Preoperative chemoradiation and flap reconstruction provide high local control and low wound complication rates for patients undergoing limb salvage surgery for upper extremity tumors

Background and Objectives Neoadjuvant protocols in the management of upper extremity sarcoma have improved local control rates but have been associated with high complication rates. We present a refinement of the Eilber protocol using judicious preoperative chemoradiation, limb salvage surgery, and flap coverage to achieve high local control rates with acceptable wound healing complications. Methods Patients presenting with upper extremity neoplasms from 1986 to 2002 were treated with a modified Eilber protocol, consisting of 3 days of adriamycin (30 mg/day) and sequential radiotherapy (300 cGy/day for 10 days). Limb salvage surgery with flap coverage where needed was performed 4–8 weeks later. Patients were followed prospectively for recurrence. Results Fifty-three consecutive patients with upper extremity tumors were treated and followed for a mean of 6.1 years. This cohort included 44 sarcomas and nine non-metastasizing, locally aggressive tumors. There were two local recurrences (3.8%). Limb salvage was achieved in all patients. Flaps were required in 43.4% of patients. Major complications occurred in 11%, were all flap related (partial flap loss, venous congestion), and went on to heal promptly with treatment. Conclusion This modified Eilber protocol achieved 96% local control for upper extremity tumors with a wound complication rate of 11%. The liberal use of flaps of resulted in healed, stable wounds in all patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;95:135–141. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.