Abstract
The purpose of the our study was to analyze prognostic factors characterizing biological behaviour of a tumour and specific features of the patient and to develop rational strategy of the combined treatment of malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) in children.
Between 1982 and 2008 fifty patients with MFH were observed and treated in our center. 24 (48%) were male and 26 (52%) were female. In all cases the diagnosis was confirmed by histological examination. We use polychemotherapy consist of alternating courses of CDDP, adriamicin, ifosfamide and etoposide and high-dose methotrexate (8–12 g/m2). Intensive polychemo-therapy allow us to expand indications for limb salvage treatment. Using growing (conventional and non-invasive types) endoprostesis improved the quality of life. 2-years RFS was 80,9±8,5% and 5-years RFS was 70,4±10,1% (Kaplan-Meier curves, p=0.03). The most significant prognostic factors were grade of histological response and type of polychemotherapy (conventional or intensive).
Correspondence should be addressed to Professor Stefan Bielack, Olgahospital, Klinikum Stuttgart, Bismarkstrasse 8, D-70176 Stuttgart, Germany. Email: s.bielack@klinikum_stuttgart.de
