Radiation-induced sarcomas (RIS) are iatrogenic malignancies that arise following high-dose radiotherapy, posing a significant clinical challenge due to their poor prognosis and resistance to conventional treatments. The incidence of RIS is increasing with advancements in radiotherapy techniques. This report presents a case of a 71-year-old male diagnosed with stage III rectal adenocarcinoma treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and curative surgery. Three years postoperatively, he developed a low-grade radiation-induced leiomyosarcoma in the perianal region. Histopathological examination confirmed a spindle cell neoplasm with notable immunohistochemical markers. RIS often presents as aggressive high-grade tumors resistant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, necessitating surgical resection as the primary treatment. This case underscores the importance of long-term surveillance post-radiotherapy and highlights the need for innovative therapeutic strategies, including immunotherapy. Despite being rare, RIS poses a significant risk following cancer treatment, making early detection through vigilant monitoring and advancements in therapeutic approaches crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Keywords: leiomyosarcoma; neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy; pathological diagnosis; radiation-induced sarcoma (RIS); rectal adenocarcinoma.
Copyright © 2024 Chen, Cai, Li, Ren, Xu, Pang and Dai.