Granulocytic sarcoma in nonleukemic children: report of two new cases successfully treated by local radiation therapy and systemic chemotherapy

Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University Federico II, Naples, Italy.

Granulocytic sarcoma (GS) is a rare tumor composed of immature myeloid cells. Exceedingly rare in childhood, it has more commonly been described in association with acute myeloid leukemia. Occasional nonleukemic patients generally go on to develop overt leukemia in a mean period of 10.5 months from diagnosis of GS. We report here two new cases of GS diagnosed in nonleukemic children. They were successfully treated with local radiation therapy and conventional systemic chemotherapy. The need to suspect more often this all too frequently misdiagnosed disease is emphasized. The role of optimally delivered radiation therapy in achieving and maintaining local control of the tumor is discussed.