Radiotherapy and the soft tissues

[John_avid]

Hi,

I'm really not sure where to place this but if I could ask somewhat of a logistical question, in a case where activity is found in the soft tissues, without corresponding anatomic abnormalities on a CT scan, how can radiotherapists adequately plan treatment and target such an area?

Would this be based on the results of a PET scan as, assumedly, a CT scan alone would be of little benefit in the planning stages? Or is radiotherapy to soft tissues impossible?

My father is considering radiotherapy for the soft-tissues lateral to his right hip following treatment for triple hit non-hodgkins lymphoma, as his PET-CT scan post 6 cycles of EPOCH was clear in all areas bar a tiny focus of uptake in these soft tissues.

We are also concerned about the possibility of secondary malignancies following radiotherapy to an area such as this,

Any feedback shared is gratefully appreciated,

Kindest regards,

John

[Hidden]

The treating doctors will have discussed the whole of the imaging with the radiologists to decided if they think the activity is due to residual disease. If it is then radiotherapy will be very helpful and can be planned with radiotherapy using the imaging they have. This is not an uncommon clinical situation. The risk of second malignancy from radiotherapy is very low. The important issue will be to consolidate the treatment your Dad has already had. Do talk to your Dad's doctors about this. Good luck.

[John_avid in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your helpful response PPrice