Radiation for below the knee skin cancers: a single institution experience

Abstract

Background: Historically, radiation to skin cancers for the lower legs has been avoided due to the perceived increased risk of radiation toxicity (poor wound healing, radiation necrosis). However, there is a paucity of published data regarding this perceived risk. Purpose: The objective was to review the risk of poor wound healing/radiation necrosis occurring post radiation and to determine rates of complete response (CR), partial response (PR), and progressive disease after radiation therapy Materials and methods: A retrospective review of patients treated with radiation for skin cancer below the knee was undertaken from January 1, 2013 to May 31, 2018. Results: A total of 25 patients with 39 below the knee skin sites were treated with radiation. Mean follow-up time was 19 months (range 3 months–7.2 years). Crude CR, PR and progression rates for the treated lesions were 65%, 19%, and 16% respectively. Four out of 23 (17%) patients developed Grade 3 skin toxicity. There were no grades 4 or 5 toxicities. Conclusions: For patients not eligible for surgery, radiation therapy is an option with a moderate chance of complete response (65%) and a 17% risk of poor wound healing/radiation necrosis.

Keywords

• radiation
• skin cancer
• leg