[Electron beam irradiation is effective in the treatment of skin carcinomas; a comparison with superficial roentgen therapy].
OBJECTIVE
To compare recurrence rates and cosmetic results after electron beam therapy versus superficial X-ray therapy for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas of the skin.


METHODS
Department of Radiotherapy, University Hospital Leiden, the Netherlands.


METHODS
Retrospective.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis was performed of 389 histologically confirmed basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas of the skin (1980-1990), treated with either superficial X-rays or electron beam therapy, with regard to local recurrence rates and cosmetics scored with an arbitrary three point scale.


RESULTS
Of 389 patients 19 developed a local recurrence (4.9%). For small tumours (irradiated surfaces < or = 10 cm2) a local recurrence rate of 2.2% was observed, both after electron beam therapy and after superficial X-ray therapy. Large tumours (irradiated surface > 50 cm2, treated with electron beam) had a higher recurrence rate (13.8%) as had tumours which had been treated before. The cosmetic results with electron beam treatment were better, because smaller fractions were used compared with superficial X-ray treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
In our hands electron beam treatment was not inferior to superficial X-ray treatment, cosmetically even better and also applicable in case of larger tumours. The inferior results of electron beam therapy reported in literature may be due to technical factors.
Scholten
A N
AN
Academisch Ziekenhuis, afd. Klinische Oncologie, Leiden.
Griep
C
C
Davelaar
J
J
Chin
A
A
Leer
J W
JW
D000368:Aged; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D004583:Electrons / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000532:radiotherapy; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*
Elektronenbestraling effectief bij de behandeling van huidcarcinomen; een vergelijking met röntgencontacttherapie.