The role of radiation therapy in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (Meeting abstract).

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

The role of radiation therapy in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (Meeting abstract).

International Congress of Radiation Oncology 1993. June 21-25, 1993, Kyoto, Japan, p. 405, 1993.. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICDB/95606181
Cordon P; Porkola J; Frank E; Dept. of Rad. Oncology, Century City Hosp., Los Angeles, CA

Abstract: The Department of Radiation Oncology at Century City Hospital, an AIDS referral center, has retrospectively analyzed the radiation treatment results of over 200 patients with AIDS. Radiation therapy was used in the management of Kaposi's sarcoma and AIDS-related lymphomas. Kaposi's sarcoma skin lesions are often cosmetically disfiguring and occasionally painful. The KS lesions range in size from 1 to 2 cm facial lesions to 30 to 40 cm patches on the lower extremities. The effective doses are dependent upon tumor size and anatomic location. Fractionated, low dose radiation therapy (less than 2400 cGy) utilizing the 6 meV linear accelerator or orthovoltage unit has achieved local tumor control in 80% of patients. Dramatic improvement in cosmesis and rapid pain palliation is well appreciated in this group of young and active patients. KS can invade lymphatics and cause bulky adenopathy with distal extremity edema. Fractionated, low-dose radiation therapy (43,000 cGy) to localized nodal groups has proven beneficial in reducing local bulky disease and peripheral edema in 65% of patients. AIDS-related lymphomas are increasing in frequency. Cranial radiation is considered the primary treatment for CNS lymphomas. These patients often present with devastating neurological symptoms. Whole brain radiation to 4500 cGy followed by a boost to 5500 cGy has been effective in achieving a short local tumor control. Improvement in neurologic symptoms is early, rewarding and justifies treatment in the patient population despite the short-term survival. Systemic high-grade lymphomas are irradiated post chemotherapy. Initial sites of gross disease and residual disease are treated. Fractionated doses less than 4000 cGy achieve 90% local tumor control. Despite the overall poor prognosis in AIDS patients, often radiation therapy through improved cosmesis, pain palliation, reduction of peripheral edema and reversal of neurological symptoms can improve quality of life.

Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*COMPLICATIONS Brain Neoplasms/ETIOLOGY/RADIOTHERAPY Human Lymphoma, AIDS-Related/RADIOTHERAPY Nervous System Diseases/ETIOLOGY Sarcoma, Kaposi's/ETIOLOGY/*RADIOTHERAPY ABSTRACT
950530
M9551045

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1995. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1995. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .