Ewing’s sarcoma in children: Prognosis in relation to the method of treatment

Abstract

Ewing's tumor of bone is the second primary malignant bone tumor. Localized lesion is found in nearly 80% of cases and metastatic lesions are present in 20% at the time of diagnosis. Treatment protocols were analyzed, prognostic parameters were evaluated, and overall survival as well as survival until relapse of disease was studied. Prognostic features included age and sex, localization of tumor, type of applied surgical resection and treatment protocol, and presence of necrosis after neoadjuvant therapy as well as morphological characteristics of the tumor. Wide surgical resection (chi2 = 7.855; p < 0.05), and tumor necrosis (chi2 = 7.855; p < 0.05) were verified to be significant parameters for the outcome. Multimodal chemotherapy with local radiation and/or surgical resection is the best mode of modern treatment. Follow-up included the period from the completion of therapy to final control, with remission period defined by development of recurrence or metastatic lesions. Localization on distal parts of the extremities and axial skeleton is good prognostic feature, while localization on proximal parts of the extremities and pelvic girdle, presence of metastatic disease and low index of postchemotherapeutic necrosis, are associated with poor outcome. In Ewing's sarcoma, prognosis of good outcome is definitely very delicate process.