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

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 therapyMaterials 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.