title: Radiotherapy in fascial fibromatosis: a case series, literature review and considerations for treatment of early-stage disease.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Palmar and plantar fascial fibromatoses are benign hyperproliferative disorders of the deep fascia of the palm and sole. This study seeks to examine the role of radiotherapy in the management of fascial fibromatosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six consecutive cases of early-stage fascial fibromatosis treated with radiotherapy at the Adelaide Radiotherapy Centre between July 2008 and May 2011 were analysed. The results of the case series were compared with a systematic review of the literature.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All six cases regressed or showed a reduction of symptoms following radiotherapy. Treatment was well tolerated with minor toxicities. Median follow-up for the case series was 38.5 months. The systematic review identified seven studies describing the use of radiotherapy as primary treatment for fascial fibromatosis between 1946 and 2013. The literature indicates that radiotherapy can prevent disease progression and improve symptoms for early-stage disease, with low likelihood of significant toxicities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Early results from our case series are consistent with the literature, showing that radiotherapy can provide an effective management option for patients with early-stage fascial fibromatosis, and justify consideration of radiotherapy as a primary treatment for early-stage disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Adelaide Radiotherapy Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Solveig
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Grenfell
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Borg
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005205:Fascia / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000473:pathology; D006225:Hand / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D020266:Radiotherapy, Conformal / Q000379:methods*; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Dupuytren's contractures; Ledderhose; palmar fibromatosis; plantar fibromatosis; radiotherapy