Purpose:
To describe our technique and preliminary results using electron beam radiation as rescue therapy for recalcitrant squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva and cornea (SCC).
Methods:
A retrospective review comprised of an interventional case series of patients with pathologically confirmed diagnosis of SCC, who had failed multiple standard treatments and underwent electron beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Outcomes, radiation-related complications and adverse effects were documented. Mortality and local control rates were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier survival probability method.
Results:
Eight patients met the inclusion criteria, of this 6 (75%) where male and 2 (25%) where female, ages ranging from 38 to 65 years (mean 50 years). One tumor (12.5%) was classified as T2N0M0, 6 (75%) as T3N0M0 and 1 (12.5%) as T4N0M0. Follow-up from EBRT ranged from 3 to 72 months (mean 30.25 months). The most common side effect was erythema and edema of the eyelids with diffuse transient eyelash loss, seen in all patients. Tumor local control and regression after EBRT was noted in 6 patients (75%), recurrence in 2. There were neither metastatic spread nor tumor-related deaths.
Conclusions:
We report a small case series where local tumor control was achieved with electron beam radiation therapy for recalcitrant SCC. This approach may be considered for patients who fail conventional therapy.
Keywords: tumors • radiation therapy • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: treatment/prevention assessment/controlled clinical trials