Concurrent Hypofractionated Radiotherapy and 5‐Fluorouracil for Advanced Sarcomas of the Bone

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Abstract
Purpose. 5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU) has shown radiosensitizing properties in vitro. This paper reports the effects of radiotherapy and concomitant intravenous 5‐FU radiosensitization in the treatment of advanced bone sarcomas.Subjects/methods. Four patients with large inoperable bone sarcomas (three chondrosarcomas and one fibrosarcoma) were treated with hypofractionated radiotherapy and concomitant 5‐FU bolus injection (300 mg m−2) before each fraction of radiotherapy. A radiation fraction of 5 Gy was given twice a week to a normalized total dose (α/β=4 Gy) of 75 Gy.Results. The regimen was well tolerated, the main toxicity being grade I/II diarrhoea in two cases with pelvic irradiation. Treatment interruption for 1 week was necessary in two cases with pelvic disease but not in two patients treated for sarcoma of the extremities. A complete symptomatic relief was obtained in all cases immediately after the third to the fifth fraction and the median duration was 10 months. Computed tomography scan documented a partial response in 2/4 cases.Discussion. Hypofractionated radiotherapy combined with potential lethal damage inhibitors for bone sarcomas requires further investigation.