The role of radiotherapy in the management of malignant thymoma

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Abstract
A series of 18 cases of malignant thymoma referred for radiotherapy during a 21-year period is reviewed. The presentation, treatment policy, and results are examined. Of the 7 cases treated with a full radical dose all were alive at 3 years, all 4 cases followed for 5 years survived that period, and 3 of the 4 cases followed for 10 years were alive at that time. Of these, only 3 cases had had macroscopically complete excision of the tumour at thoracotomy. These findings suggest that postoperative radiotherapy should be of benefit in all cases of invasive thymoma whether operable or otherwise.