Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy for primary high-grade extremity soft tissue sarcoma

Well-differentiated liposarcomas and dedifferentiated liposarcomas: Systemic treatment options for two sibling neoplasms

Well-differentiated liposarcomas (WDLPS) and dedifferentiated liposarcomas (DDLPS) account for 60 % of all liposarcomas, reflecting the heterogeneity of this type of sarcoma. Genetically, both types of liposarcomas are characterized by the amplification of MDM2 and CDK4 genes, which indicates an important molecular event with diagnostic and therapeutic relevance. In both localized WDLPS and DDLPS of the retroperitoneum and the extremities, between 25 % and 30 % of patients have local or distant recurrence, even when perioperatively treated, with clear margins present. The systemic treatment of WDLPS and DDLPS remains a challenge, with anthracyclines as the gold standard for first-line treatment. Several regimens have been tested with modest results regarding their efficacy. Herein we discuss the systemic treatment options for WDLPS and DDLPS and review their reported clinical efficacy results.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients undergoing neoadjuvant radiation for trunk and extremity soft tissue sarcoma

INTRODUCTION

Many patients with high-risk soft tissue sarcoma (STS) develop distant metastases. Meta-analyses suggest that chemotherapy confers a small survival benefit, though few studies focus on neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT). There has been more frequent use of neoadjuvant radiation therapy (NRT) in STS, but the utility of NCT for these patients remains unclear.

METHODS

Patients with stage II-III trunk/extremity STS who underwent NRT and resection were identified using the National Cancer Database (2006-2019). Predictors of NCT were analyzed using logistic regression. Change in rate of NCT use over time was assessed using log-linear regression modeling. Survival was examined using Kaplan-Meier (KM) and Cox proportional hazard modeling.

RESULTS

Of 5740 patients, 25% underwent NCT. The overall median age was 62, 55% of patients were male, and 67% had stage III disease. The most common histological subtypes were fibrosarcoma/myxofibrosarcoma (39%) and liposarcoma (16%). Use of NCT decreased by 4.0% per year throughout the study period (p < 0.01). Predictors of NCT included younger age (median 54, IQR 42-64 vs. median 65, IQR 53-75, p < 0.01), treatment at an academic center (odds ratio [OR] 1.5, p < 0.01), and stage III disease (OR 2.2, p < 0.01). Histologic predictors of NCT included synovial sarcoma (52%) and angiosarcoma (45%). With a median follow-up time of 77 months, NCT was associated with improved 5-year survival compared to NRT alone on KM analysis (70% vs. 63%, p < 0.01). This difference persisted on multivariate analysis (hazard ratio 0.86, p = 0.027) and after propensity matching (70% vs. 65%, p = 0.0064).

CONCLUSION

Despite risk of distant failure in high-risk STS, use of NCT has decreased over time in patients receiving NRT. In this retrospective analysis, NCT was associated with a modestly improved overall survival.

Nomograms predicting local and distant recurrence and disease-specific mortality for R0/R1 soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities

Background

Prognostic models for patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS) of the extremities have been developed from large multi-institutional datasets with mixed results. We aimed to develop predictive nomograms for sarcoma-specific survival (SSS) and, for the first time, long-term local recurrence (LR) and distant recurrence (DR) in patients with STS of the extremities treated at our institution.

Patients and methods

Data from patients treated at Humanitas Cancer Center from 1997 to 2015 were analyzed. Variable selection was based on the clinical knowledge and multivariable regression splines algorithm. Perioperative treatments were always included in the model. Prognostic models were developed using Cox proportional hazards model, and model estimates were plotted in nomograms predicting SSS at 5 and 10 years and LR and DR at 2, 5, and 10 years. Model performance was estimated internally via bootstrapping, in terms of optimism-corrected discrimination (Harrell C-index) and calibration (calibration plots).

Results

Data on 517 patients were analyzed. At 5 and 10 years, SSS was 68.1% [95% confidence interval (CI), 63.8-72.1] and 55.6% (50.5-60.3), respectively. LR was 79.1% (95% CI, 75.3-82.4), 71.1% (95% CI, 66.7-75.1), and 66.0% (95% CI, 60.7-70.7) at 2, 5, and 10 years, respectively, whereas DR was 65.9% (95% CI, 61.6-69.9), 57.5% (95% CI, 53.0-61.8), and 52.1% (95% CI, 47.1-56.8) at 2, 5, and 10 years, respectively. SSS nomogram included age, gender, margins, tumor size, grading, and histotype. LR and DR nomograms incorporated mostly the same variables, except for age for DR; LR nomogram did not include gender but included anatomic site. The optimism-corrected C-indexes were 0.73 and 0.72 for SSS at 5 and 10 years, respectively; 0.65, 0.64, and 0.64 for LR at 2, 5, and 10 years, respectively; and 0.68 for DR at 2, 5, and 10 years. Predicted probabilities were close to the observed ones for all outcomes.

Conclusions

We developed and validated three nomograms for STS of the extremities predicting the probability of SSS at 5 and 10 years and LR and DR at 2, 5, and 10 years. By accounting for the perioperative treatment, these models allow prediction for future patients who had no perioperative treatment, thus being useful in the clinical decision-making process.

Femoral artery aneurysm developed on intimal sarcoma: Case report

Intimal angiosarcoma is a rare vascular malignancy, and diagnosis is very difficult due to nonspecific symptoms. There are controversial points regarding the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of intimal angiosarcomas. The purpose of this case report was to evaluate the diagnosis and treatment process of a patient diagnosed with femoral artery intimal angiosarcoma. Furthermore, in line with previous studies, it was aimed to illuminate controversial points. A 33-year-old male patient, who had been operated on due to ruptured femoral artery aneurysm, was diagnosed with intimal angiosarcoma with the pathology result. Recurrence was observed during clinical follow-up, and the patient was treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Since there was no response to treatment, the patient underwent aggressive surgery including the surrounding tissues. No recurrence or metastasis was observed in the patient's 10^th month follow-up. Although intimal angiosarcoma is rare, it should be considered in differential diagnosis when femoral artery aneurysm is detected. The most important step in treatment is aggressive surgery, but adding chemo-radiotherapy to the treatment should be considered.

Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy plus Limb-Sparing Surgery for Osteosarcoma and Its Impact on Long-Term Quality of Life

Purpose

To assess the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus limb-sparing surgery for osteosarcoma and its impact on long-term quality of life.

Methods

Between August 2016 and December 2018, 90 patients with osteosarcoma treated in Nanchong Central Hospital were recruited and divided at a ratio of 1 : 1 to receive limb-sparing surgery (control group) or limb-sparing surgery plus neoadjuvant chemotherapy (study group) by random number table methods. The clinical endpoints were clinical efficacy and long-term quality of life.

Results

Limb-sparing surgery plus neoadjuvant chemotherapy was associated with a significantly higher efficacy versus limb-sparing surgery alone. Limb-sparing surgery plus neoadjuvant chemotherapy resulted in a significantly higher Enneking score and a higher good function rating of patients versus limb-sparing surgery. The two groups showed a high but similar 1-year survival rate. Patients given limb-sparing surgery plus neoadjuvant chemotherapy showed significantly higher 2-year and 3-year survival and a longer mean survival versus those receiving limb-sparing surgery alone. Limb-sparing surgery plus neoadjuvant chemotherapy resulted in significantly higher scores of role emotional, mental health, physical function, and social function and a lower bodily pain score than limb-sparing surgery alone. Limb-sparing surgery plus neoadjuvant chemotherapy was associated with significantly lower fatigue, nausea and vomiting, dyspnea, constipation, and diarrhea scores and a significantly higher health status score versus monotherapy of limb-sparing surgery.

Conclusion

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus limb-sparing surgery improves the postoperative limb function and long-term quality of life of patients with osteosarcoma, which shows great potential for clinical promotion.

Virtual Biopsy in Soft Tissue Sarcoma. How Close Are We?

A shift in radiology to a data-driven specialty has been unlocked by synergistic developments in imaging biomarkers (IB) and computational science. This is advancing the capability to deliver "virtual biopsies" within oncology. The ability to non-invasively probe tumour biology both spatially and temporally would fulfil the potential of imaging to inform management of complex tumours; improving diagnostic accuracy, providing new insights into inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity and individualised treatment planning and monitoring. Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare tumours of mesenchymal origin with over 150 histological subtypes and notorious heterogeneity. The combination of inter- and intra-tumoural heterogeneity and the rarity of the disease remain major barriers to effective treatments. We provide an overview of the process of successful IB development, the key imaging and computational advancements in STS including quantitative magnetic resonance imaging, radiomics and artificial intelligence, and the studies to date that have explored the potential biological surrogates to imaging metrics. We discuss the promising future directions of IBs in STS and illustrate how the routine clinical implementation of a virtual biopsy has the potential to revolutionise the management of this group of complex cancers and improve clinical outcomes.

The Nitrogen Mustards

The nitrogen mustards are powerful cytotoxic and lymphoablative agents and have been used for more than 60 years. They are employed in the treatment of cancers, sarcomas, and hematologic malignancies. Cyclophosphamide, the most versatile of the nitrogen mustards, also has a place in stem cell transplantation and the therapy of autoimmune diseases. Adverse effects caused by the nitrogen mustards on the central nervous system, kidney, heart, bladder, and gonads remain important issues. Advances in analytical techniques have facilitated the investigation of the pharmacokinetics of the nitrogen mustards, especially the oxazaphosphorines, which are prodrugs requiring metabolic activation. Enzymes involved in the metabolism of cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide are very polymorphic, but a greater understanding of the pharmacogenomic influences on their activity has not yet translated into a personalized medicine approach. In addition to damaging DNA, the nitrogen mustards can act through other mechanisms, such as antiangiogenesis and immunomodulation. The immunomodulatory properties of cyclophosphamide are an area of current exploration. In particular, cyclophosphamide decreases the number and activity of regulatory T cells, and the interaction between cyclophosphamide and the intestinal microbiome is now recognized as an important factor. New derivatives of the nitrogen mustards continue to be assessed. Oxazaphosphorine analogs have been synthesized in attempts to both improve efficacy and reduce toxicity, with varying degrees of success. Combinations of the nitrogen mustards with monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule targeted agents are being evaluated. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The nitrogen mustards are important, well-established therapeutic agents that are used to treat a variety of diseases. Their role is continuing to evolve.

Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Version 2.2022, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare malignancies of mesenchymal cell origin that display a heterogenous mix of clinical and pathologic characteristics. STS can develop from fat, muscle, nerves, blood vessels, and other connective tissues. The evaluation and treatment of patients with STS requires a multidisciplinary team with demonstrated expertise in the management of these tumors. The complete NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for Soft Tissue Sarcoma provide recommendations for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of extremity/superficial trunk/head and neck STS, as well as retroperitoneal/intra-abdominal STS, desmoid tumors, and rhabdomyosarcoma. This portion of the NCCN Guidelines discusses general principles for the diagnosis and treatment of retroperitoneal/intra-abdominal STS, outlines treatment recommendations, and reviews the evidence to support the guidelines recommendations.

Laparoscopic liver resection for liver metastasis of leiomyosarcoma of the thigh: a case report

Background

Although there is no established treatment strategy for liver metastasis of leiomyosarcoma, liver resection has been reported to be effective in some cases. However, almost all liver resections performed for liver metastasis of primary leiomyosarcoma are reported to be open resections, and there are few reports of liver resection performed by laparoscopy. Here, we report a case of laparoscopic liver resection for liver metastasis of a leiomyosarcoma in the right thigh.

Case presentation

An 80-year-old man was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma of the right thigh with liver metastasis. The primary tumor was first resected, and he was discharged on the 25th postoperative day. Four months after primary tumor resection, a laparoscopic right posterior sectionectomy was performed. There were no postoperative complications, and the patient was discharged on the 11th postoperative day with a histopathological diagnosis of liver metastasis of leiomyosarcoma and negative resection margins. Currently, 9 months have passed since the resection of the primary tumor, and 5 months have passed since the laparoscopic liver resection; there is no recurrence.

Conclusions

The liver metastasis of leiomyosarcoma was successfully removed, with good short-term outcomes after the laparoscopic liver resection. Laparoscopic liver resection seems to be effective for liver metastasis of leiomyosarcoma, which is characterized by a high recurrence rate after surgery. However, more case studies may be necessary to examine the effectiveness and long-term results of laparoscopic liver resection for the treatment of liver metastasis of leiomyosarcoma.

Early Therapeutic Interventions for Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma: Rationale and Review of the Literature

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Glioblastoma is the commonest primary brain cancer in adults whose outcomes are amongst the worst of any cancer. The current treatment pathway comprises surgery and postoperative chemoradiotherapy though unresectable diffusely infiltrative tumour cells remain untreated for several weeks post-diagnosis. Intratumoural heterogeneity combined with increased hypoxia in the postoperative tumour microenvironment potentially decreases the efficacy of adjuvant interventions and fails to prevent early postoperative regrowth, called rapid early progression (REP). In this review, we discuss the clinical implications and biological foundations of post-surgery REP. Subsequently, clinical interventions potentially targeting this phenomenon are reviewed systematically.

RECENT FINDINGS

Early interventions include early systemic chemotherapy, neoadjuvant immunotherapy, local therapies delivered during surgery (including Gliadel wafers, nanoparticles and stem cell therapy) and several radiotherapy techniques. We critically appraise and compare these strategies in terms of their efficacy, toxicity, challenges and potential to prolong survival. Finally, we discuss the most promising strategies that could benefit future glioblastoma patients. There is biological rationale to suggest that early interventions could improve the outcome of glioblastoma patients and they should be investigated in future trials.

The role of perioperative chemotherapy in primary high-grade extremity soft tissue sarcoma: a risk-stratified analysis using PERSARC

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to assess the effect of perioperative chemotherapy (CTX) in patients with grade II-III extremity soft tissue sarcoma (eSTS) on overall survival (OS) and evaluate whether the PERSARC prediction tool could identify patients with eSTS more likely to benefit from CTX.

METHODS

Patients (18-70 years) with primary high-grade eSTS surgically treated with curative intent were included in the retrospective cohort study. The effect of any perioperative CTX and anthracycline + ifosfamide (AI)-based CTX on OS was investigated in three PERSARC-risk groups (high/intermediate/low). The PERSARC-risk groups were defined by the 33% and 66% quantile of the predicted 5-year OS of the study population equal to a 5-year OS of 65.8% and 79.8%, respectively. The effect of CTX on OS was investigated with weighted Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariable Cox models with an interaction between risk group and CTX.

RESULTS

This study included 5683 patients. The weighted Kaplan-Meier curves did not demonstrate a beneficial effect of any CTX and AI-based CTX on OS in the overall population. However, in the high PERSARC-risk group the 5-year OS of AI-based CTX was significantly better than no CTX (69.8% vs 59.0%, respectively, p = 0.004) (HR 0.66, 95%CI 0.53-0.83).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated a beneficial effect of AI-based CTX on OS in a selected group of high-risk patients with an absolute survival benefit of 11% as stratified by the PERSARC prediction tool. However, no beneficial effect of CTX on OS was found in the overall population of patients with primary high-grade eSTS younger than 70 years.

Rapid early progression (REP) of glioblastoma is an independent negative prognostic factor: Results from a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

In patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma, rapid early progression (REP) refers to tumor regrowth between surgery and postoperative chemoradiotherapy. This systematic review and meta-analysis appraised previously published data on REP to better characterize and understand it.

Methods

Systematic searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane database from inception to October 21, 2021. Studies describing the incidence of REP-tumor growth between the postoperative MRI scan and pre-radiotherapy MRI scan in newly diagnosed glioblastoma were included. The primary outcome was REP incidence.

Results

From 1590 search results, 9 studies were included with 716 patients. The median age was 56.9 years (IQR 54.0-58.8 y). There was a male predominance with a median male-to-female ratio of 1.4 (IQR 1.1-1.5). The median number of days between MRI scans was 34 days (IQR 18-45 days). The mean incidence rate of REP was 45.9% (range 19.3%-72.0%) and significantly lower in studies employing functional imaging to define REP (P < .001). REP/non-REP groups were comparable with respect to age (P = .99), gender (P = .33) and time between scans (P = .81). REP was associated with shortened overall survival (HR 1.78, 95% CI 1.30-2.43, P < .001), shortened progression-free survival (HR 1.78, 95% CI 1.30-2.43, P < .001), subtotal resection (OR 6.96, 95% CI 4.51-10.73, P < .001) and IDH wild-type versus mutant tumors (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.02-0.38, P = .03). MGMT promoter methylation was not associated with REP (OR 1.29, 95% CI 0.72-2.28, P = .39).

Conclusions

REP occurs in almost half of patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma and has a strongly negative prognostic effect. Future studies should investigate its biology and effective treatment strategies.

Evaluation of two modalities of perioperative treatment in the management of extremity and truncal soft tissue sarcomas: neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy and sequential treatment

PURPOSE

Patients with locally advanced grade 2-3 extremity/truncal soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are at high risk of recurrence. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and feasibility of neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (cCRT) in selected grade 2-3 patients with limb or trunk wall STS, and to compare this schedule to a sequential approach combining neoadjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant radiotherapy.

METHODS

We retrospectively included patients who underwent neoadjuvant cCRT at two comprehensive cancer centers from 1992-2016. We then compared these results to those of patients treated with preoperative chemotherapy and postoperative radiotherapy from a third comprehensive cancer center with a propensity score matched analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 53 patients were treated by neoadjuvant cCRT; 58 patients could be matched with 29 patients in each treatment group after propensity score matching. Disease-free survival and overall survival at 5 years were 54.9 and 63.5%, respectively with neoadjuvant cCRT, with no significant difference when compared to the sequential treatment group. R0 resection rate was higher (90.9 vs 44.8%, p < 0.01) in the cCRT group than in the sequential treatment group during a shorter therapeutic sequence (118 vs 210.5 days, p < 0.01), with no impact on the surgical procedure or postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

cCRT is feasible with acceptable immediate and late toxicities. It could facilitate surgery by increasing the R0 resection rate and improve patient compliance by shortening the therapeutic sequence.

Effect of Neoadjuvant Therapies on Soft Tissue Sarcomas with Tail-like Lesions: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

Simple Summary

It is essential to focus on the tumor invasive front (tail-like lesion)—the soft tissue sarcoma’s specific peripheral infiltrative growth characteristics—to avoid leaving unexpected tumor residues during surgery. This study aimed to analyze the effect of neoadjuvant therapy for highly malignant soft tissue tumors with tail-like lesions. From 2012 to 2019, 36 patients were treated with neoadjuvant therapy, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or both. Consequently, we observed shrinkage, and occasionally the disappearance of the tail-like lesion. The lesion’s regression was related to the necrosis rate of the main part of the tumor. However, the regression of lesions was not directly related to the achievement of surgery with a microscopically negative margin or improvements of oncological outcomes. Thus, a more multi-angle evaluation to elaborate surgical strategy is necessary.

Abstract

Several types of soft tissue sarcomas have peripheral infiltrative growth characteristics called tail-like lesions. The efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy for tumors with tail-like lesions has not been elucidated. From 2012 to 2019, we analyzed 36 patients with soft tissue sarcoma with tail-like lesions treated with neoadjuvant therapy, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or both. The effect of neoadjuvant therapy on the tail sign was investigated by analyzing the change in tail-like lesions during neoadjuvant therapy and histological responses. The median length of the tail-like lesion reduced from 29.5 mm at initiation to 19.5 mm after neoadjuvant therapy. The extent of shrinkage in tail-like lesions was related to the histopathological responses in the main part of the tumor. Complete disappearance of the tail-like lesion was observed in 12 patients; however, it was not related to achieving a microscopically negative margin. The oncologic outcomes did not significantly differ between cases with and without the complete disappearance of tail-like lesions. This study indicated that the shrinkage of tail-like lesions did not have a significant effect on complete resection or improvements of clinical outcomes. A more comprehensive evaluation is needed to elaborate on the surgical strategy.

Development and Validation of Novel Nomograms for Predicting Specific Distant Metastatic Sites and Overall Survival of Patients With Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Purpose:

The goal of this study is to construct nomograms to effectively predict the distant metastatic sites and overall survival (OS) of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) patients.

Methods:

STS case data between 2010 and 2015 for retrospective study were gathered from public databases. According to the chi-square and multivariate logistic regression analysis determined independent predictive factors of specific metastatic sites, the nomograms based on these factors were consturced. Subsequently, combined metastatic information a nomogram to predict 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS of STS patients was developed. The performance of models was validated by the area under the curve (AUC), calibration plots, and decision curve analyses (DCA).

Results:

A total of 7001 STS patients were included in this retrospective study, including 4901 cases in the training group and the remaining 2,100 patients in the validation group. Three nomograms were established to predict lung, liver and bone metastasis, and satisfactory results have been obtained by internal and external validation. The AUCs for predicting lung, liver, and bone metastases in the training cohort were 0.796, 0.799, and 0.766, respectively, and in the validation cohort were 0.807, 0.787, and 0.775, respectively, which means that the nomograms have good discrimination. The calibration curves showed that the models have high precision, and the DCA manifested that the nomograms have great clinical application prospects. Through univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses, 8 independent prognosis factors of age, grade, histological type, tumor size, surgery, chemotherapy, radiatiotherapy and lung metastasis were determined. A nomogram was then constructed to predict the 1-, 2-, and 3-years OS, which has a good performance in both internal and external validations.

Conclusion:

The nomograms for predicting specific metastatic sites and OS have good discrimination, accuracy and clinical applicability. The models could accurately predict the metastatic risk and survival information, and help clinical decision-making.

Effect of anthracyclines/ifosfamide-based adjuvant chemotherapy for soft tissue sarcoma: a conventional and network Meta-analysis

The objective of this study is to assess the effect of anthracyclines/ifosfamide-based adjuvant chemotherapy for soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and provide a relative ranking of regimens for STS. We pooled the hazard ratios of overall survival (OS) and relapse free survival (RFS) by conventional meta-analysis to appraise whether adjuvant chemotherapy benefits STS and performed a network meta-analysis using a Bayesian model to establish the relative ranking of regimens. Nine studies were included in our meta-analysis. The pooled hazard ratios were 0.68 (95%CI: 0.53-0.86) and 0.65 (95%CI: 0.52-0.83) for OS and RFS, respectively. Doxorubicin was indicated as best regimen to benefit OS (probability: 30.2%), while cyclophosphamide + vincristine + doxorubicin + dactinomycin was indicated as the best regimen for RFS (probability: 37.1%). This meta-analysis confirms the positive effect of anthracyclines/ifosfamide-based adjuvant chemotherapy in STS for both OS and RFS.

Preoperative accelerated radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy in a defined cohort of patients with high risk soft tissue sarcoma: a Scandinavian Sarcoma Group study

Background

We recently reported outcomes from a Scandinavian Sarcoma Group adjuvant study (SSG XX group A) conducted on localized and operable high risk soft tissue sarcoma (STS) of the extremities and trunk wall. SSG XX, group B, comprised of patients in a defined cohort with locally advanced STS considered at high risk for intralesional surgery. These patients received preoperative accelerated radiotherapy, together with neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy. Herein we report the results of this group B.

Methods

Twenty patients with high-grade, locally advanced and deep STS located in lower extremities (n = 12), upper extremities (5) or trunk wall (3) were included. The median age was 59 years and 14 patients were males. The treatment regimen consisted of 6 cycles of doxorubicin (60 mg/m²) and ifosfamide (6 g/m²), with three cycles given neoadjuvantly, and preoperative radiotherapy (1, 8 Gyx2/daily to 36 Gy) between cycles 2 and 3. After a repeated MRI surgery was then conducted, and the remaining 3 chemotherapy cycles were given postoperatively at 3 weeks intervals. Survival data, local control, toxicity of chemotherapy and postoperative complications are presented.

Results

Median follow-up time for metastasis-free survival (MFS) was 2.8 years (range 0.3–10.4). The 5-year MFS was 49.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 31.7–77.4). The median follow-up time was 5.4 years (range 0.3–10.4) for overall survival (OS). The 5-year OS was 64.0% (95% CI 45.8–89.4). The median tumour size was 13 cm, with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (n = 10) and synovial sarcoma (n = 6) diagnosed most frequently. All patients completed surgery. Resection margins were R0 in 19 patients and R1 in 1 patient. No patients had evidence of disease progression preoperatively. Three patients experienced a local recurrence, in 2 after lung metastases had already been diagnosed. Eleven patients (55%) had postoperative wound problems (temporary in 8 and persistent in 3).

Conclusions

Preoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy were associated with temporary wound-healing problems. Survival outcomes, local control and toxicities were deemed satisfactory when considering the locally advanced sarcoma disease status at primary diagnosis.

Trial registration This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT00790244 and with European Union Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical Trials No. EUDRACT 2007-001152-39

Low Rates of Chemotherapy Use for Primary, High-Grade Soft Tissue Sarcoma: A National Cancer Database Analysis

BACKGROUND

There is conflicting evidence regarding the role of chemotherapy for high-grade soft tissue sarcoma (STS) in adults. We sought to characterize patterns of chemotherapy use, including multiagent and neoadjuvant chemotherapy, in the United States.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using the National Cancer Database, we identified 19,969 adult patients who underwent surgical resection for primary high-grade STS from 2004 to 2016. Using logistic regression, we examined factors associated with overall, multiagent, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy use.

RESULTS

Chemotherapy was administered to 22% (n=4,377) of the study population. Among patients treated using chemotherapy, 85% received multiagent treatment and 47% received neoadjuvant treatment. On multivariate analysis, factors associated with chemotherapy use included tumor size, depth, histology, and primary site; receipt of radiation treatment; younger age; higher patient income; and academic treatment facility. Factors associated with multiagent chemotherapy use included tumor histology, tumor primary site, and younger age. Factors associated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy use included tumor size, depth, margin status, and primary site; receipt of radiation treatment; higher patient income; academic treatment facility type; and distance to treatment facility. Treatment at a high-volume facility was the only factor associated with overall, multiagent, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy use. No significant temporal trend was seen in overall, multiagent, or neoadjuvant chemotherapy use.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall chemotherapy use was low (22%). The variability in chemotherapy use was driven by clinical, patient, demographic, and facility factors. Among patients treated with chemotherapy, the use of multiagent chemotherapy was high (85%), and nearly half received neoadjuvant therapy. There was a discrepancy in the use of chemotherapy-including neoadjuvant and multiagent chemotherapy-between high- and low-volume treatment centers.

Neoadjuvant Treatment Options in Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Due to the heterogeneity of soft tissue sarcomas (STS), the choice of the proper perioperative treatment regimen is challenging. Neoadjuvant therapy has attracted increasing attention due to several advantages, particularly in patients with locally advanced disease. The number of available neoadjuvant modalities is growing continuously. We may consider radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiosensitizers, hyperthermia, and their combinations. This review discusses possible neoadjuvant treatment options in STS with an emphasis on available evidence, indications for each treatment type, and related risks. Finally, we summarize current recommendations of the STS neoadjuvant therapy response assessment.

Regional Lymph Node Metastasis of Scalp Angiosarcoma: A Detailed Clinical Observation Study of 40 Cases

BACKGROUND

The incidence of lymph node metastasis (LNM) of angiosarcomas is reported to be less than 15%, and elective neck management has not been indicated. This study evaluated the incidence and pattern of regional LNM in patients with scalp angiosarcomas using the clinical data of its full course to understand time-event sequences of scalp angiosarcomas.

METHODS

This retrospective study included all consecutive cases of pathology-confirmed angiosarcomas and analyzed 40 cases of scalp angiosarcomas. The survival plots were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the results are presented mainly in a descriptive manner.

RESULTS

The overall survival rate for the patients was 35.8% at 2 years. In contrast to previous reports, regional LNM was observed in more than half of the patients (52.5%) with scalp angiosarcoma. Meanwhile, a direct spread to distant organs occurred in only 27.5% of the patients. Regional LNM could predict clinical manifestation of systemic disease within 3 to 6 months. No differences in survival rates between patients with and without LNM were observed in this series. Occurrence of LNM seemed to be correlated with a high mitotic rate of primary tumors, but not with tumor grade or tumor dimension. The first-echelon lymph nodes from scalp angiosarcoma were peri-parotid, post-auricular, and level 2 lymph nodes.

CONCLUSIONS

For a localized scalp angiosarcoma, it seems reasonable for initial curative surgery to include prophylactic evaluation of regional lymph nodes for pathologic nodal staging, prognosis estimation, and the decision for systemic treatments.

Solitary fibrous tumor involving urinary bladder: a case report and literature review

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare fibroblast stroma tumor involving the mediastinum and pleura. We herein describe an SFT of bladder which is extremely rare and review 29 similar cases in the last decades. We present a case of a 52-year-old male patient who suffered from urinary urgency and frequency for 12 months. Non-contrast computed tomography (CT) showed a slightly high density calcified mass with 70 mm × 61 mm in diameter. Contrast-enhanced CT demonstrated the mass was slightly enhanced. Cystoscopy revealed a huge mass with flat surface. Histopathological review of the biopsy specimens could not confirm the diagnosis. Partial cystectomy was then performed and the diagnosis of SFT was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The patient is doing well at 12 months follow-up without recurrence and metastasis. In conclusion, the diagnosis of SFT involving bladder should combine clinical presentation and imaging features. Complete surgical resection is the primary method and long-term follow-up is necessary.

Soft-tissue sarcoma in adults: An update on the current state of histiotype-specific management in an era of personalized medicine

Soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare tumors that account for 1% of all adult malignancies, with over 100 different histologic subtypes occurring predominately in the trunk, extremity, and retroperitoneum. This low incidence is further complicated by their variable presentation, behavior, and long-term outcomes, which emphasize the importance of centralized care in specialized centers with a multidisciplinary team approach. In the last decade, there has been an effort to improve the quality of care for patients with STS based on anatomic site and histology, and multiple ongoing clinical trials are focusing on tailoring therapy to histologic subtype. This report summarizes the latest evidence guiding the histiotype-specific management of extremity/truncal and retroperitoneal STS with regard to surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Multidisciplinary treatment of soft tissue sarcomas: An update

Standard treatment for soft tissue sarcoma, based on complete surgical resection with or without adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy, has not substantially changed during the last several decades. Nevertheless, recent advances have contributed to considerable improvement in the management of these patients; for example, new magnetic resonance imaging sequences such as diffusion-weighted imaging and magnetic resonance imaging radiomics can better assess tumor extension and even estimate its grade. Detection of circulating genetic material (liquid biopsy) and next-generation sequencing are powerful techniques for genetic analysis, which will increase our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms and may reveal potential therapeutic targets. The role of chemotherapy in non-metastatic disease is still controversial, and there is a need to identify patients who really benefit from this treatment. Novel chemotherapeutic regimens have entered clinical praxis and can change the outcome of patients with metastatic disease. Advances in radiotherapy have helped decrease local adverse effects and sustain good local control of the disease. The following report provides an updated view of the diagnosis, treatment, and future perspectives on the management of patients with soft tissue sarcomas.

Paediatric orbital alveolar soft part sarcoma recurrence during long-term follow-up: a report of 3 cases and a review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a clinically and morphologically distinct malignant soft tissue tumour. It occurs mostly in the lower extremities in adults. The purpose of our study was to describe the related clinicopathologic factors, treatment and prognosis of recurrent orbital ASPS in children.

CASE PRESENTATION

Three children aged from 1 to 12 years presented with unilateral proptosis, restricted ocular motility and impaired visual acuity of the affected eye. Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) -positive diastase-resistant crystalline granules were found in all cases. Immunostaining of TFE-3, INL1 and Ki67 was positive in the tumour cells of two patients. The time until local recurrence of primary tumor in patient 2 and patient 3, who only underwent tumour resection, was shorter than that of patient 1, who underwent tumour excision and postoperative radiotherapy. The recurrent masses were successfully treated with complete tumour excision followed by adjuvant radiotherapy. Patient 1 presented metastasis at 11 years after radiotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Orbital ASPS in children is easily misdiagnosed due to its rare occurrence and atypical clinical findings. Early diagnosis with multidisciplinary, complete surgical resection combined with adjuvant radiotherapy is essential for achieving long-term disease-free survival in orbital ASPS patients.

Racial Differences in Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcoma Treatment in a Universally Insured Population

BACKGROUND

In prior reports from population-based databases, black patients with extremity soft tissue sarcoma (ESTS) have lower reported rates of limb-sparing surgery and adjuvant treatment. The objective of this study was to compare the multimodality treatment of ESTS between black and white patients within a universally insured and equal-access health care system.

METHODS

Claims data from TRICARE, the US Department of Defense insurance plan that provides health care coverage for 9 million active-duty personnel, retirees, and dependents, were queried for patients younger than 65 y with ESTS who underwent limb-sparing surgery or amputation between 2006 and 2014 and identified as black or white race. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the impact of race on the utilization of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

RESULTS

Of the 719 patients included for analysis, 605 patients (84%) were white and 114 (16%) were black. Compared with whites, blacks had the same likelihood of receiving limb-sparing surgery (odds ratio [OR], 0.861; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.284-2.611; P = 0.79), neoadjuvant radiation (OR, 1.177; 95% CI, 0.204-1.319; P = 0.34), and neoadjuvant (OR, 0.852; 95% CI, 0.554-1.311; P = 0.47) and adjuvant (OR, 1.211; 95% CI, 0.911-1.611; P = 0.19) chemotherapy; blacks more likely to receive adjuvant radiation (OR, 1.917; 95% CI, 1.162-3.162; P = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

In a universally insured population, racial differences in the rates of limb-sparing surgery for ESTS are significantly mitigated compared with prior reports. Biologic or disease factors that could not be accounted for in this study may contribute to the increased use of adjuvant radiation among black patients.

Assessing the Role of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Primary High-Risk Truncal/Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcomas: An Analysis of the Multi-institutional U.S. Sarcoma Collaborative

BACKGROUND

The role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) for high-risk soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is questioned. This study aimed to define which patients may experience a survival advantage with NCT.

METHODS

All the patients from the U.S. Sarcoma Collaborative database (2000-2016) who underwent curative-intent resection of high-grade, primary truncal/extremity STS size 5 cm or larger were included in this study. The primary end points were recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Of the 4153 patients, 770 were included in the study. The median tumor size was 10 cm, and 669 of the patients (87%) had extremity tumors. The most common histology was undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), found in 42% of the patients. Of the 770 patients, 216 (28%) received NCT. The patients who received NCT had deeper, larger tumors (p < 0.001). Of the patients with tumors 5 cm or larger and 8 cm or larger, NCT was not associated with improved RFS or OS. However for the patients with tumors 10 cm or larger, NCT was associated with improved 5-year RFS (51% vs 40%; p = 0.053) and 5-year OS (58% vs 47%; p = 0.043). By location, the patients with extremity tumors 10 cm or larger but not truncal tumors had improved 5-yearr RFS (54% vs 42%; p = 0.042) and 5-year OS (61% vs 47%; p = 0.015) with NCT. According to histology, no subtype had improved RFS or OS with NCT, although the patients with UPS had a trend toward improved 5-year RFS (56% vs 42%; p = 0.092) and 5-year OS (66% vs 52%; p = 0.103) with NCT.

CONCLUSION

For the patients with high-grade STS, NCT was associated with improved RFS and OS when tumors were 10 cm or larger and located in the extremity. However, no histiotype-specific advantage was identified. Future studies assessing the efficacy of NCT may consider focusing on these patients, with added focus on histology-specific strategies.

Adjuvant Treatment of High-risk Adult Soft Tissue Sarcomas: A Survey by the Italian Sarcoma Group

Aims and Background

After the first adjuvant study on adult soft tissue sarcomas was concluded, the participating institutions continued to select and treat patients according to that protocol. The aim of this study was to test the protocol reproducibility when applied as a standard practice.

Methods

A call for retrospective data was launched in June 1999 (self-referral of consecutive unregistered patients); thereafter, a prospective follow-up was performed. The treatment regimen consisted of epirubicin (60 mg/m2 days 1 and 2), ifosfamide (3 g/m2/die for 3 days) and equimolar doses of 6-mercapto-ethansulfonate (MESNA), with 300 μg G-CSF administered subcutaneously from day +8 until recovery, every 3 weeks for a total of 5 cycles.

Results

From November 1996 to June 1999, 55 high-risk, adult patients were treated. The average median dose intensity was 89% of the planned program. Grade 3-4 toxicities were leukopenia (49%), thrombocytopenia (14%), transfusion requiring anemia in 7 patients (16%), and alopecia in all patients (100%). After a median follow-up of 70 months, 23 patients (41.8%) relapsed and 19 died. Median disease-free, local disease-free and overall survival rates have not yet been reached. The disease-free survival rates at 2 and 4 years were 73% and 57%, respectively; the corresponding overall survival rates were 91% and 70%, respectively.

Conclusions

The feasibility and reproducibility of the original protocol were confirmed, since disease-specific overall survival and disease-free survival rates at the same period of observation and with the same prolonged follow-up did not differ.

Soft tissue sarcomas of the upper extremities: Maximizing treatment opportunities and outcomes

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare tumors; they do not even equate to 1% of all malignant tumor cases. One-fifth of all STS occur in the upper extremities, where epithelioid sarcoma, synovial sarcoma, clear cell sarcoma and malignant fibrohistiocytoma are the most frequent subtypes. Surgical resection is the cornerstone of treatment. However, accomplishment of optimal oncological and functional results of STS of the upper extremities may represent a challenge for hand surgeons, due to the complex anatomy. In several cases, preoperative therapies are needed to facilitate tumor resection and improve the oncological outcome. Oligometastatic disease may also be a challenging scenario as curative strategies can be applied. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are commonly used for this purpose albeit with conflicting evidence. Novel drug combinations have also been approved in the metastatic setting, further improving the quality of life and survival of eligible patients. Thus, prior to any approach, every case should be individually discussed in sarcoma centers with specialized multidisciplinary tumor boards. The aim of the present review was to gather the multidisciplinary experiences of the available therapeutic strategies for STS of the upper extremities.

Extent of resection and role of adjuvant treatment in resected localized breast angiosarcoma

BACKGROUND

Localized breast angiosarcoma (LBA) is a rare condition with no prospective clinical trials guiding the management of afflicted patients. Management of LBA and the resulting outcomes on a nationwide scale has not been previously examined.

METHODS

The National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) from 2004 to 2014 identified resected LBA patients. Treatment patterns were compared between three time periods (2004-2007, 2008-2011, and 2012-2014). Demographic and tumor characteristics, as well as treatments received-extent of surgery and adjuvant therapies-were analyzed for association with overall survival after adjustment for covariates.

RESULTS

826 resected localized breast angiosarcoma patients were identified. Mastectomy was the most common surgical approach (86%); over 60% of patients did not receive adjuvant therapies after surgery. On multivariate analysis, tumor grade, tumor size, and surgical margins were associated with worse survival. Extent of surgery (mastectomy versus lumpectomy) and radiation therapy use were not associated with improved survival. Adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with improved survival in patients with primary tumors 5 cm and greater.

CONCLUSIONS

The extent of surgery is not associated with improved survival in women with LBA, and patients may consider breast-conservation surgery. Adjuvant therapies are not associated with improved survival, with the exception of possible role of adjuvant chemotherapy in large primary tumors (5 cm or greater). Further clinical studies are needed to determine the impact of these treatments on local control, progression-free survival, and patients' quality of life. Until then, the findings of our analysis will form basis for the multi-disciplinary discussion of management of women with LBA.

Selection of Patients With Localized Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcoma for Treatment With Perioperative Chemotherapy

OPINION STATEMENT

Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is a heterogeneous disease, in terms of histologic subtype, body site of presentation, and behavior. Localized soft tissue sarcoma may be cured with complete tumor excision, but overall, outcomes are sub-optimal. Metastatic disease is associated with shortened survival. Systemic therapy has been studied for several decades as adjunctive therapy, but the use of adjuvant and neo-adjuvant chemotherapy remains controversial. The heterogeneity of patients included in clinical trials, and of sarcoma in general, has made it difficult to draw conclusions about which patients with localized STS should be treated with chemotherapy. Over time, published outcomes for STS of the extremities have improved, and one of the factors that contributes to this improvement may be selection of patients most likely to benefit from the prescribed treatment. Recent studies of neo-adjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy have recruited patients with the highest recurrence risk-those with large, high-grade, deep tumors. It is reasonable, in practice, to apply similar criteria in deciding whether to recommend treatment. Looking ahead, it will be important to refine our ability to identify patients at highest risk of recurrence, and to develop tools to predict which patients and tumors will respond to chemotherapy.

Multiple Surgical Treatments for Repeated Recurrence of Skull Base Mesenchymal Chondrosarcoma

We report a case of a young male who received multiple surgical treatments for repeated recurrence of skull base mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (MC). When the patient was 18 years old, we subtotally removed the skull base MC and he was treated with stereotactic radiosurgery for remnant tumors in the left cavernous sinus. After 30 months, we removed residual tumors that had regrown partially, via combined endonasal endoscopic and orbitozygomatic approaches. Over the next 65 months, the patient refused radical resection, and received six salvage surgeries, two stereotactic radiotherapies, and five stereotactic radiosurgeries for repeated recurrence. At 95 months after initial surgery, the tumors had extended to the skull base and nasal cavities. As a result, the left eye had been blinded and right visual acuity was deteriorated. We performed left anterior-middle cranial base resection, removal of nasal and intradural tumors, high flow bypass, en-bloc resection of the left cavernous sinus and clivus, and reconstruction using an abdominal flap. Even though the main tumors were removed with safety margins, tumors around the right optic nerve were removed by piecemeal to preserve right eye function. Six months after the radical resection, tumors in the right orbital apex recurred because we had been unable to remove the tumor with adequate safety margins. Skull base MC has a high tendency to recur locally, so these tumors should be radically removed with safety margins as early as possible to prevent recurrence.

Intratumoral immune-biomarkers and mismatch repair status in leiyomyosarcoma -potential predictive markers for adjuvant treatment: a pilot study

Leiomyosarcoma is the second most frequent soft-tissue sarcoma. Tumor lymphocytic infiltration (TIL) and programed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) have been associated with prognosis in different malignancies while DNA mismatch-repair deficiency (MMR-D) has been associated with response to check-point inhibitors. In this pilot study, we sought to examine TIL, PD-L1 and mismatch-repair (MMR) protein expression in 11 leiomyosarcoma and its association with outcome as potential biomarkers for adjuvant treatment. Eleven primary leiomyosarcoma archived-tissues were analyzed for expression of MMR proteins (MSH2, MLH1, MSH6 and PSM2), PD-L1 expression and PD-1, CD3 or CD8. MMR-D was detected in tumor tissue from 2/11 leiomyosarcoma patients. CD3 T-cells were present in all samples, whereas CD8 staining was positive in all but one. PDL-1 was positive in 4/11 and PD-L1 in 6/11. Interestingly, the three patients with the poorest outcome had strongly positive staining for PD-L1 and CD8 while in the two patients who are alive and recurrence-free, both PD-L1 and CD8 infiltration were lacking. We found an association between tumor infiltrating CD8 cytotoxic lymphocytes, strong PD-L1 staining and survival; suggesting a role as biomarkers for treatment decisions regarding peri-operative chemotherapy. We also identified MMR-D in two patients with leiomyosarcoma comprising 18% of our sample.

Prognostic significance of p16INK4a alteration in soft tissue sarcomas: A meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Numerous studies have investigated the role of p16^INK4a alteration in patients with soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) yielding inconsistent and inconclusive results. Hence, we conducted a meta-analysis to precisely assess its prognostic value.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Electronic literature databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science were searched, and five studies with a total of 536 patients were eligible for this meta-analysis. Pooled hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of overall survival (OS) was used to assess the prognostic role of p16^INK4a alteration.

RESULTS

Overall, the pooled HR for all five eligible studies evaluating decreased p16^INK4a expression on OS was 1.47 (95% CI: 1.14-1.90); sensitivity analysis suggested that the pooled HR was stable and omitting a single study did not change the significance of the pooled HR. There is no evidence of publication bias in the meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, this meta-analysis showed that decreased p16^INK4a expression is associated with lower OS rate in patients with STS, and it is an effective biomarker of prognosis.

Hepatic metastases from primary extremity leiomyosarcomas: Two case reports

INTRODUCTION

Leiomyosarcoma is a highly malignant soft tissue sarcoma. Most leiomyosarcomas of the extremities metastasize initially to the lungs, with few metastasizing to the liver. Also, it is difficult to diagnose metastases to other regions of the lung during follow-up.

CASE PRESENTATION

The first patient was a 51-year-old Japanese woman diagnosed with a leiomyosarcoma of the left distal femur. She underwent chemotherapy, followed by wide tumor excision and reconstruction using frozen autograft with total knee arthroplasty. Eleven months later, a focal lesion was observed in her right liver, despite the absence of lung metastases. Partial hepatic resection was performed, and the hepatic lesion was diagnosed a metastasis of leiomyosarcoma. Two years later, there has been no evidence of local recurrence. The second patient was a 60-year-old Japanese male diagnosed with a leiomyosarcoma of the left thigh. He underwent preoperative chemotherapy followed by wide excision. Three years later, a focal lesion was found in his medial liver, despite the absence of lung metastases. Partial hepatic resection was performed, and the hepatic lesion was diagnosed as a metastasis of leiomyosarcoma. At the latest follow-up, there has been no evidence of local recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

The lung is the most common site of metastases from leiomyosarcomas of the extremeties, because these metastases are hematogenous. Both our patients presented with metastases of the liver, despite the absence of lung metastases. Hepatic metastasis is commonly found in computed tomography (CT) scan. Periodic CT scans of the chest and abdomen are necessary in following-up patients who undergo resection of primary leiomyosarcomas of the extremities.

Primary monophasic synovial sarcoma of the pleura: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by complete resection

We describe a rare case of primary pleural synovial sarcoma in a 27-year-old man with a 4-month history of dry cough and left-sided chest pain. A CT scan showed a large cystic mass in the left pleural cavity. The patient underwent two video-assisted thoracoscopic biopsies and the diagnosis of synovial sarcoma of the pleura was established. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, which resulted in a partial response, the tumor was completely resected with extrapleural pneumonectomy. Pathological findings showed less than 5% of viable cancer and free surgical margins. The patient is clinically well 24 months after surgery, with no evidence of recurrent disease.

Diagnosis and treatment of soft-tissue sarcomas of the extremities and trunk

The relatively low incidence and often atypical clinical presentation of soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) impedes early and adequate diagnosis. Patients may report on recently enlarged soft-tissue swellings, infrequently complain of painful lesions, or even have no symptoms at all.

A thorough diagnostic work-up is essential in order to distinguish between benign soft-tissue tumours and STSs. Patient history, clinical features and radiological findings all help in assessing the underlying pathology. ‘Worrying’ features such as recent increase in size, deep location relative to the fascia, a tumour exceeding 4 cm in size, and invasive growth patterns seen on imaging should prompt verification by biopsy.

Even though acquisition of biopsy material may be incomplete, one should bear in mind some essential rules. Regardless of the biopsy technique applied, the most direct route to the lump in question should be identified, contamination of adjacent structures should be avoided and a sufficient amount of tissue acquired.

Treatment of STS is best planned by a multidisciplinary team, involving experts from various medical specialities. The benchmark therapy consists of en bloc resection of the tumour, covered by a safety margin of healthy tissue. Depending on tumour histology, grade, local extent and anatomical stage, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and isolated hyperthermic limb perfusion may be employed.

Due to the complexity of treatment, any soft-tissue swelling suspected of malignancy is best referred directly to a sarcoma centre, where therapeutic management is carefully planned by an experienced multidisciplinary team.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2017;2:421-431. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.2.170005

The Impact of Perioperative Chemotherapy Timing in Conjunction With Postoperative External-Beam Radiation Therapy on Extremity Soft-Tissue Sarcomas Outcome

PURPOSE

The perioperative management of primary extremity soft-tissue sarcomas (ESTS) is multidisciplinary including radiation therapy and chemotherapy (CT). The interplay between these modalities and the relative importance of each remain unclear. Our study aims to determine the relative impact of CT and radiotherapy on the outcome of ESTS patients treated with limb-sparing surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of ESTS registry yielded 97 patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) and/or adjuvant CT with or without external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) from January 1, 1999 through December 31, 2009. The cohort comprised 56 males and 41 females whose age at surgery ranged from 17 to 83 years (median, 56 y). Tumor characteristics included the following: 73 lower ESTS; 70 grade 3 lesions; 63 American Joint Committee on Cancer stage III tumors; and 27 lesions with positive microscopic margins. The following outcome parameters were evaluated for the patients' subgroups: overall survival (OS), locoregional control (LRC), and disease-free survival (DFS).

RESULTS

EBRT was delivered postoperatively to 81 patients and 49 received CT. Median EBRT dose was 63 Gy (range, 50 to 72 Gy). At median follow-up of 54.6 months, the 5-year OS, LRC, DFS was 68.9%, 87.1%, 66.5%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, positive surgical margins negatively impacted LRC, DFS, and OS (hazard ratio [HR]=10.43, P=0.004), (HR=2.37, P=0.03), (HR=2.26, P=0.038), respectively. EBRT use improved LRC (HR=0.24, P=0.018) and DFS (HR=0.36, P=0.021). The impact of EBRT on DFS was retained (HR=0.28, P=0.006) in the high-grade ESTS subgroup who received CT. The 5-year local failure rate was 6.5%, 28.6%, and 22.2% (P=0.019) for patient receiving NCT, adjuvant chemotherapy, and no CT, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our data support the use of NCT followed by limb-sparing surgery and adjuvant EBRT in ESTS for local failure reduction with a trend toward improved DFS.

Rare Case Report of Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma of the Orbit

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a rare but distinct soft tissue tumor with unique histopathological and electron microscopic features. Orbital involvement is rare with only few reports published in the literature. ASPS have an indolent clinical course, but it is known to metastasize. Primary modality of treatment is surgery followed by adjuvant treatment. This case is a unique presentation with orbital mass with on and off bleeding. This is the largest orbital ASPS for which orbital exenteration was performed.

Influence of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on prognosis of patients with synovial sarcoma

Background

This study aimed to explore the clinical efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with surgery in primary synovial sarcoma of the limbs and trunk through retrospective analysis of patients with primary synovial sarcoma of the limbs and trunk treated by this treatment in our hospital.

Methods

A total of 89 patients diagnosed with synovial sarcoma were enrolled in this study between January 2005 and December 2011 in PLA General Hospital. Most of the patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with operative treatment (84.3%), 10.1% of them received adjuvant chemotherapy combined with operative treatment, and only 5.6% received merely operative treatment. The influence on the prognosis of patients with synovial sarcoma was analyzed by the statistics overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), local control (LC), and freedom from distant metastasis (FFDM).

Results

The median follow-up time was 68.6 months. The 5-year OS, 5-year PFS, 5-year LC, and 5-year FFDM of the patients were 80.2, 60.5, 78.8, and 80.8%, respectively. The OS of the patients with a tumor size >5 cm was lower (91.4 vs 73.1%, P < 0.05). Besides, the OS and FFDM of neoadjuvant chemotherapy were better than those of adjuvant chemotherapy (84.5 vs 55.6%, P = 0.015, and 83.8 vs 55.6%, P = 0.028, respectively). However, there was no significant difference in the LC and PFS.

Conclusions

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was beneficial for patients with synovial sarcoma, and it could improve survival time and control distant metastasis. Tumor size was an important factor influencing patients’ prognosis.

Neoadjuvant sequential chemoradiotherapy versus radiotherapy alone for treatment of high-risk extremity soft tissue sarcoma: a single-institution experience

Aim of the study

Patients with large and high-grade extremity soft-tissue sarcoma are at significant risk for distant metastasis and sarcoma-related death. There is no randomized trial comparing chemoradiotherapy to radiotherapy in the neoadjuvant setting for high risk extremity soft-tissue sarcoma. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of patients treated with two different modalities (neoadjuvant sequential chemoradiotherapy vs. radiotherapy alone) in a single center.

Material and methods

Data of 67 patients were analyzed retrospectively. Thirty-four patients received neoadjuvant sequential chemoradiotherapy (2–3 cycles of doxorubicin (75 mg/m²) and ifosfamide (6 g/m²) followed by radiotherapy of 28 Grays (Gy) administered as 8 fractions of 35 Gy) and 33 patients received radiotherapy alone. R0 resection rates and 3-year survival estimates were evaluated.

Results

Median follow-up time was 37 months. The estimated 3-year overall and disease-free survival rates for the whole patient group were 79% (95% CI: 67.0–86.4) and 57.9% (95% CI: 46.3–69.0), respectively. The most common side effects were nausea and leucopenia. Three-year overall, disease-free, local recurrence-free and distant recurrence-free survival rates did not differ significantly. All patients except one underwent wide excision or compartmental resection. R0 resection rate for the whole patient group was 92.5% (n = 62). Sites of progression were similar across both treatment arms.

Conclusions

Preoperative hypofractionated radiotherapy alone or sequentially with chemotherapy result in high rates of limb salvage and acceptable toxicity. Our study results did not show a statistically significant treatment effect regarding survival and patterns of failure.

Local Recurrence of Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcoma

The management of recurrent soft tissue sarcoma is a challenging problem for clinicians and has a significant physical, mental, emotional, and oncologic impact for the patient. Despite excellent limb-preservation therapies, approximately one-quarter of patients may eventually develop recurrence of disease. How to most appropriately manage these patients is a matter of debate. Several treatment options exist, including surgical resection, irradiation, systemic chemotherapy, amputation, and regional therapies. This article highlights the management of recurrent extremity soft tissue sarcoma.

Proton Irradiation with Hyperthermia in Unresectable Soft Tissue Sarcoma

PURPOSE

Unresectable soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) do not usually exhibit significant tumor downstaging with preoperative radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy due to their limited radiosensitivity/chemosensitivity. Limb amputations for tumors of the extremities inevitably lead to considerable loss of function and impairment in quality of life. Local hyperthermia at 39°C to 43°C and proton irradiation combine thermoradiobiological and physical dose distribution advantages, possibly mimicking those of a 12C ion therapy. We report the first 2 patients treated with this unique approach of proton thermoradiotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Both patients had an unresectable STS of the left lower leg (1 grade 2 myxoid fibrosarcoma, 1 grade 3 undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma). Both patients had declined the above-knee amputation that had been advised due to their involvement of the neurovascular bundles. They were, therefore recruited to the Hyperthermia and Proton Therapy in Unresectable Soft Tissue Sarcoma (HYPROSAR) study protocol (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01904565). Local hyperthermia was delivered using radiofrequency waves at 100 Mhz once a week after proton therapy. Proton irradiation was undertaken to a dose of 70 to 72 Gy (relative biological effectiveness) delivered at 2.0 Gy (relative biological effectiveness)/ fraction daily for 7 weeks.

RESULTS

Patients tolerated the treatment well with no significant acute or late morbidity. Both primary tumors showed a near complete response on serial magnetic resonance imaging. At a follow-up of 5 and 14 months, the patients were able to carry out indoor and outdoor activities with normal limb function.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of proton beam irradiation combined with hyperthermia for cancer therapy. Our first experience in 2 consecutive patients with unresectable STSs shows that the approach is safe, feasible, and effective, achieving functional limb preservation with near total tumor control.

Prognostic Factors in Indian Patients Operated for Soft Tissue Sarcomas-a Retrospective Cross-sectional Analysis

Soft tissue sarcomas are a rare entity. While surgery is established as the mainstay of treatment, the exact role and sequencing of adjuvant therapy is not well defined. Literature on Indian patients with soft tissue sarcoma with respect to clinical profile and prognostic factors is scarce. We retrospectively analysed the data of 112 patients operated for soft tissue sarcoma of extremity or trunk (excluding retroperitoneal and mediastinal sarcomas, round cell histology) at our institute from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2013. Around half the patients were less than 50 years of age and around a third had size more than 10 cm. Oncological outcome was correlated with various demographic, tumour-related and treatment-related factors using SPSS 22. Overall survival at 5 years was 73.2 % and event-free survival at 5 years was 42.2 %. At final follow-up (mean of 44.85 ± 4.64 months), local recurrence was seen in 31.9 % and distant metastasis was seen in 30.1 % of the patients. Using both univariate and multivariate analysis, younger age (<50 years), larger size (>10 cm, but not >5 cm) and pathologically positive lymph nodes were the only factors found significantly affecting overall survival. The clinical profile and prognosis of Indian patients with soft tissue sarcoma were found to be different from that reported in Western literature. The impact of established prognostic indicators for soft tissue sarcoma also differed in Indian patients, which may have both prognostic and therapeutic implications.

Looking for answers: the current status of neoadjuvant treatment in localized soft tissue sarcomas

PURPOSE

Sarcomas are a rare and heterogeneous variant of cancer. The standard of care treatment involves surgical resection with radiation in high-risk patients. Despite appropriate treatment approximately 50 % of patients will suffer and die from recurrent disease. The purpose of this article is to review the current evidence concerning the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with or without radiation in soft tissue sarcomas.

METHODS

An in-depth literature search was conducted using Ovid Medline and PubMed.

RESULTS

The most active chemotherapeutic agents in sarcoma are anthracyclines and ifosfamide. Adjuvant chemotherapy trials show only minimal benefit. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy offers the potential advantage of reducing the extent of surgery, increasing the limb salvage rate, early exposure of micrometastatic disease to chemotherapy, and assessment of tumor response to chemotherapy. Some retrospective and phase II trials suggest a benefit to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Unfortunately, no clearly positive phase III prospectively randomized trials exist for neoadjuvant therapy in soft tissue sarcomas.

CONCLUSIONS

The current neoadjuvant chemotherapy trials that do exist are heterogeneous resulting in conflicting results. However, neoadjuvant chemotherapy with or without radiation can be considered in patients with high-risk disease in an attempt to improve long-term outcomes.