The influence of anatomic location on outcome in patients with soft tissue sarcoma of the extremity

Early Complications of Planned Resection Versus Unplanned Excision of Sarcomas in the Distal Upper Extremity

Purpose

Unplanned excisions are defined as excisions of malignant tumors performed without preoperative cross-sectional imaging or diagnostic biopsy, frequently resulting in residual disease and re-excision secondary to positive surgical margins. The purpose of this study was to compare the relative morbidity of planned versus unplanned upper-extremity sarcoma excisions.

Methods

A single tertiary referral hospital pathology database was queried from January 2015 through 2022 for primary upper-extremity sarcomas (forearm, wrist, hand, and finger). Demographics, tumor features, survival characteristics, and outcomes were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Forty-two upper-extremity sarcoma patients were identified, two-thirds of whom had unplanned excisions. Those with unplanned excisions were more likely to be female (relative risk [RR]: 1.9; P = .002), undergo initial excision at a nonsarcoma center (RR: 14.0; P < .001), have masses distal to the forearm (RR: 1.6; P = .02), and have smaller masses (4.8 vs 7.4 cm, P = .03). 71.4% of tumors were high grade, and 60.7% less than 5 cm in size.Unplanned excisions had positive margins in 96.4% of cases and were more likely to undergo re-excision (odds ratio [OR]: 20.0; P = .001), more total resections (2.7 vs 1.4, P = .009), sacrifice of neurovascular structures (OR: 6.1; P = .04), adjuvant radiation therapy (OR: 4.5; P = .05), adjuvant systemic therapy (OR: 10.9; P = .03), or experience a complication (OR: 17.6; P = .002) at an average of 38.0 months of follow-up.Nearly half of all unplanned excision patients developed a local recurrence or metastatic disease. Six patients required an amputation versus one in the planned cohort (P = .17), and 26.5% of patients died at an average of 32.5 months from presentation.

Conclusions

Distal upper-extremity sarcoma excisions are frequently unplanned, with high rates of morbidity compared with planned excisions. Surgeons should have a low threshold for cross-sectional imaging and core needle biopsy of atypical lesions, irrespective of size, with referral to a sarcoma center.

Type of study/level of evidence

Prognostic IV.

Immune Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment of Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) are a rare heterogeneous group of malignant neoplasms characterized by their aggressive course and poor response to treatment. This determines the relevance of research aimed at studying the pathogenesis of STSs. By now, it is known that STSs is characterized by complex relationships between the tumor cells and immune cells of the microenvironment. Dynamic interactions between tumor cells and components of the microenvironment enhance adaptation to changing environmental conditions, which provides the high aggressive potential of STSs and resistance to antitumor therapy. Today, active research is being conducted to find effective antitumor drugs and to evaluate the possibility of using therapy with immune cells of STS. The difficulty in assessing the efficacy of new antitumor options is primarily due to the high heterogeneity of this group of malignant neoplasms. Studying the role of immune cells in the microenvironment in the progression STSs and resistance to antitumor therapies will provide the discovery of new biomarkers of the disease and the prediction of response to immunotherapy. In addition, it will help to initially divide patients into subgroups of good and poor response to immunotherapy, thus avoiding wasting precious time in selecting the appropriate antitumor agent.

The Role of Denosumab in the Treatment of Primary Tumors of Bone

Many hand surgeons treat benign bone tumors without referral to orthopedic oncologists. However, there have been considerable advances in medical therapy for some of these tumors, with which hand surgeons may not be as familiar. This review focuses on the mechanism and uses of denosumab in the treatment of benign tumors of bone. Although the hand surgeon may not be directly prescribing this therapy, they are often the only physician treating the patient for these conditions. As such, awareness regarding the use of this therapy in reducing pain, decreasing tumor volume, and treatment of potential lung metastases is critical to those taking on these cases without the support of an orthopedic oncologist. This article aims to familiarize hand surgeons with denosumab to help promote knowledge of this therapeutic option and the potential role of this medication in the treatment of primary bone tumors in the hand.

Clinical Outcomes of Soft Tissue Sarcoma around the Elbow Joint: A Retrospective Single Institution Study

Background

We report a retrospective case series analysis of clinical outcomes of patients with soft tissue sarcoma around the elbow.

Methods

Twenty-two patients underwent surgical tumor excision between January 1999 and May 2017, with a mean follow-up of 85.2 months.

Results

Six tumors were localized in the upper arm, nine in the elbow, and seven in the forearm. Sixteen tumors were deep-seated, and six were superficially located. Fifteen patients underwent wide excision, including one amputation, and 18 achieved (81.8%) negative margins histologically. Two local recurrences and four distant metastases developed. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 92.0% (range, 33.3-100). The 5-year local recurrence-free survival rate, metastasis-free survival rate, and overall survival rate were 90.0%, 77.0%, and 79.7%, respectively.

Conclusions

Local control and limb function can have favorable outcomes when the tumor excised has a histologically negative margin without sacrificing the major structure.

Sarcomas of the hand: A retrospective series of 26 cases

BACKGROUND

Hand sarcomas frequently suffer from a delayed diagnosis, and the current guidelines for their management are often not followed.

METHODS

The objectives of our study were to determine: (1) the rate of inadequate initial treatments; (2) the rates of mortality, recurrence, and complementary excision in a cohort of patients with a sarcoma of the hand who were treated at our reference center between 2000 and 2015.

RESULTS

The series comprised 26 patients (mean age 40 years). Of the 20 patients not initially treated at a reference center, 17 had inadequate initial treatment. Of the six patients treated at our center, one had inadequate initial care. Significantly more patients had inadequate initial care outside a reference center (p=0.0045). The cumulative probabilities of recurrence or metastases at 5 years were 15% and 30%, respectively. Survival by cumulative incidence was 71% at 5 years and 56% at 10 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Sarcomas of the hand are a deadly pathology. All diagnostic uncertainty warrants referral of the patient to a reference center.

LEVEL OF PROOF

IV.

Definition of the Surgical Case Complexity in the Treatment of Soft Tissue Tumors of the Extremities and Trunk

Simple Summary

Soft tissue tumors are heterogeneous tumor entities that often require surgical intervention for treatment. While some tumors are easy to resect, others require extremely complex, interdisciplinary surgery depending on the tumor type, localization and biological behavior. Up to now, there has not been an instrument able to objectify the complexity of such a surgery; therefore, we attempted to establish a complexity score for the description of soft tissue tumor surgeries. Furthermore, we aimed to categorize surgeries in such a way that patients can be assigned the best treatment such that a cost-effective approach can be taken.

Abstract

Background: We intend to establish a complexity score for soft tissue tumor surgeries to compare the complexities of different soft tissue tumor surgeries and to ultimately assign affected patients to appropriate treatments. Methods: We developed a soft tissue tumor complexity score (STS-SCS) based on three pillars: in addition to patient-related factors, tumor biology and surgery-associated parameters were taken into account. The STS-SCS was applied to our sampling group of 711 patients. Results: The minimum STS-SCS was 4, the maximum score was 34 and the average score 11.4 ± 5.9. The scores of patients with malignant diagnoses were notably higher and more widely scattered than those of patients with benign or intermediate malignant tumors. To better categorize the complexities of individual surgeries, we established four categories using the collected data as a reference dataset. Each of the categories contained approximately one-quarter of the registered patients. Discussion: The STS-SCS allows soft tissue tumor surgeries to be retrospectively evaluated for their complexity and forms the basis for the creation of a prospective concept to provide patients with the right intervention in the right geographic location, which can lead to better results and provision of the most cost-effective overall treatment.

Factors, treatments, and outcomes associated with primary soft tissue malignancies of the forearm: A series of 31 cases

Background

Primary soft tissue malignancies of the forearm constitute up to 24% of soft tissue extremity malignancies and present a difficult problem when attempting to preserve both life and forearm function. As described by Enneking, recurrence and metastasis are the two largest contributors to morbidity and mortality and therefore, the primary consideration must be to excise the entire tumor. However, since limb salvage is the preferred treatment over amputation in 95% of cases, many physicians elect to perform marginal resections over wide resections in the attempt to increase functional outcomes. Our study aimed to compare recurrence rates and forearm functional outcomes between these groups to better guide clinical decision making.

Questions/purposes

(1) What is the difference in recurrence rates between wide resection of the tumor and marginal resection? (2) Between wide and marginal resection groups, what is the functional difference as measured by MSTS functional outcome scores? The purpose of our study was to answer these two questions and better understand if marginal resection yielded better results compared to wide resection.

Patients and methods

Following IRB approval, we conducted a retrospective case series between 1999 and 2019. Included in the study were patients with a primary malignancy in the predetermined borders of the forearm with a minimum of two-year follow up post-operatively. All patients in the study were operated on by physicians in the Southern California Kaiser Permanente system. Thirty-one patients met criteria for the study. Recurrence rates and metastatic disease was determined through serial history and physical examination, with patients undergoing magnetic resonance (MRI) imaging of the affected area and computed tomography (CT) of the chest every 6 months for the first 2 years, and every 12 months for the following 3 years. MSTS scores were obtained in subsequent follow-ups following the guidelines set by the MSTS scoring system.

Results

Of the 31 patients evaluated, 4 (12.9%) had recurrence and 2 (6.5%) had signs of metastasis. Between the marginal excision and wide excision groups, all 4 recurrences happened in the marginal excision group and none occurred in the wide excision group. In addition, in the pathology report, excisions with 0.1 cm margins or less on any side had 3 instances of recurrence (31%) whereas there was only 1 recurrence (4.8%) outside of this group. MSTS scores for both wide excision and marginal excision were within 1 point with average scores being 26 and 26.9, respectively.

Conclusions

Consistent with the literature, our study found that closer surgical margins lead to higher rates of recurrence due to the increased likelihood of aberrant tumor. However, when looking at functional outcome scores, we found minimal benefit in marginal resections compared to wide resections. The lack of MSTS score difference between both groups highlighted that the perceived benefit of choosing a marginal resection over wide excision may be nominal at best. Therefore, we recommend performing an additional intraoperative resection on narrow margins to reduce the chance of recurrence. Of note, clinical discernment in the form of preserving valuable neurovascular structures such as the median nerve should still be an important consideration.

Synovial sarcoma of the elbow presenting with painful stiffness: a case report

Elbow stiffness is a challenging problem for the upper extremity surgeon to treat. It can significantly impact the patient's function in activities of daily living. While the most common etiologies are post-traumatic or secondary to arthritis, a large variety of etiologies should be considered with atypical presentations. It is important that the upper-extremity surgeon have a systematic approach to the diagnosis and management of elbow contracture in order to ensure malignant processes are considered. We present an unusual case of a young patient with atraumatic, non-arthritic elbow stiffness whose underlying diagnosis was a synovial sarcoma, as well as a review of the literature and differential for elbow stiffness. Level of evidence: IV.

Radiation Therapy for Treatment of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in Adults: Executive Summary of an ASTRO Clinical Practice Guideline

PURPOSE

This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations addressing the indications for radiation therapy (RT), sequencing of local therapies, and appropriate dose and planning techniques for management of primary, operable, localized, soft tissue sarcoma (STS) in adults.

METHODS

The American Society for Radiation Oncology convened a task force to address 5 key questions focused on the use of RT for management of STS. These questions included indications for RT for STS of the extremity and superficial trunk; considerations for sequencing of RT with respect to surgery, dose of RT, appropriate treatment volumes and techniques; and the role of RT in management of retroperitoneal sarcoma. Recommendations were based on a systematic literature review and created using a predefined consensus-building methodology and system for grading evidence quality and recommendation strength.

RESULTS

Multidisciplinary evaluation and decision making are recommended for all cases of STS. RT is recommended for patients in whom there is increased risk of local recurrence of resected STS, particularly if close or microscopically positive margins are anticipated or have occurred. When RT is indicated, preoperative RT is strongly recommended over postoperative RT. Postoperative RT is conditionally recommended in specific clinical circumstances (eg, uncontrolled pain or bleeding) or when the risk of wound complications outweighs that of late toxicity from RT. Routine use of RT in addition to oncologic resection for retroperitoneal sarcoma is conditionally not recommended. When RT is used for retroperitoneal sarcoma, preoperative RT is recommended, whereas postoperative RT is not recommended.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on currently published data, the American Society for Radiation Oncology task force has proposed evidence-based recommendations regarding the use of RT for STS in adults. Future studies will ascertain whether alterations in dosing and sequencing may optimize outcomes and quality of life.

Unplanned excision of soft tissue sarcoma: does it impact the accuracy of intra-operative pathologic assessment at time of re-excision?

PURPOSE

An "unplanned excision" refers to soft tissue sarcomas excised without planning imaging studies and a diagnostic biopsy, resulting in the presence of residual disease and usually necessitating a re-excision procedure. We aimed to assess the impact of previous unplanned excisions on the intra-operative pathologic assessment at the time of re-excision, in terms of need to perform repeat assessments and the accuracy to predict margin status of the final pathologic specimen.

METHODS

Data was collected for all patients with extremity soft tissue sarcoma who had undergone wide local excision limb salvage surgery or amputation between 2012 and 2017. Intra-operative pathologic assessment with frozen sections was performed in all cases and was classified as negative, negative but close (< 1 mm), and positive.

RESULTS

A total of 173 patients with extremity soft tissue sarcoma were included, 54 in the unplanned excision group and 119 in the planned excision group. The accuracy of intra-operative pathologic assessment to predict the margin status on final pathology was similar between groups (87% unplanned vs. 90.7% planned excisions). However, the need for repeat intra-operative pathologic assessment and subsequent resection due to microscopically positive margins was found to be higher within the unplanned excision group ((p = 0.04), OR = 3.2 (95% CI: 1.1-9.1, p = 0.048)).

CONCLUSIONS

Intra-operative pathologic assessment of resection margins had a similar accuracy in planned and unplanned excisions; however, unplanned excisions showed a higher risk of re-resection during the same surgical setting.

Oncological and prognostic analysis of soft tissue sarcoma of the elbow: report using the bone and soft tissue tumor registry in Japan

OBJECTIVE

Soft tissue sarcomas in the elbow are extremely rare, and they have primarily been described in case series. Definitive concerning the prevalence and prognostic factors of elbow soft tissue sarcomas remain unknown. We examined the outcome of patients with elbow soft tissue sarcomas and identified the relevant prognostic factors.

METHODS

In total, 219 patients with elbow soft tissue sarcomas were identified using data from the bone and soft tissue tumor registry in Japan. Differences in demographics, disease characteristics, treatment and survival were compared among the patients. Survival analyses including local recurrence-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, and overall survival were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank tests and the Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

Two hundred nineteen patients with elbow soft tissue sarcomas were identified, including 119 males (54.3%) and 100 females (45.7%). In total, 189 patients (86.3%) underwent surgery including re-excision. Of the surgically treated patients, 180 (95.2%) underwent limb salvage surgery, and nine patients (4.8%) underwent amputation. The 5-year overall survival, local recurrence-free survival, and distant metastasis-free survival rates for the entire patient cohort were 76.3, 70.1, and 69.3%, respectively. After adjusting for clinically relevant factors, overall survival was significantly worse among patients with tumors: >10 cm (hazard ratio = 4.34; 95% confidence interval = 1.03-18.2) and metastatic disease (hazard ratio = 6.94; 95% confidence interval = 1.55-31.0).

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor size was identified as an independent risk factor for poor prognosis.

Rare Diseases of the Nose, the Paranasal Sinuses, and the Anterior Skull Base

Due to their low incidence and thus resulting limited diagnostic criteria as well as therapeutic options, rare diseases of the nose, the paranasal sinuses, and the anterior skull base are a significant challenge. The value as of which a disease has to be considered as rare amounts to a maximum of 5 patients per 10 000 people. Within these diseases, however, there are extreme differences. Some rare or orphan diseases like for example the inverted papilloma belong to regularly diagnosed and treated diseases of larger departments of oto-rhino-laryngology whereas other rare diseases and malformations have only been described in less than 100 case reports worldwide. This fact emphasizes the necessity of bundling the available experience of diagnostics and therapy. The present article gives an overview about rare diseases of the nose, the paranasal sinuses, and the anterior skull base from the field of diseases/syndromes of the olfactory system, malformations of the nose and paranasal sinuses, ventilation and functional disorders as well as benign and malignant tumors. The classification and data on diagnostic and therapeutic options were established based on the current literature.

Factors associated with 30-day soft tissue complications following upper extremity sarcoma surgery

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The incidence of soft tissue complications following sarcoma surgery in the upper extremity is reportedly high. Therefore, this study assessed the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database to identify independent risk factors, while also reporting the incidence of soft tissue complications in the first 30 days after surgery.

METHODS

A total of 620 patients that underwent surgical treatment for upper extremity sarcoma were included from the NSQIP database. Soft tissue complications were defined as surgical site infection, wound dehiscence, or soft-tissue related reoperations. Clinically relevant patient and treatment characteristics were selected and analyzed.

RESULTS

The 30-day soft tissue complication rate was 4.7%. In the multivariable analysis, higher body mass index (p = .047) and longer operative times (p = .002) were independently associated with soft tissue complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher body mass index and longer operative times are risk factors for soft tissue complications following upper extremity sarcoma surgery. The soft-tissue complication rate following resection of upper extremity tumors is low in this national cohort, possibly due to the relatively small tumor size and low prevalence of radiotherapy.

Soft Tissue Sarcoma Follow-up Imaging: Strategies to Distinguish Post-treatment Changes from Recurrence

Soft tissue sarcomas encompass multiple entities with differing recurrence rates and follow-up intervals. The detection of recurrences and their differentiation from post-therapeutic changes is therefore complex, with a central role for the clinical radiologist. This article describes approved recommendations. Prerequisite is a precise knowledge of the current clinical management and surgical techniques. We review recurrence rates and treatment modalities. An adequate imaging technique is paramount, and comparison with previous imaging is highly recommended. We describe time-dependent therapy-related complications on magnetic resonance imaging compared with the spectrum of regular post-therapeutic changes. Early complications such as seromas, hematomas, and infections, late complications such as edema and fibrosis, and inflammatory pseudotumors are elucidated. The appearance of recurrences and radiation-associated sarcomas is contrasted with these changes. This systematic approach in follow-up imaging of soft tissue sarcoma patients will facilitate the differentiation of post-therapeutic changes from recurrences.

Primary anatomical site as a prognostic factor for pleomorphic liposarcoma

BACKGROUND

Pleomorphic liposarcomas (PLS) is an aggressive, high-grade subtype of soft tissue sarcoma representing < 15% of liposarcomas. It most commonly arises in the retroperitoneum and proximal upper extremities. Current prognostic factors are centered around staging, which accounts for the grade, size, and location of the tumor in relation to the superficial fascia.

METHODS

750 patients diagnosed with pleomorphic liposarcoma from the National Cancer Database were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier survival tables, log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazards analysis were utilized to compare survival between groups within variables.

RESULTS

The most common primary anatomical site was the lower limb/hip. The head/neck primary anatomical site demonstrated the highest 10-year overall survival probability, while the retroperitoneum/abdomen had the lowest (50% and 18.4%). Compared to the thorax/lung site, the following sites demonstrated a decreased risk of death: lower limb/hip (HR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.35-0.82, p = 0.004), pelvis (HR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.28-0.84, p = 0.010), and the retroperitoneum/abdomen (HR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.33-0.89, p = 0.015). Both adjuvant radiation (HR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.48-0.85, p = 0.002) and neoadjuvant radiation (HR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.49-1.00, p = 0.049) provided a survival benefit to patients. There was an increased risk of death for every 10-year increment in age (HR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.12-1.45, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Statistically significant prognostic factors for PLS include primary anatomical site, age, Charlson-Deyo Comorbidity Index Scores and the use of neoadjuvant and adjuvant radiation.

Reconstruction of Brachial Artery with Great Saphenous Vein Graft in A Case of Residual Soft Tissue Sarcoma Arm

Soft tissue sarcomas of the upper extremities are very rare tumors. Due to the complex anatomy of the arm, the management of the soft tissue sarcoma becomes very challenging for the operating surgeons. Nonetheless, a large portion of the patients can be treated in a limb-sparing manner ,if surgical expertises are present .We report a case of 30 years old lady with soft tissue sarcoma of right arm operated in an another hospital, came to our institute with pain in the operated site and positive histological margins. The patient had feeble radial and ulnar artery pulses. We had done a MR angiography of that limb and it showed no flow from mid arm level in the brachial artery, but presence of collaterals around elbow joint. We had removed the residual tumor and also excised 14 cm of right brachial artery. On opening the brachial artery, tumor thrombus was seen along the whole length of the excised segment. The defect was reconstructed with reverse great saphenous vein graft taken from left leg. Post-operative period was uneventful. Doppler ultrasonography done at 6 and 12 months later showed good flow in the grafted segment with minimal narrowing of the anastomosis sites.

Soft tissue tumours of the elbow: current concepts

Soft tissue tumours of the elbow are mostly benign. Malignant tumours in this area, although uncommon, often present unique clinical and histopathological characteristics that are helpful for diagnosis.Management of soft tissue tumours around the elbow may be challenging because of their rarity and the proximity to neurovascular structures. Careful staging, histological diagnosis and treatment are essential to optimize clinical outcome. A missed or delayed diagnosis or an improperly executed biopsy may have devastating consequences for the patient.This article reviews the most common benign and malignant soft tissue tumours of the elbow and discusses the clinicopathological findings, imaging features and current therapeutic concepts. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2019;4:668-677. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.4.190002.

Does an Algorithmic Approach to Using Brachytherapy and External Beam Radiation Result in Good Function, Local Control Rates, and Low Morbidity in Patients With Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcoma?

BACKGROUND

High-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) and external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) are two modalities used in the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma. Previous work at our institution showed early complications and outcomes for patients treated with HDR-BT, EBRT, or a combination of both radiation therapy modalities. As the general indications for each of these approaches to radiation therapy differ, it is important to evaluate the use of each in an algorithmic way, reflecting how they are used in contemporary practice at sites that use these treatments. QUESTION/PURPOSES: (1) To determine the proportions of intermediate- and long-term complications associated with the use of brachytherapy in the treatment of primary high-grade extremity soft tissue sarcomas; (2), to characterize the long-term morbidity of the three radiation treatment groups using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/ European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (RTOG/EORTC) Late Radiation Morbidity Scoring Scheme; (3) to determine whether treatment with HDR-BT, EBRT, and HDR-BT+EBRT therapy, in combination with limb-salvage surgery, results in acceptable local control in this high-risk group of sarcomas.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied data from 171 patients with a diagnosis of high-grade extremity soft tissue sarcoma treated with limb-sparing surgery and radiation therapy between 1990 and 2012 at our institution, with a mean followup of 72 months. Of the 171 patients, 33 (20%) were treated with HDR-BT, 128 (75%) with EBRT, and 10 (6%) with HDR-BT+EBRT. We excluded 265 patients with soft tissue sarcomas owing to axial tumor location, previous radiation to the affected extremity, incomplete patient records, patients receiving primary amputation, recurrent tumors, pediatric patients, low- and intermediate-grade tumors, and rhabdoid histology. Fifteen patients (9%) were lost to followup for any reason including died of disease or other causes during the first 12 months postoperatively. This included four patients who received HDR-BT (12%), 11 who received EBRT (9%), and none who received HDR-BT+EBRT (0%) with less than 12 months followup. Determination of radiation therapy technique for each patient was individualized in a multidisciplinary forum of sarcoma specialists. Anticipated close or positive surgical margins and a low likelihood of complex soft tissue procedures were factors that encouraged use of brachytherapy, whereas the anticipated need for secondary procedures and/or soft tissue coverage encouraged use of EBRT alone. Combination therapy was used when the treatment volume exceeded the treatment field of the brachytherapy catheters or when the catheters were used to boost a close or positive surgical margin. Local recurrence, complications, and morbidity outcomes scores (RTOG) were calculated based on chart review. Between-group comparisons pertaining to the proportion of patients experiencing complications, morbidity outcomes scores, and local recurrence rates were not performed because of dissimilarities among the patients in each group at baseline.

RESULTS

The HDR-BT treatment group showed a high incidence of intermediate-term complications, with the three most common being: deep infection (33%, 11 of 33); dehiscence and delayed wound healing (24%, eight of 33); and seroma and hematoma (21%, seven of 33). The EBRT group showed a high incidence of intermediate- and long-term complications with the three most common being: chronic radiation dermatitis (35%, 45 of 128); fibrosis (27%, 35 of 128); and chronic pain and neuritis (13%, 16 of 128). The RTOG scores for each treatment group were: HDR-BT 0.8 ± SD 1.2; EBRT 1.9 ± 2.0; and HDR-BT+EBRT 1.7 ± 1.7. Overall, 142 of 169 (84%) patients were free from local recurrence: 27 (82%) in the HDR-BT group, 108 (86%) in the EBRT group, and seven (70%) in the combination therapy group.

CONCLUSIONS

In this single-institution study, an algorithmic approach to using HDR-BT and EBRT in the treatment of patients with high-grade soft tissue sarcomas can yield acceptable complication rates, good morbidity outcome scores, and a high degree of local control. Based on these results, we believe HDR-BT is best for patients with an anticipated close margin, a positive surgical margin, and for patients who are unlikely to receive a complex soft tissue procedure. Conversely, if a secondary procedure and/or soft tissue coverage are likely to be used, EBRT alone may be reasonable. Finally, combination therapy might be considered when the treatment volume exceeded the treatment field capacity for HDR-BT or when the catheters were used to boost a close or positive surgical margin.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study.

Management of soft-tissue sarcomas; treatment strategies, staging, and outcomes

Soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) are a rare group of malignant tumors which can affect any age group. For the majority of patients who present with a localized STS, treatment involves a multidisciplinary team decision-making approach ultimately relying on surgical resection with or without adjuvant radiation for successful limb salvage. The goals of treatment are to provide the patient with a functional extremity without local tumor relapse. The purpose of this article is to review the treatment of extremity STS, with a focus on staging, treatment options, and outcomes.

[Radiotherapy for soft tissue sarcomas: Technical evolution and impact on clinical benefit]

The standard treatment for extremity soft tissue sarcomas is based on the association of surgery and radiotherapy. This strategy allows local control improvement with the risk of increased toxicity. There is therefore a growing interest to identify those patients who will benefit from radiotherapy and those who will have the same local control with surgery alone. Furthermore, the development of toxicity has been correlated with the extension of the irradiated volume and the volume receiving high doses. Technological development as intensity modulated radiotherapy and image-guided radiotherapy allows limited irradiated volume improving the protection of the organs at risk leading to clinical benefit improvement. Moreover, efforts are being done to improve local control for the patients at high risk of local relapse. In this paper, we discuss all these mentioned aspects.

Soft Tissue Sarcomas of the Arm - Oncosurgical and Reconstructive Principles within a Multimodal, Interdisciplinary Setting

Soft tissue sarcomas of the upper extremity represent a severe threat for the patient and a difficult task for the treatment team. Due to the complex anatomy of the arm, most sarcomas involve valuable functional structures. Nonetheless, a large portion of the patients can be treated in a limb-sparing manner, and surgery is the mainstay of local tumor control. This review gives an overview of the disease entities and their epidemiology, on necessary patient work-up, staging, and imaging modalities, as well as the importance of interdisciplinary decision-making. The surgical therapies and principles of tumor excision are outlined, as well as reconstructive options. Furthermore, adjuvant treatments are discussed with a special focus on the various application techniques for radiation therapy. In spite of established treatment algorithms, each case is an individual challenge and individually tailored therapy is required. This aspect is illustrated by presenting three comprehensive cases demonstrating useful strategies. A summary of the relevant literature is given.

Unplanned excision of soft-tissue sarcomas: current concepts for management and prognosis

➤ Biopsy, staging, preoperative imaging and planning, as well as surgical treatment of soft-tissue sarcomas, are best carried out in specialized sarcoma centers, with the support of a multidisciplinary tumor board.➤ Tumor bed excision is recommended after most unplanned excisions, with a goal of obtaining complete tumor removal with an appropriately wide margin of resection.➤ The surgical resection area tends to be more extensive during tumor bed excision than during primary resection because of the need to resect potential areas of contamination, resulting in the need for more reconstructive procedures (flaps and skin grafts) and wider radiation fields.➤ Unplanned excisions are associated with an increased rate of local recurrence related to residual disease and positive margins after tumor bed excision, a deep location, and certain histologic subtypes, such as malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, myxofibrosarcoma, and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.➤ While adjuvant radiation therapy has not been found to mitigate the risk of local recurrence in unplanned excisions, it is generally utilized in the treatment of unplanned excisions as it is in the treatment of primary soft-tissue sarcomas.➤ Given the surgical and oncologic sequelae of unplanned excisions, prevention through the diffusion of concepts by means of provider education on how to approach soft-tissue masses, which can be potential soft-tissue sarcomas, is the best strategy.

Adult sinonasal soft tissue sarcoma: analysis of 48 cases from the French Sarcoma Group database

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of primary sinonasal adult sarcoma, identify histological subtypes, and analyze prognostic factors.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review.

METHOD

Forty-eight adult sinonasal sarcomas included in the French Sarcoma Group database (Conticabase) were reviewed.

RESULTS

The most frequent tumor types were alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (33.3%), embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (14,6%), unclassified sarcoma (14.6%), and leiomyosarcoma (12.5%). All round cell tumors were rhabdomyosarcomas. The 5-year overall survival (OS), metastasis-free survival (MFS), and local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) rates were 62.3%, 73%, and 88.8%, respectively. Histotype was a prognostic factor for OS, MFS, and LRFS, with the worst prognosis associated with rhabdomyosarcomas, regardless of the subtype. The tumor grade influenced the OS and MFS. Surgery was a predictive factor for a complete response.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that sinonasal tract should be considered as an unfavorable site for rhabdomyosarcoma. Moreover, surgery should always be considered in treatment.

Management of soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities

Soft tissue sarcomas are a diverse and rare group of neoplasms often found in the extremities. Treatment is best carried out in regional cancer centers by a multidisciplinary group with a common interest in these disorders. Treatment is usually surgical, with radiation used in select cases to try to reduce the risk of local recurrence. The role of chemotherapy is controversial, but it may be useful in patients at highest risk of developing metastatic disease. The development of newer forms of targeted systemic therapy and techniques to reduce the morbidity from local treatment to the extremity are areas of intense research interest.

Surgical procedures and prognostic factors for local recurrence of soft tissue sarcomas

BACKGROUND

Patients with local recurrence of soft tissue sarcomas are predisposed to future recurrences because treatment is challenging and complicated by prior therapy. This study investigated clinical outcomes following surgical procedures for locally recurrent soft tissue sarcomas and risk factors for re-recurrence and metastasis.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted with 105 patients (52 males, 53 females) who underwent surgical procedures for local recurrence without distant metastasis of soft tissue sarcoma between 1987 and 2009. Patient follow-up ranged from 1 to 12 years (mean 4.9 years).

RESULTS

Overall 5- and 10-year survival rates were 83.4 and 67.7%, respectively. Twenty-one patients (20.0%) had additional local recurrences, and 23 (21.9%) had distant metastases. Amputation rate was 10.5% at the time of surgical procedures and 17.1% at final follow-up. Locations deep within muscles in the upper limb or trunk and surgical margins <1 cm wide were risk factors for further local recurrence. Locations deep within muscles, tumor sizes >10 cm, high-grade malignancy, and local recurrence after radical surgery were risk factors for distant metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical margin and location were independent prognostic factors for local control, and a wider margin was especially important for recurrent tumors located in the trunk and upper extremity. For high-grade sarcomas with local recurrence after radical surgery, new approaches are needed to prevent distant metastases.

Risk factors for local recurrence and metastasis in soft tissue sarcomas of the extremity

OBJECTIVES

We reviewed our institution's experience in treating soft tissue sarcomas of the extremity to identify factors associated with local recurrence, metastasis, and overall survival, to identify patients who may benefit from intensification of therapy.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed for patients who underwent both limb-sparing surgery and external beam radiotherapy for extremity sarcoma. Those who had gross residual disease or who presented with recurrent or metastatic disease were excluded. The Kaplan-Meier product limit and multivariate Cox regression were used to estimate local failure-free probability, distant failure-free probability, and overall survival along with associations with patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics.

RESULTS

One hundred eighty-eight patients were included in the analysis. Twenty-five (13%) and 46 (24%) experienced local and distant recurrence, respectively. Patients with high/intermediate-grade tumors [hazard ratio (HR)=5.63, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.27-24.89, P=0.023] or with multifocally positive margins (HR=4.27, 95% CI: 1.20-15.24, P=0.026) were more likely to fail locally. Those with a preceding local recurrence (HR=8.58, 95% CI: 3.87-19.04, P<0.0001), high/intermediate-grade tumors (HR=5.68, 95% CI: 1.28-25.25, P=0.023), or no secondary reexcision (HR=2.5, 95% CI: 1.09-5.74, P=0.031) were more likely to develop metastasis. Patients with local recurrence (HR=3.6, 95% CI: 1.77-7.29, P<0.001), metastasis (HR=16.0, 95% CI: 7.93-32.31, P<0.0001), or without secondary reexcision (HR=3.2, 95% CI: 1.27-8.09, P=0.014) had decreased overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients whose tumor grade or margin status put them at high risk for local failure should be considered for intensification of therapy. Those with a local recurrence should be considered for increased surveillance or systemic therapy, as local failure is associated with subsequent metastasis and decreased survival.

Early complications of high-dose-rate brachytherapy in soft tissue sarcoma: a comparison with traditional external-beam radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

Radiotherapy and surgery are routinely utilized to treat extremity soft tissue sarcoma. Multiple radiation modalities have been described, each with advantages and disadvantages, without one modality demonstrating clear superiority over the others.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We determined the overall initial complication rate in patients receiving surgery and radiotherapy, which specific complications were found when comparing different modalities, and whether combination therapy increased the overall rate of complications compared with surgery and single-modality radiotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 190 patients who received external-beam radiotherapy (141 patients), high-dose-rate brachytherapy (37 patients), or both (12 patients). We evaluated 100 men and 90 women (mean age, 57 years; range, 18-94 years) for tumor size and subtype, comorbidities, stage, grade, margin of resection, type of adjuvant treatment, and complications. Minimum followup was 3 months (mean, 40 months; range, 3-155 months).

RESULTS

The most frequent early complications in the high-dose-rate brachytherapy cohort were infection, cellulitis, and seroma and/or hematoma. In the external-beam radiotherapy cohort, chronic edema, fibrosis, and chronic radiation dermatitis were more frequently encountered. The total number of early complications and overall incidence of major complications requiring further surgery were similar among the three cohorts, but a larger number of patients in the high-dose-rate brachytherapy group required subsequent surgery for infection compared with the external-beam radiotherapy group.

CONCLUSIONS

High-dose-rate brachytherapy decreases radiation exposure and allows shorter duration of treatment compared with traditional external-beam radiotherapy but has a higher perioperative wound complication rate.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Evaluating surgery quality in soft tissue sarcoma

To identify pertinent indicators for oncologic outcomes in assessing surgery in soft tissue sarcomas, only local recurrences are considered here. Functional outcomes and treatment morbidity, equally important end-points for evaluating surgery quality, are less frequently reported and are not taken into account in this review. Herein, we review recent publications reporting indicators of surgery quality in soft tissue sarcoma treatment. Local recurrence-free interval is the major end-point in evaluating the quality of surgery. Disease-free survival should not be used because the risk factors for metastases are different from those for local recurrence. Five-year local recurrence-free estimations for limb and trunk wall sarcoma should be below 20%, and best approach 10%. The risk of local recurrence depends on tumour biology (i.e. grade) and quality of surgery as defined by the quality of margins. Better than margin width as measured on the tumour specimen, margin quality determined consensually between surgeons and pathologists is the best indicator for local outcome. Quality of margin should be expressed according the UICC residual disease definitions (R0: in sano, R1: microscopic residual disease, R2: macroscopic residual disease). Other important indicators for surgery quality are treatment in specialised centres, a planned, organised surgery, and treatment within a multidisciplinary team. Soft tissue sarcoma should also be treated in specialised centres. Surgery quality depends on obtained margins that are determined best by close collaboration between the surgeon and the pathologist.

Local recurrence of disease after unplanned excisions of high-grade soft tissue sarcomas

Unplanned excisions of soft tissue sarcomas occur with alarming frequency and result in high rates of residual disease, potentially affecting patient prognosis. To determine if unplanned excisions and residual disease status at tumor bed excision increased local recurrence rates and predicted disease-specific patient survival, we retrospectively reviewed 203 consecutive patients with high-grade soft tissue sarcomas treated operatively and followed for at least 2 years (mean, 4.8 years) or until patient death. Among the 64 patients (32%) who had undergone previous unplanned excisions, six had gross residual disease and 40 of the remaining 58 (69%) had microscopic residual disease in the tumor bed. We observed subsequent local recurrence in nine of the 139 patients (6%) after planned excision compared with 22 patients (34%) after unplanned excision. More patients with unplanned excisions who underwent limb salvage procedures required flap coverage and/or skin grafting with their definitive resection (30% versus 5%). In the unplanned excision cohort, residual disease status at tumor bed excision predicted increased rates of local recurrence and decreased disease-specific survival. Unplanned excisions of high-grade soft tissue sarcomas resulted in increased rates of local recurrence but not disease-specific survival. Residual disease at reexcision predicted the likelihood of local recurrence.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, prognostic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

A systematic meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of adjuvant chemotherapy for localized resectable soft-tissue sarcoma

BACKGROUND

The use of adjuvant chemotherapy to treat adults with localized resectable soft-tissue sarcoma remains controversial. The objective of this systematic review was to update the 1997 meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to reassess the efficacy of doxorubicin-based chemotherapy with respect to recurrence and survival.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify RCTs of adjuvant chemotherapy for adult patients diagnosed with localized resectable soft-tissue sarcoma. Two reviewers independently assessed eligibility and quality of the studies using a modified version of the Detsky Quality Scale. The outcome measures were local, distant, and overall recurrence and survival calculated through the fixed effect or random effect model.

RESULTS

Four new eligible trials were identified allowing for a total of 18 trials representing 1953 patients to be included in the analysis. The odds ratios (OR) for local recurrence was 0.73 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56-0.94; P = .02) in favor of chemotherapy. For distant and overall recurrence the OR was 0.67 (95% CI 0.56-0.82; P = .0001) in favor of chemotherapy. In terms of survival, doxorubicin alone had an OR of 0.84 (95% CI, 0.68-1.03; P = .09), which as not statistically significant. However, the OR for doxorubicin combined with ifosfamide was 0.56 (95% CI, 0.36-0.85; P = .01) in favor of chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

This updated meta-analysis confirms the marginal efficacy of chemotherapy in localized resectable soft-tissue sarcoma with respect to local recurrence, distant recurrence, overall recurrence, and overall survival. These benefits are further improved with the addition of ifosfamide to doxorubicin-based regimens, but must be weighed against associated toxicities.

Impact of Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy on Local Control in Primary Soft-Tissue Sarcoma of the Extremity

Purpose

One of the concerns about intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is that its tight dose distribution, an advantage in reducing RT morbidity to surrounding normal structures, might compromise tumor coverage. The purpose of this study is to determine if such concern is warranted in soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) of the extremity.

Methods

Between 02/02 and 05/05, 41 adult patients with primary STS of the extremity were treated with limb-sparing surgery and adjuvant IMRT. The margins were positive/within 1 mm in 21. Tumor size was more than 10 cm in 68% of patients and grade was high in 83%. Preoperative IMRT was given to 7 patients (50 Gy) and postoperative IMRT (median dose, 63 Gy) was given to 34 patients. Complete gross resection including periosteal stripping/bone resection was required in 11, and neurolysis/nerve resection in 24.

Results

With a median follow-up time of 35 months, two (4.8%) of 41 patients developed local recurrence. The 5-year actuarial local control rate was 94% (95% CI, 86% to 100%). The local control rate was also 94% for patients with negative or positive/close margin. Other prognostic factors such as age, size, and grade did not impact local control either. The 5-year distant control rate was 61% (95% CI, 45% to 76%) and the overall survival rate was 64% (95% CI, 45% to 84%).

Conclusion

IMRT in STS of the extremity provides excellent local control in a group of patients with high risk features. This suggests that the precision with which IMRT dose is distributed has a beneficiary effect in sparing normal tissue and improving local control.

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy for Primary Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Extremity: Preliminary Results

PURPOSE

To report preliminary results on using intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) as an adjuvant treatment in primary soft tissue sarcoma (STS) of the extremity.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Between February 2002 and March 2005, 31 adult patients with primary STS of the extremity were treated with surgery and adjuvant IMRT. Tumor size was >10 cm in 74% of patients and grade was high in 77%. Preoperative IMRT was given to 7 patients (50 Gy) and postoperative IMRT (median dose, 63 Gy) was given to 24 patients. Complete gross resection including periosteal stripping or bone resection was required in 10, and neurolysis or nerve resection in 20. The margins were positive or within 1 mm in 17. Complications from surgery and radiation therapy (RT) were assessed using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grading system.

RESULTS

Median follow-up time was 23 months. Grade 1 RT dermatitis developed in 71% of patients, Grade 2 in 16%, and Grade 3 in 10%. Infectious wound complications developed in 13% and noninfectious complications in 10%. Two patients (6.4%) developed fractures. Grade 1 neuropathy developed in 28% of patients and Grade 2 in 5%. The rates of Grade 1 and 2 joint stiffness were each 19%. Grade 1 edema was observed in 19% of patients and Grade 2 in 13%. The 2-year local control, distant control, and overall survival were 95%, 65%, and 81%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Intensity modulated RT appears to provide excellent local control in a difficult group of high-risk patients. The morbidity profile is also favorable, but longer follow-up is needed to confirm the results from this study.

Place et techniques de radiothérapie dans le traitement des sarcomes des tissus mous de l'adulte

In soft tissue sarcoma, surgical resection remains the cornerstone of therapy for localized disease. Quality of margins is very important to evaluate. In case of marginal or incomplete resection, a new enlarged surgical resection should always be discussed before administration of any adjuvant treatments. Many retrospective studies and 2 randomized studies (one of adjuvant brachytherapy and one of external beam radiotherapy) have shown that adjuvant radiotherapy after complete surgery reduces significantly the risk of local recurrence in extremity soft tissue sarcomas. Combination of surgery and pre- or postoperative radiotherapy has therefore become the standard treatment with a local recurrence rate <or=25% and very few amputations. A recent randomized study has compared pre-op to postoperative radiotherapy. The results in terms of local control are similar in both arms (93 and 92% at 5 years) but the risk of early complications is higher in the preoperative arm and the risk of late sequela is higher in the postoperative arm. Surgical resection without radiotherapy may be considered after discussion at best within a multidisciplinary meeting, if surgical margins are considered satisfactory, in superficial, small tumours and low-grade. In retroperitoneal sarcomas, adjuvant radiotherapy is not a standard. It may decrease the risk of local recurrence but at the price of an increased gastro-intestinal toxicity. A randomized trial is warranted. Because of its rarity, and the risk of recurrence both local and metastatic, treatment should preferentially be discussed with a multimodality specialized approach.

Reconstruction of the hand and upper extremity after tumor resection

This article reviews the surgical options available for reconstruction of the upper extremity following tumor resection. In order to achieve maximum function and limb salvage a multidisciplinary approach to patient care is emphasized. With proper preoperative planning, salvage of limb form and function can be accomplished in over 95% of cases. Successful reconstruction is measured by preservation of patient health, limb function, limb sensation and cosmesis and stable wound coverage. Important adjuncts to reconstruction include adequate postoperative splinting and aggressive rehabilitation to maximize long-term upper extremity function.

Influence of site on the therapeutic ratio of adjuvant radiotherapy in soft-tissue sarcoma of the extremity

PURPOSE

The ultimate goal of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) in soft-tissue sarcoma of the extremity is to improve the therapeutic ratio by increasing local control while minimizing morbidity. Most efforts in trying to improve this ratio have focused on the sequencing of RT and surgery, with little attention to the potential influence of the tumor site. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of tumor site on local control and complications in a group of patients with primary high-grade soft-tissue sarcoma of the extremity treated at a single institution with postoperative RT.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Between July 1982 and December 2000, 369 adult patients with primary high-grade soft-tissue sarcoma of the extremity were treated with limb-sparing surgery and postoperative RT. Patients who underwent surgery or RT outside our institution were excluded. The tumor site was the upper extremity (UE) in 103 (28%) and the lower extremity (LE) in 266 (72%). The tumor was < or = 5 cm in 98 patients (27%), and the microscopic margins were positive in 44 (12%). Of the 369 patients, 104 (28%) underwent postoperative external beam RT (EBRT), 233 (63%) postoperative brachytherapy (BRT), and 32 underwent a combination (9%); 325 (88%) received a "conventional" radiation dose, defined as 60-70 Gy for EBRT, 45 Gy for BRT, and 45-50 Gy plus 15-20 Gy for EBRT plus BRT. Complications were assessed in terms of wound complications requiring repeat surgery, fracture, joint stiffness, edema, and Grade 3 or worse peripheral nerve damage.

RESULTS

The UE and LE groups were balanced with regard to age, depth, margin status, and type of RT (EBRT vs. BRT +/- EBRT). However, more patients in the UE group had tumors < or = 5 cm and more received a conventional radiation dose (p = 0.01 and P = 0.03, respectively). With a median follow-up of 50 months, the 5-year actuarial rate of local control, distant relapse-free survival, and overall survival for the whole population was 82% (95% confidence interval [CI], 77-86%), 61% (95% CI, 56-66%), and 71% (95% CI, 66-76%), respectively. The 5-year local control rate in patients with UE STS was 70% (95% CI, 60-80%) compared with 86% (95% CI, 81-91%) for LE STS (p = 0.0004). On multivariate analysis, an UE site (p = 0.001; relative risk [RR], 3; 95% CI, 2-5) and positive resection margins (p = 0.02; RR, 2; 95% CI, 1-4) were significant predictors of poor local control. The RT type or radiation dose, age, tumor depth, and size were not significant predictors of local control. The 5-year wound reoperation rate was 1% (95% CI, 0-3) in the UE compared with 11% (95% CI, 7-15) in the LE (p = 0.002). On multivariate analysis, the UE site retained its significance as a predictor of low wound complications (p = 0.001; RR, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.01-0.7). The site did not significantly influence the incidence of fracture (p = 0.7), joint stiffness (p = 0.2), edema (p = 0.5), or Grade 3 or worse peripheral nerve damage (p = 0.3).

CONCLUSION

The UE site is associated with a greater rate of local recurrence compared with the LE. This difference was independent of other variables and could not be accounted for by an imbalance between the two groups. With a lower wound complication rate associated with an UE site, it would be of interest to determine whether preoperative RT and/or intensity-modulated RT can increase the local control in UE sarcomas, thus improving the therapeutic ratio.

Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Therapy for Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Despite the overall good prognosis in patients who have localized soft tissue sarcoma (STS) of the extremities, approximately half of those who have high-risk features ultimately will die from metastatic disease that was present as microscopic foci at the time of diagnosis. The principal role of adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy is to improve the "cure" rate through eradication of these microscopic foci. Over the last 30 years there have been numerous studies attempting to determine whether adjuvant or neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy does lead to an improvement in disease-specific survival in patients who have localized STS. It is still unclear whether there may be a role for systemic chemotherapy in patients who have high-risk localized STS of the extremities. This article discusses some of the issues surrounding this most controversial area in the management of STS.

Primary multidisciplinary management of extremity soft tissue sarcomas

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a rare and heterogeneous group of malignancies that most commonly present as large painless masses deep in the muscular compartments of the extremities. Investigation and treatment of these patients must be undertaken at a tertiary referral unit. Staging studies must include a high-quality magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the local site and a computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest to investigate for possible metastatic disease. Review of biopsy material must be undertaken by an experienced musculoskeletal pathologist. Currently, histologic diagnosis and grade are assigned to the tumor, but in tumors such as synovial sarcoma and Ewing's family of tumors, molecular evaluation is becoming crucial for diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic reasons. Surgical resection of sarcomas with negative surgical margins remains the mainstay of treatment. Surgical treatment alone is indicated for small superficial masses that are not adjacent to bone or neurovascular structures. However, in large deep masses where surgical margins are likely to be close in order to preserve important neurovascular structures and bone, combined treatment using surgical resection and radiation results in acceptable local control rates and reasonable patient function. It is incumbent on the management team to decide on timing of radiotherapy as a practice. This decision is based on several factors but potential complications must be taken into account. In this regard the long-term effects on normal tissues must be considered. Functional outcome has become an essential consideration when recommending treatment. If promising techniques become available to reduce the incidence of wound complications or to decrease the dose of radiation to normal tissue, preoperative radiation should be considered in light of its lower incidence of long-term effects that result in reduction in patient function.

Relation between pO2, 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy parameters and treatment outcome in patients with high-grade soft tissue sarcomas treated with thermoradiotherapy

PURPOSE

In a prior study, the combination of (31)P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS)-based intracellular pH (pHi) and T2 relaxation time was highly predictive of the pathologic complete response (pCR) rate in a small series of patients with soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) treated with thermoradiotherapy. Changes in the magnetic resonance metabolite ratios and pO(2) were related to the pCR rate. Hypoxia also correlated with a greater likelihood for the development of metastases. Because of the limited number of patients in the prior series, we initiated this study to determine whether the prior observations were repeatable and whether (31)P MRS lipid-related resonances were related to a propensity for metastasis.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Patients with high-grade STSs were enrolled in an institutional review board-approved Phase II thermoradiotherapy trial. All tumors received daily external beam radiotherapy (1.8-2.0 Gy, five times weekly) to a total dose of 30-50 Gy. Hyperthermia followed radiotherapy by <1 h and was given two times weekly. Tumors were resected 4-6 weeks after radiotherapy completion. The MRS/MRI parameters included (31)P metabolite ratios, pHi, and T2 relaxation time. The median pO(2) and hypoxic fraction were determined using pO(2) histography. Comparisons between experimental endpoints and the pCR rate and metastasis-free and overall survival were made.

RESULTS

Of 35 patients, 21 and 28 had reportable pretreatment MRS/MRI and pO(2) data, respectively. The cutpoints for a previously tested receiver operating curve for a pCR were T2 = 100 and pHi = 7.3. In the current series, few tumors fell below the cutpoints so validation was not possible. The phosphodiester (PDE)/inorganic phosphate (Pi) ratio and hypoxic fraction correlated inversely with the pCR rate in the current series (Spearman correlation coefficient -0.51, p = 0.017; odds ratio of percentage of necrosis > or =95% = 0.01 for a 1% increase in the hypoxic fraction; Wald p = 0.036). The pretreatment phosphomonoester (PME)/Pi ratio also correlated inversely with the pCR rate (odds ratio of percentage of necrosis > or =95% = 0.06 for pretreatment PME/Pi ratio >0.8 vs. < or =0.8, Wald p = 0.023). The pretreatment PME/PDE ratio correlated strongly with metastasis-free survival and overall survival (p = 0.012 and hazard ratio = 5.8, and p = 0.038 and hazard ratio = 6.75, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The dual parameter model containing pHi and T2 to predict the pCR in STSs treated with thermoradiotherapy was not verified. However, other parameters were statistically significant, including the PDE/Pi ratio and hypoxic fraction. These relationships may have interfered with our ability to obtain the pCR rate predicted by thermal doses achieved in these patients. The relationship between the PME/PDE ratio and metastasis-free and overall survival was provocative, but requires additional study to verify its predictive capability. Currently, 50% of all STS patients with high-grade tumors develop distant metastasis even when excellent local control is achieved. Parameters that could help select for patients who need adjuvant chemotherapy could have significant clinical benefit.

Results of radiation therapy performed after unplanned surgery (without re-excision) for soft tissue sarcomas

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

For soft tissue sarcomas (STS), some patients undergo an "unplanned surgery," non-oncologic resection for presumed benign tumor. The treatment of choice, in such cases, is re-excision combined (if indicated) with radiation. However, there are clinical situations when treatment by radiation alone is recommended. Here results of such an approach are assessed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-eight patients irradiated after unplanned surgery between 1970 and 1997 were identified from the MGH institutional database. Surgical margins were inevaluable in 50 (64%) and 28 (36%) had positive margins. Tumor characteristics: location, lower extremity (63%), upper extremity (27%), other (10%); median tumor size, 5 cm; grade-G1 (19%), G2 (49%), G3 (32%); AJCC stage (2002)-I (19%), II (54%), III (27%). Median radiation dose given was 66 Gy (range: 51-88).

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 10 years, estimated local control rate was 88% and 86% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Distant control rate was 80% at 5 and 10 years. Depth in the relation to the fascia, tumor size, and AJCC stage significantly influenced local recurrence- and distant metastasis-free survival. Ten major radiotherapy complications occurred from 1 to 21 years after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite convincing data about the necessity for re-excision after unplanned surgery for STS, these results demonstrate that radiation therapy alone can be an effective alternate for those patients in whom functional or medical considerations preclude further surgery. The risk for potential radiation therapy complications, however, must also be considered in the treatment decision.

Predictive variables detailing the recurrence rate of soft tissue sarcomas

Understanding prognostic variables is important for counseling patients, selecting patients for adjuvant therapy, stratifying patients for inclusion in clinical trials, and setting goals for patient treatment. Prognostic variables in soft tissue sarcoma have been defined for local recurrence, distant recurrence, and disease-specific and overall survival. Significant prognostic variables are site-dependent and time-dependent. A recently created nomogram that accounts for tumor size, grade, histology, and depth and patient age is a tool that can be used to predict 12-year sarcoma-specific survival at diagnosis. Emerging areas in predicting outcome of patients with soft tissue sarcoma include response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and molecular markers.