Local Recurrence of Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Challenges in the Management of Complex Soft-Tissue Sarcoma Clinical Scenarios

With nearly 15,000 new cases of soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) in the United States each year, early diagnosis and therapeutic management is imperative for successful patient outcomes. Primary STS is conventionally treated with a combination of wide-margin resection, neoadjuvant or adjuvant radiation therapy, and, in specific cases, adjuvant chemotherapy. However, in situations of complex disease presentation, guidelines for treatment are less clearly outlined. Limited metastatic disease, local recurrence, fungating STSs, and unplanned or incomplete resections of STSs present unique challenges for the multidisciplinary care team. The management of complex STS clinical scenarios usually involves limb-salvage resection or amputation as well as some combination of radiation therapy and/or ablative interventional radiology techniques. As a result, a multidisciplinary team approach is essential for treating patients in these challenging scenarios, with a recent focus on the integration of plastic and reconstructive surgery into the treatment algorithm.

Microvascular Free Flap Reconstruction of Thigh Defects After Tumor Resection in the Setting of Radiation

BACKGROUND

Soft tissue reconstruction of the thigh defects can usually be achieved with local options. Free tissue transfer may be indicated in very large defects with exposed vital structures and/or a history of radiation therapy where the healing potential of local option is poor. In this study, we evaluated our experience on microsurgical reconstruction of oncological and irradiated thigh defects to assess the risk factors for complications.

METHODS

Institutional review board-approved retrospective case series study using electronic medical records from 1997 to 2020 was conducted. All patients with irradiated thigh defects derived from oncological resections who underwent microsurgical reconstruction were included. Patient demographics and clinical and surgical characteristics were recorded.

RESULTS

Twenty free flaps were transferred in 20 patients. Mean age was 60 ± 11.8 years, and median follow-up time was 24.3 months (interquartile range [IQR], 71.4-9.2 months). The most common type of cancer was liposarcoma (n = 5). Neoadjuvant radiation therapy was performed in 60%. Most commonly used free flaps were latissimus dorsi muscle/musculocutaneous flap (n = 7) and anterolateral thigh flap (n = 7) Nine flaps were transferred immediately after resection. Overall, 70% of arterial anastomoses were end-to-end, whereas 30% were end-to-side. Deep femoral artery branches were chosen as the recipient artery in the 45%. Median length of hospital stay was 11 days (IQR, 16.0-8.3 days), and median time to start weight-bearing was 20 days (IQR, 49.0-9.5 days). All were successful except for 1 patient who required additional pedicled flap coverage. The overall major-complication rate was 25% (n = 5, hematoma = 2, venous congestion requiring emergent exploration surgery = 1, wound dehiscence = 1, surgical site infection = 1). Cancer recurred in 3 patients. One required amputation due to cancer recurrence. Age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.14; P = 0.0163), tumor volume (HR, 18.8; P = 0.0006), and resection volume (HR, 2.24; P = 0.0019) were statistically significantly associated with having a major complication.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the data, microvascular reconstruction of irradiated post-oncological resection defects shows high flap survival rate and success. Given the large size of flap required, the complex nature and size of these wounds, and history of radiation, wound healing complications are common. Despite this, free flap reconstruction should be considered in irradiated thighs with large defects. Studies with larger cohort and longer follow-up are still required.

Recurrent retroperitoneal liposarcoma: A case report and literature review

Retroperitoneal liposarcoma frequently recurs within 2 years of the initial surgical resection. For the early detection of recurrent retroperitoneal liposarcomas, a shorter follow-up interval with CT or MRI would be helpful.

Deep learning radiomic nomogram to predict recurrence in soft tissue sarcoma: a multi-institutional study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the performance of a deep learning radiomic nomogram (DLRN) model at predicting tumor relapse in patients with soft tissue sarcomas (STS) who underwent surgical resection.

METHODS

In total, 282 patients who underwent MRI and resection for STS at three independent centers were retrospectively enrolled. In addition, 113 of the 282 patients received additional contrast-enhanced MRI scans. We separated the participants into a development cohort and an external test cohort. The development cohort consisted of patients from one center and the external test cohort consisted of patients from two other centers. Two MRI-based DLRNs for prediction of tumor relapse after resection of STS were established. We universally tested the DLRNs and compared them with other prediction models constructed by using widespread adopted predictors (i.e., staging systems and Ki67) instead of radiomics features.

RESULTS

The DLRN1 model incorporated plain MRI-based radiomics signature into the clinical data, and the DLRN2 model integrated radiomics signature extracted from plain and contrast-enhanced MRI with the clinical predictors. Across both study sets, the two MRI-based DLRNs had relatively better prognostic capability (C index ≥ 0.721 and median AUC ≥ 0.746; p < 0.05 compared with most other models and predictors) and less opportunity for prediction error (integrated Brier score ≤ 0.159). The decision curve analysis indicates that the DLRNs have greater benefits than staging systems, Ki67, and other models. We selected appropriate cutoff values for the DLRNs to divide STS recurrence into three risk strata (low, medium, and high) and calculated those groups' cumulative risk rates.

CONCLUSION

The DLRNs were shown to be a reliable and externally validated tool for predicting STS recurrence by comparing with other prediction models.

KEY POINTS

• The prediction of a high recurrence rate of STS before emergence of local recurrence can help to determine whether more active treatment should be implemented. • Two MRI-based DLRNs for prediction of tumor relapse were shown to be a reliable and externally validated tool for predicting STS recurrence. • We used the DLRNs to divide STS recurrence into three risk strata (low, medium, and high) to facilitate more targeted postoperative management in the clinic.

Epidemiological profile of soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities: Incidence, histological subtypes, and primary sites

Background

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a heterogeneous group of rare tumours that represent less than 1% of all malignant, solid tumours in adults. There is limited epidemiological information regarding STS in Latin America. Therefore, the objective of this study is to present an epidemiological profile of these tumours observed at a single reference centre.

Methods

A retrospective study was carried out based on hospital records obtained from a registry of 879 patients with STS of the extremities who were treated at the National Cancer Institute of Mexico from January 1, 1994 to December 31, 2017. Epidemiological variables and relevant clinical data were collected. Five-year survival rates were analysed using Kaplan-Meier estimates, and a multivariate Cox proportional-hazards model measured associations.

Results

A total of 879 records were collected. The median age was 45 years (15-95 years), and the ratio of men to women was 1:1, with 433 men (49.3%), and 446 women (50.7%). The median tumour size was 11.4 cm (2-49 cm). The most prevalent histological variants were liposarcomas and synovial sarcomas. The lower limb was the most frequently affected extremity, with the thigh being the most common site followed by the leg. A majority of the patients were diagnosed at clinical stages IIIA-IV.

Conclusions

The data collected from the present cohort provides an overview of the epidemiological profile of STS at a single reference centre in Latin America, and allow comparison with global data.

Efficacy of hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion in the treatment of locally recurrent high-grade soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities

Background

This novel study compared the use of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and melphalan-based isolated limb perfusion (TM-ILP) to the standard treatment of locally recurrent soft tissue extremity sarcoma. The aim was to assess whether TM-ILP positively influences the recurrence-free survival of locally recurrent high-grade soft tissue sarcoma (STS) of the extremities.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed our clinical database for patients with STS. Variables were analyzed using chi-square test or Mann-Whitney rank-sum test. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier survival plots were calculated and a proportional hazard regression model was developed.

Results

Out of 448 patients with extraabdominal STS treated between August 2012 and December 2015, 52 cases involving 47 patients had locally recurrent STS. Twenty-eight of these patients were treated with TM-ILP prior to surgical resection (TM-ILP-group), and 24 were treated with standard therapy (without TM-ILP). The 3-year recurrence-free survival for the TM-ILP-group was estimated at 75% (95% confidence interval (CI), 71.5–78.5). Local recurrence-free survival in the standard group was significantly lower (LRFS: 43.4%, 95% CI 38.7–48.1, p = 0.026). Multivariable analysis revealed resection with negative margins, lower number of previous recurrences, and TM-ILP as positive predictors for recurrence-free survival.

Conclusions

TM-ILP and consecutive resection of residual tumor with negative resection margins significantly improves local recurrence-free survival for patients with a first local recurrence of high-grade STS in the extremities.

Oncological outcome, functional results and costs after unplanned excision of musculoskeletal soft tissue sarcoma

BACKGROUND

Treatment of soft tissue sarcomas (STS) should only be initiated once the diagnosis is fully established. Resection of tumors of unknown nature should be avoided. Nevertheless, specialized centers continue to face numbers of unplanned excisions (UPE) in STS.

AIM

To compare oncologic and functional outcomes, number of surgeries, length of hospital stay and treatment costs of UPE versus planned excision (PE) in STS.

METHOD

A retrospective single tertiary center study was performed on 201 patients. Survival, local and distant recurrence rates were compared between PE (n = 137) and UPE (n = 64). In a subgroup analysis of 60 patients, functional outcome (MSTS and TESS scores), and socio-economic impact (number of surgeries, length of hospital stay and treatment costs) in "functional planned excision" (fPE) group (n = 30) and "functional unplanned excision" (fUPE) group (n = 29) were compared.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in oncological outcome between PE and UPE. In the subgroup analysis, we found a non-significant difference in functional outcome. Patients in the fUPE had significantly more surgeries (3.5 vs. 1.4; p < 0.00001) and costs of their management was 64% higher than fPE (p = 0.048). Hospital stay was longer after fUPE but not statistically significant (18.3 days vs. 11.8 days; p = 0.13).

CONCLUSION

Even though oncological and functional outcomes are comparable after PE and UPE of STS, the number of surgeries, length of hospital stay and treatment costs were higher in patients with UPE. Our data underscore the importance of specialized STS treatment centers including multidisciplinary management.

Current situation of soft tissue sarcomas: Registry of a Latin American cancer institute

INTRODUCTION

Soft tissue sarcomas (SFT) are a group of rare and heterogeneous neoplasms (representing less than 1% of cancer in adults and 15% in pediatric patients), for which there is no updated records in the Latin American population. This study aims to describe the current situation of patients treated at a cancer institute in Latin America.

METHODS

We obtained records from 250 patients with a diagnosis of SFT, treated at the National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases of Peru (INEN) during the period 2009-2013, with a mean follow-up of 62 months. The following data were recorded: epidemiological, clinical, treatment and follow-up. The analysis of global survival was done with the Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

SFT showed a greater frequency in males (60.8%), with a peak incidence after 50 years of age (69.6%). Tumor location was predominantly in the lower extremities (64.4%), and the most frequent histologic subtypes were: undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (34%) and liposarcomas (25.6%); clinical stage iii was the most frequent (30.8%). The 5-year overall survival rate was 63.9%, while the statistical analysis found a significant association between global survival and the variables: age (>50 years), tumor size (>5cm), depth (subfascial), histologic grade (G3), local and distant recurrence, showing shorter survival times in these groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has clarified the epidemiology, treatment and prognosis, as well as the variables that have an impact on the survival of the Latin American patients with SFT studied.

Local recurrence of soft-tissue sarcoma: issues in imaging surveillance strategy

Soft-tissue sarcomas pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to physicians, owing to the large number of subtypes, aggressive tumor biology, lack of consensus on management, and controversy surrounding interval and duration of surveillance scans. Advances in multidisciplinary management have improved the care of sarcoma patients, but controversy remains regarding strategies for surveillance following definitive local control. This review provides an updated, comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the risk of local recurrence of soft-tissue sarcoma, by examining the literature based on features such as histological type and grade, tumor size, and resection margin status, with the aim of helping clinicians, surgeons, and radiologists to develop a tailored approach to local imaging surveillance.

Targeted muscle reinnervation and prosthetic rehabilitation after limb loss

Over one million amputations occur annually world-wide. Often, amputation of the neoplastic limb is regarded as a surgical failure and the end of surgical care for the patient. Here, we highlight the advancements in extremity prostheses and surgical techniques that should change that mindset. Myoelectric prostheses, osseointegration, and targeted muscle reinnervation allow for more intuitive and easy to use devices, reduced pain, and greater quality of life for amputees.

Allograft Reconstruction of the Extensor Mechanism after Resection of Soft Tissue Sarcoma

INTRODUCTION

Soft tissue tumors around the knee joint still pose problems for the excision and subsequent reconstruction.

METHODS

In the 6 included patients the soft tissue sarcoma has its base on the anterior surface of the extensor mechanism and expands towards the skin. The entire extensor apparatus (quadriceps tendon, patella, and patellar tendon) was resected and replaced by a fresh-frozen allograft.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 6.7 years (range: 2-12.4 years). In two patients a local recurrence occurred, resulting in a 5-year local recurrence-free rate of 66.7% (95% CI: 19.5%-90.4%). Distant metastases were found in 4 patients resulting in a 5-year metastasis-free rate of 33.3% (95% CI: 4.6%-67.5%). Two patients underwent at least one revision surgery, including one patient in whom the allograft had to be removed. According to the ISOLS function score 24.7 points (range: 19-28 points) were achieved at the last follow-up. The mean active flexion of the knee joint was 82.5° (range: 25-120°) and a mean extension lag of 10° (range: 0-30°) was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The replacement of the extensor mechanism by an allograft is a reasonable option, allowing wide margins and restoration of active extension in most patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The presented study is listed on the ISRCTN registry with trial number ISRCTN63060594.