Carbon Ion Radiotherapy in the Management of the Tumors of the Peripheral Nervous System

BACKGROUND/AIM: Malignant peripheral nerve sheaths tumors (MPNST) are rare, highly aggressive and radioresistant tumors of soft tissue. Carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) seems to be an attractive treatment option when surgery is not possible or refused by the patient. The aim of this study was to report our preliminary results (outcomes and toxicity) of CIRT in the treatment of MPNSTs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our study retrospectively analyzed 13 patients (median age=54 years; range=23-72 years) with MPNST treated with CIRT for a median total dose of 73.6 Gy (relative biological effectiveness) (range=70.4-76.8 Gy) between 2013 and 2016. RESULTS: Six local progressions were recorded, with a median local progression-free survival of 23.2 months (range=2.2-45.4 months). Acute toxicities were mild. Late toxicity of grade 2 or more was noted in two patients. CONCLUSION: CIRT yielded good local control with a low rate of acute and late toxicities.