Abstract
Retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS) is a complex disease entity requiring multidisciplinary management; it is infrequently seen by most radiation oncologists. We have previously reported that use of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) allows for uniformity in patient reported symptom management. Here we report the results of using ESAS during the course of radiation therapy (RT) for a large cadre of patients with RPS. Medical records of 47 patients with RPS who were treated with definitive radiotherapy between 2015 and 2018 were reviewed. Of this group, 30 patients had valid weekly radiotherapy ESAS scores (mean 4.2, range 2-6) obtained at on-treatment visits and were included in analysis. Of this group, 16 patients had dose escalation to 5750 cGy using simultaneous integrated boost. A paired sample T-test was used to compare ESAS scores at week 1 of RT and at subsequent weeks. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare symptoms cores across several variables: gender, age (≥65 years), tumor size (≥12 cm) and use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. 66% of the patients were male. Median age of the cohort was 65 years (range 34-86). The median tumor size was 12 cm (range 3-40 cm) and 63% of cases were de-differentiated liposarcoma. Survey compliance was 86% across the treatment courses and 36% received chemotherapy pre-operatively. 78% of eligible patients underwent or were scheduled for resection at the time of analysis. All ESAS domains except Nausea, Appetite, and Sleep disturbance were numerically lower at the completion of treatment than at baseline, though only Depression and Anxiety were significantly so. Tumor size ≥12 cm was associated with worse nausea, pain, and appetite. Concurrent patient reporting of symptoms allows for rapid management in this unique tumor type, allowing for a high percentage of patients to complete recommended therapy. Nausea, Sleep, and Appetite remain important challenges to manage for these patients.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
