Malignant transformation and new primary tumours after therapeutic radiation for benign disease: substantial risks in certain tumour prone syndromes. Issue 4 (9th September 2005)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Evans, D G R; Birch, J M; Ramsden, R T; Sharif, S; Baser, M E
• Is Part Of: Journal of medical genetics. Volume 43:Issue 4(2006)
• Page Start: 289
• Page End: 294
• Publication Date: 2005-09-09
• Subjects: BCC, basal cell carcinomas -- CI, confidence interval -- CNS, central nervous system -- LFS, Li-Fraumeni syndrome -- MPNST, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours -- NF1, neurofibromatosis 1 -- NF2, neurofibromatosis 2 -- RR, relative risk; NF1 -- NF2 -- radiotherapy -- second tumours -- von Hippel Lindau disease; Medical genetics -- Periodicals; 616.042
• DOI: 10.1136/jmg.2005.036319
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1468-6244

Abstract

Abstract : In recent years the use of radiation treatment for benign tumours has increased with the advent of stereotactic delivery and, in particular, single high dose gamma knife therapy. This has been particularly true for benign CNS (central nervous system) tumours such as vestibular schwannoma, meningioma, pituitary adenoma, and haemangioblastoma. While short term follow up in patients with isolated tumours suggests this treatment is safe, there are particular concerns regarding its use in childhood and in tumour predisposing syndromes. We have reviewed the use of radiation treatment in these contexts with particular regard to malignant transformation and new tumour induction. This review indicates that much more caution is warranted regarding the use of radiation treatment for benign tumours in childhood and in tumour prone conditions such as the neurofibromatoses.