (mean dose 55±6 Gy). Postoperatively, the mean QuickDASH and MSTS93 were 7±8 and 92±8%, respectively. Comparing patients with and without radiotherapy, there was no difference (p>0.05) between the mean QuickDASH (5±5 vs. 8±9) or MSTS93 (93±9% vs. 91±8%). Surgical complication occurred more commonly in patients with radiotherapy (46% vs. 15%, p=0.10). The use of radiotherapy was associated with a higher rate of complications, however, was not associated with a worse long-term functional outcome in patients with hand STS.