Radiation therapy salvage of XXXX following chemotherapy failure.

@entity1 @entity978
Between 1972 and 1984, 17 @entity1 with advanced @entity978 failing intensive combination chemotherapy in previously unirradiated nodal and/or pulmonary sites were treated with salvage radiotherapy. Treatment consisted of comprehensive wide field radiotherapy to all known areas of disease. Doses administered to these fields ranged from 1,700 to 5,000 rad, with only three @entity1 (18%) receiving less than 3,000 rad to any field. With a median follow-up of over 4 years, 88% achieved a complete response, with median actuarial disease-free survival (DFS) of 19 months (range, 4 to 61+). Actuarial median survival was 64 months, with a range of 4 to 134+ months. Nine @entity1 (53%) are currently alive with three (18%) in continuous complete remission (CR) for 24, 30, and 61 months. In addition, four @entity1 relapsing after salvage radiotherapy are now in CR following additional therapy. @entity1 younger than 35 years of age had a significantly increased overall survival when compared with older @entity1 (P less than .005). An initial complete response to chemotherapy lasting 12 or more months appeared to be a favorable prognostic factor, although small @entity1 numbers preclude statistical significance. Comprehensive salvage radiotherapy is of significant benefit in @entity1 with advanced @entity978 relapsing after combination chemotherapy in nodal and/or pulmonary sites.
