Improved survival following complete excision of retroperitoneal sarcomas

Clinical and surgical effectiveness of the multi-disciplinary standardized management model in the treatment of retroperitoneal liposarcoma: Evidence-based clinical practice experience from Fudan Zhongshan

BACKGROUND

To assess the correlation between clinical outcomes and diagnostic accuracy of evaluations carried out by a preoperative multidisciplinary team versus standard surgical care for patients with retroperitoneal liposarcoma undergoing surgery.

METHODS

This comparative study was conducted retrospectively at a specialist assessment center within Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, China, between April 2011 and March 2021. Patients were assigned to a multidisciplinary team or nonmultidisciplinary team cohort based on referral to the multidisciplinary team. The primary outcome measured was long-term clinical prognosis, with other outcomes including diagnostic accuracy, 30-day reoperation, duration of stay, perioperative mortality, and medical complications. To mitigate selection bias, we conducted propensity-score matching. Uni- and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were then used to evaluate the effect of multidisciplinary teams on postoperative survival. The previously specified questionnaire was used to measure the enhancement of awareness and treatment adherence facilitated by multidisciplinary team management. Data analysis was carried out between January 2023 and August 2023.

RESULTS

Of the 521 records that were screened, 139 patients were deemed eligible for inclusion and defined as the multidisciplinary team cohort. At the same time, 382 patients without multidisciplinary team management were also included during that period and defined as the nonmultidisciplinary team cohort. The multidisciplinary team cohort exhibited lower numbers of primary retroperitoneal liposarcoma but a higher tumor grade and a greater proportion of R2 resection. After propensity-score matching, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 89.5%, 70.5%, and 62.9%, respectively, in the multidisciplinary team cohort, and 77.1%, 49.8%, and 45.1% in the nonmultidisciplinary team cohort. The diagnostic consistency of the multidisciplinary team group was significantly superior to that of the nonmultidisciplinary cohort (92.5% vs 83.6%, P = .042). Although no significant links were shown with duration of stay (P = .232) and 30-day reoperation (P = .447), the multidisciplinary team participation was linked to a substantial decrease in perioperative mortality (P = .036) and postoperative complications (P = .002). Additionally, the multidisciplinary team group indicated stronger illness awareness and postoperative adherence among individuals with retroperitoneal liposarcoma.

CONCLUSION

The study's findings indicate that multidisciplinary team management could result in improved clinical outcomes, higher diagnostic accuracy, and reduced duration of postoperative stays, complications, and perioperative mortality. The intervention may also enhance disease awareness and postoperative compliance in retroperitoneal liposarcoma patients who undergo surgery. However, evidence quality was deemed low, and prospective studies with robust designs are required. Nonetheless, these results are worth considering.

A Large Retroperitoneal Liposarcoma Mimicking an Angiomyolipoma on Pre-operative Imaging: A Case Report

Retroperitoneal masses present a diagnostic challenge due to their elusive origin and varied clinical manifestations. Among these masses, retroperitoneal liposarcomas, rare tumors of mesenchymal origin, often grow asymptomatically until compressing surrounding structures, necessitating accurate and early diagnosis. Renal angiomyolipomas (AMLs) have also been reported to mimic retroperitoneal liposarcomas on radiographic imaging, further complicating diagnostic processes. The presented case report describes a rare instance of a large well-differentiated liposarcoma that mimicked a renal angiomyolipoma on imaging in a 58-year-old male patient. The patient initially presented with worsening abdominal distension, early satiety, and left-sided flank pain for the past year. Radiographic imaging revealed a large mixed echogenic lesion measuring 22 x 13 cm in the left kidney with diffuse fat contribution, suspected to be a giant renal angiomyolipoma. The patient underwent selective arterial embolization by interventional radiology. Follow-up imaging eight months later showed an increase in the size of the mass, raising suspicion of a liposarcoma. Surgical resection of the mass and a radical left nephrectomy were performed, with final pathology confirming the diagnosis of a well-differentiated liposarcoma. This case highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and the potential for liposarcomas to mimic other masses on imaging, despite their rarity.

Survival outcomes of surgery for retroperitoneal sarcomas: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Definitive evidence to guide clinical practice on the principles of surgery for retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPSs) is still lacking. This study aims to summarise the available evidence to assess the relative benefits and disadvantages of an aggressive surgical approach with contiguous organ resection in patients with RPS, the association between surgical resection margins and survival outcomes, and the role of surgery in recurrent RPS.

Methods

We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE for relevant randomised trials and observational studies published from inception up to May 1, 2021. Prospective or retrospective studies, published in the English language, providing outcome data with surgical treatment in patients with RPS were selected. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS).

Findings

In total, 47 articles were analysed. There were no significant differences in the rates of OS (HR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.83–1.03; P = 0.574) and recurrence-free survival (HR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.74–1.27; P = 0.945) between the extended resection group and the tumour resection alone group. Organ resection did not increase postoperative mortality (OR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.55–1.81; P = 0.997) but had a relatively higher complication rate (OR: 2.24, 95% CI: 0.94–5.34; P = 0.068). OS was higher in R0 than in R1 resection (HR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.23–1.44; P < 0.001) and in R1 resection than in R2 resection (HR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.35–2.36; P < 0.001). OS was also higher in R2 resection than in no surgery (HR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.07–1.45; P < 0.001), however, subgroup analysis showed that the pooled HR in the trials reporting primary RPS was similar between the two groups (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.87–1.42; P = 0.42). Surgical treatment achieves a significantly higher OS rate than does conservative treatment (HR: 2.42; 95% CI: 1.21–3.64; P < 0.001) for recurrent RPS.

Conclusions

For primary RPS, curative-intent en bloc resection should be aimed, and adjacent organs with evidence of direct invasion must be resected to avoid R2 resection. For recurrent RPS, surgical resection should be considered as a priority. Incomplete resection remains to have a survival benefit in select patients with unresectable recurrent RPS.

Prediction of optimal contrast times post-imaging agent administration to inform personalized fluorescence-guided surgery

SIGNIFICANCE

Fluorescence guidance in cancer surgery (FGS) using molecular-targeted contrast agents is accelerating, yet the influence of individual patients' physiology on the optimal time to perform surgery post-agent-injection is not fully understood.

AIM

Develop a mathematical framework and analytical expressions to estimate patient-specific time-to-maximum contrast after imaging agent administration for single- and paired-agent (coadministration of targeted and control agents) protocols.

APPROACH

The framework was validated in mouse subcutaneous xenograft studies for three classes of imaging agents: peptide, antibody mimetic, and antibody. Analytical expressions estimating time-to-maximum-tumor-discrimination potential were evaluated over a range of parameters using the validated framework for human cancer parameters.

RESULTS

Correlations were observed between simulations and matched experiments and metrics of tumor discrimination potential (p  <  0.05). Based on human cancer physiology, times-to-maximum contrast for peptide and antibody mimetic agents were <200  min, >15  h for antibodies, on average. The analytical estimates of time-to-maximum tumor discrimination performance exhibited errors of <10  %   on average, whereas patient-to-patient variance is expected to be greater than 100%.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that analytical estimates of time-to-maximum contrast in FGS carried out patient-to-patient can outperform the population average time-to-maximum contrast used currently in clinical trials. Such estimates can be made with preoperative DCE-MRI (or similar) and knowledge of the targeted agent's binding affinity.

Management of primary retroperitoneal synovial sarcoma: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Synovial sarcoma (SS) is a rare type of soft tissue sarcoma that is usually developed from areas where synovial tissue exists, especially at the extremities. Nevertheless, several cases of retroperitoneal SS (RSS) have been described. We herein report a case of RSS presented in our institution.

CASE SUMMARY

A 69-year-old female patient was admitted with a large, palpable, firm mass in the right abdominal space SS. Computerized tomography scan depicted a concentric, sharply marinated retro-peritoneal lesion which was displacing the right kidney and the lower edge of the liver. Subsequently, the patient underwent surgical excision of the mass with additional right nephrectomy and resection of the right adrenal gland and a part of the diaphragm. The final histological diagnosis of the tumour was grade II monophasic RSS.

CONCLUSION

RSS is encountered in the biphasic type, the monophasic fibrous, and the monophasic epithelial category as well. Relevant clinical manifestations are not always documented at early stages. Therefore, the final diagnosis is posed after complete histological examination taking into consideration the results of immunochemistry and genetic analysis. Therapeutic approach happens often late when metastases at the lungs and the liver are apparent. Thus, 5-year survival rates remain low.

Surgical and Adjuvant Radiation Therapy of Resectable Retroperitoneal Soft Tissue Sarcomas in Adults

Primary soft tissue sarcoma of the retroperitoneum is a rare disease. A series of 11 evaluable adult patients with retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas is reported. These patients were treated with complete surgery and adjuvant radiation therapy (total dose from 50 to 64 Gy) using an 18 MeV linear accelerator. After a median follow-up of 48 months (range, 6-84), 4 patients had a local-regional recurrence, 3 had distant metastases, and 4 died of progressive disease. Four-year estimated disease-free survival was 54.5% and overall survival was 70%. Treatment was well tolerated by most patients: 7 patients experienced moderate gastrointestinal toxicity, mainly nausea and diarrhea, during radiotherapy; 2 cases had weight loss > 15% at the end of the therapy; and chronic ileitis was observed in 2 cases. We conclude that adjuvant radiotherapy seems to reduce the incidence of local-regional recurrences in these patients. No radiation-induced irreversible injury was observed, but one young woman had amenorrhea after radiotherapy. Controlled clinical trials are warrented to define the role and effiectiveness of adjuvant radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy in retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas.

Sarcomas Involving the Abdominal and Pelvic Cavity

The principles of management of all sarcomas that involve the abdominal and pelvic cavity are presented. The anatomic sites for the primary malignancy include retroperitoneal sarcomas, pelvic side-wall sarcomas, sarcomas arising from the abdominal viscera, and sarcomas arising from the pelvic organs. All histologic types of sarcomas may be considered together when therapeutic options are being discussed. This presentation stresses surgical removal with an adequate margin of resection as the principal goal of management. The curative treatment of these cancers places great emphasis on the surgeon's knowledge of anatomy, technical skills, innovation, and surgical courage. Systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy have not shown reproducible efficacy. Complete resection in the absence of tumor spillage remains the only reliable treatment option. Possible benefits of induction chemotherapy and intraperitoneal chemotherapy using cisplatin and doxorubicin in the early postoperative period are presented.

Retroperitoneal Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Effect of Hyperthermic Total Abdominal Perfusion

Aims and Background

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) of the retroperitoneum are rare tumors. Surgery remains the principal modality of therapy in the management of primary and recurrent retroperitoneal STS. However, little is known about the effect of regional chemotherapy using hyperthermic total abdominal perfusion (HTAP). We analyzed independent prognostic variables in 33 patients with STS in the retroperitoneum admitted from November 1990 through December 1996.

Methods and Study Design

Data regarding patients’ age, gender, tumor size, histological tumor type, tumor location, type of operation (primary or secondary surgery), extent of surgical management (marginal or extended), use of HTAP, tumor grade, and tumor stage according to the TNM classification were examined by univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

All 33 patients underwent complete resections (marginal or extended). Eleven of them received locoregional chemotherapy by HTAP. The overall cumulative 5-year survival rates in patients with stage IIA and advanced disease were 82% and 22%, respectively (log-rank test, P <0.01). Using Cox's proportional hazard model, tumor stage, use of HTAP and type of operation were found to have significant influence on overall survival (P <0.05).

Conclusions

Our results showed that complete resection along with HTAP chemotherapy may improve survival in patients with retroperitoneal STS. These phase II data could be used to support the initiation of a phase III trial to test HTAP in patients submitted to complete resection of retroperitoneal STS.

[Liposarcoma in the renal compartment: about two cases and literature review]

Retroperitoneal sarcomas are rare and heterogeneous tumors. We here report two cases of liposarcoma in the renal compartment with a literature review in order to emphasize on the anatomical and surgical features of this tumor location and on its possible prognostic implications. The first reported case was a 45-year old female patient with liposarcoma at the level of the left renal compartment. The diagnosis of myxoid liposarcoma was based on anatomo-pathological examination of the surgical specimen. The second reported case was a 70-year old man with liposarcoma at the level of the right renal compartment. The diagnosis of dedifferentiated liposarcoma was based on anatomo-pathological examination of the surgical specimen. Retroperitoneal sarcomas are often diagnosed with a palpable mass. The gold standard treatment is complete tumor resection with healthy resection margins and without damage or rupture. For this purpose resection involving adjacent organs is recommended by some authors. However the anatomical constraints of tretroperitoneal compartment and the often important tumor volume limit the possibilities to achieve a satisfactory resection. CT scan and MRI are very useful imaging techniques. Histological diagnosis poses some problems; therefore immunohistochemistry and sometimes molecular biology are significantly helpful. Patient evolution is marked by the frequent occurrence of recurrences. A specialized multidisciplinary management of these rare and very varied tumors is recommended in order to optimize therapeutic outcomes.

Retroperitoneal Sarcomas

BACKGROUND

The evaluation and treatment of retroperitoneal sarcomas are challenging because the tumors are relatively rare and frequently present with advanced disease in an anatomically complex location.

METHODS

We reviewed the literature on experience in the management of retroperitoneal sarcomas, and we present our own experience in the treatment of these tumors.

RESULTS

The identification of prognostic factors other than the adequacy of resection has been inconsistent. Due to a lack of associated symptoms, retroperitoneal sarcomas smaller than 5 cm are rare. Computed tomography is the most useful tool in the evaluation of retroperitoneal tumors. Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are treatment options, but the most important factor in the treatment of primary tumors is complete surgical resection. The role of neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies is not defined and should be considered within the context of clinical trials.

CONCLUSIONS

Early referral of patients with retroperitoneal soft tissue tumors will help to ensure that they will receive the benefits of multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment of their disease and ready access to clinical trials.

CREPT expression correlates with poor prognosis in patients with retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma

Retroperitoneal leiomyosarcomas (LMSs) are rare gynecological malignancies that display poor prognosis and high mortality. Cell cycle-related and expression-elevated protein in tumor (CREPT) is an oncogene that is involved in the regulation of many cell cycle-related proteins. However, its distribution and clinical significance in retroperitoneal LMS remains poorly understood. This study assessed the histological classifications of postoperative tumor samples from 71 cases of retroperitoneal LMS that were collected at The General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army from January 1998 to December 2012. We found that more than half of the patients displayed positive expressions of CREPT, Ki-67 and PCNA via immunohistochemical analysis. The expression of CREPT correlated with histological grade (P = 0.044), and the PCNA expression level correlated with the differentiation of tumor cells and histological grade (P < 0.001 and P = 0.009, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that survival was associated with histological grade and the expression level of CREPT (P = 0.011 and P = 0.012, respectively). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the patients lacking CREPT expression exhibited significantly longer overall postoperative survival (median, 60.0 months) than the patients displaying CREPT expression (median, 33.0 months), and CREPT expression correlated with distant recurrence within 5 years after surgery (P = 0.004). Western blot analyses showed that CREPT was more strongly expressed in the retroperitoneal LMS tumor tissue than in paired control tissue. Based on the above data, we concluded that CREPT displays unique immunostaining for retroperitoneal LMS tissue and can be used to supplement other currently available retroperitoneal LMS markers.

The role of radiation in retroperitoneal sarcomas

OPINION STATEMENT

Retroperitoneal sarcomas form a group of rare malignancies that require expertise in every aspect of management. Patients benefit from referral to cancer centers that can provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary, oncologic management. The role of radiation in retroperitoneal sarcoma management is, appropriately, the subject of considerable controversy due to the absence of high-level evidence proving its efficacy. Nonetheless, the preponderance of available data suggests that radiation therapy likely improves local control and, in some settings, may favorably impact resectability and survival. These outcome observations coupled with the lower doses (45-54 Gy) and normal tissue displacement characteristic of preoperative radiation therapy leads us to favor preoperative radiotherapy followed by oncologic resection for most retroperitoneal sarcomas. This strategy appears to provide the highest chance of safe and successful delivery of multimodal therapy, which can otherwise be hindered by postoperative complications as a result of technically challenging surgery and normal tissue radiation dose tolerances. Dose-escalation and selective integrative boosts to "at-risk" margins are attractive strategies that merit, and arguably require, further clinical evaluation. We believe that postoperative radiotherapy should be reserved for very high-risk cases and should be treated to a dose of ≥60 Gy respecting normal tissue dose tolerances. An additional approach that we consider in the postoperative setting is close surveillance with consideration of preoperative radiotherapy at recurrence before repeat surgical resection. Highly conformal radiotherapy techniques, such as IMRT with image guidance, should be employed to minimize dose to normal tissues and thereby allow delivery of efficacious radiation doses. If feasible, referral to a treatment facility with proton beam therapy should be discussed with the patient, especially if normal tissue dose constraints cannot be met using IMRT/IGRT. Participation in prospective studies should be highly encouraged.

Retroperitoneal sarcoma with infected necrosis: an unfavourable prognostic factor

Purpose. To report the phenomenon of infected retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS).

Method. Two case reports.

Results. Both patients died soon after laparotomy.

Discussion. Infected RPS is identified as an entity not clearly documented in the literature. It should probably be added to the list of poor prognostic factors when planning the management of patients with RPS.

Recent progress in the management of retroperitoneal sarcoma

Retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPS) are rare tumours that typically present late and carry a poor prognosis even following grossly complete resection. In an attempt to improve the outlook for patients with RPS, sarcoma specialists have employed various adjuvant therapies, including extermal beam radiation, intraoperative radiation, brachyradiation and systemic chemotherapy. This article reviews the presentation and prognosis of RPS, and focuses on the results of new treatment strategies compared with conventional management.

A Medline search of the English literature was performed to identify all retrospective and prospective reports relating to the management of adult RPS published since 1980. Series that did not analyse RPS separately from other intra-abdominal or extra-abdominal sarcomas or other malignancies were excluded, and information on investigation, presentation, prognostic factors, treatment and outcome was extracted from the remaining reports. Survival and local control data were collected from reports that contained at least 30 cases of RPS (n = 31).

While surgical resection remains the cornerstone of treatment for RPS, the majority of patients will relapse and die from sarcoma within 5 years of resection. Adjuvant radiation may improve these results, but further trials are required to definitively demonstrate its benefit. Possible reasons for the failure of conventional treatment are discussed, and alternative strategies designed to overcome these obstacles are presented.

Intensity modulated radiation therapy for retroperitoneal sarcoma: a case for dose escalation and organ at risk toxicity reduction

PURPOSE

Radiation therapy for retroperitoneal sarcoma remains challenging because of proximity to surrounding organs at risk (OAR). We report the use of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in the treatment of retroperitoneal sarcomas to minimize dose to OAR while concurrently optimizing tumor dose coverage.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 2000 to October 2002, 10 patients (average age 56 years) with retroperitoneal sarcoma and one with inguinal sarcoma were treated with radiation at Emory University. Prescription dose to the planning treatment volume (PTV) was commonly 50.4 at 1.8 Gy/fraction. CT simulation was used in each patient, three patients were treated with 3D-conformal treatment (3D-CRT), and the remaining eight received multi-leaf collimator-based (MLC) IMRT. IMRT treatment fields ranged from eight to 11 and average volume treated was 3498 cc. Optimal 3D-CRT plans were generated and compared with IMRT with respect to tumor coverage and OAR dose toxicity. Dose volume histograms were compared for both the 3D-CRT and IMRT plans.

RESULTS

Mean dose to small bowel decreased from 36 Gy with 3D-CRT to 27 Gy using IMRT, and tumor coverage (V95) increased from 95.3% with 3D-CRT to 98.6% using IMRT. Maximum and minimum doses delivered to the PTV were significantly increased by 6 and 22%, respectively (P = 0.011, P = 0.055). Volume of small bowel receiving > 30Gy was significantly decreased from 63.5 to 43.1% with IMRT compared with conventional treatment (P = 0.043). Seven patients developed grade 2 nausea, three developed grade 2 diarrhea, one had grade 2 skin toxicity, and one patient developed grade 3 liver toxicity (RTOG toxicity scale). No other delayed toxicities related to radiation were observed. At a median follow-up of 58 weeks, there were no local recurrences and only one patient developed disease progression with distant metastasis in the liver.

CONCLUSIONS

IMRT for retroperitoneal sarcoma allowed enhanced tumor coverage and better sparing of dose to critical normal structures such as small bowel, liver, and kidney. Escalation of dose has a positive impact on local control for retroperitoneal sarcoma; IMRT may be an effective method to achieve this goal. We are evaluating preoperative dose escalation to 59.4 Gy.

Adjuvant Radiation Therapy of Retroperitoneal Sarcoma: The Role of Intraoperative Radiotherapy (IORT)

Purpose. The purpose is to review the natural history, the clinicopathological prognostic factors, and the role of adjuvant radiation therapy with particular attention to the limited but favorable experience with IORT.Methods. Retroperitoneal sarcomas present a continuing therapeutic challenge to the oncologist. In contrast to sarcomas of the extremity and superficial trunk in which complete resection plus radiation therapy results in excellent local control, sarcomas of the retroperitoneum are difficult to resect and even if completely resected, demonstrate high rates of local relapse, the primary pattern of failure. Due to the proximity of normal organs, the delivery of therapeutic doses of adjuvant external beam radiation therapy is problematic.To deliver adequate doses (>60 Gy) of external beam to most patients would result in unacceptable toxicity. The therapeutic dilemma is unfortunate and better strategies are needed. One attractive approach has been to incorporate intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) with maximal resection and external beam radiation. Results and Discussion. A number of institutions have explored this approach with encouraging preliminary results.

Management of high-grade retroperitoneal liposarcomas: personal experience

Sarcomas are uncommon malignant tumors arising from mesenchymal tissue, accounting for approximately 10% of soft-tissue sarcomas and less than 1% of all malignant neoplasms. The most frequent subtypes of retroperitoneal sarcomas are liposarcoma. Total surgical extirpation appears the only chance for patient cure since medical therapies have shown little efficacy. We have analyzed our series of 32 retroperitoneal liposarcoma that undergone surgical resection and with at least 5 years of follow-up. We have included 21 patients who underwent a complete resection (R0) and 6 patients who underwent an incomplete resection (R1). However, the operation's goal was a complete tumor resection with tumor-free resection margins. The 5-year survival was 85.7% when we performed a R0 resection, while it was 33.3% when we performed a R1 resection with a significant statistical difference (p = 0.02). Surgery is the gold standard for treatment of liposarcoma. Despite advances in diagnostic modalities, surgical techniques and the adoption of more aggressive procedure, such disease still has a propensity for local recurrence, even after an apparent complete resection. Therefore, locoregional recurrence remains the main cause of death in patients with a retroperitoneal liposarcoma. Moreover when the tumor recurs locally, the treatment of choice is to remove the recurrence. Our experience shows that a complete resection of primary lesions and further resection of recurrences early detected with CT examination could improve the overall survival of patients with retroperitoneal liposarcoma. Moreover in our series, the patients who undergo R1 resection had a worse prognosis.

Retroperitoneal liposarcomas: the experience of a tertiary Asian center

BACKGROUND

Liposarcoma is the single most common soft tissue sarcoma in the retroperitoneum.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of patients with primary retroperitoneal liposarcoma treated between June 1990 and June 2005 were conducted to evaluate the clinical results of resection for retroperitoneal liposarcomas (RPLS) and the prognostic factors for disease recurrence and patient survival in an Asian population.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients operated on for curative intent (12 Males, 9 Females; mean age: 52.4 years) were evaluated. Of these, 13 presented with tumors that were well differentiated (61.9%), 4 (19.0%) with myxoid/round cell, 3 (14.3%) with dedifferentiated and 1(4.8%) with pleomorphic morphology. The median tumor burden was 36 cm (9-83). Median follow-up time was 62 months. There was no peri-operative mortality and morbidity occurred in 6(28.6%) patients. Surgical margins were involved in 10(47.6%) patients. Resection of contiguous organs was required in 15(71.4%) to achieve gross surgical margins. Eleven out of the 21(52%) of the patients had recurrence of the tumor. Median disease-free survival was 19 months and the overall 3- and 5-year survival rate was 87% and 49% respectively.

CONCLUSION

An aggressive surgical approach in both primary and recurrent RPLS in our institution is associated with 3- and 5-year survival rate of 87% and 49% respectively. Contiguous organ resection is often required to achieve local control.

Surgery combined with brachytherapy in patients with retroperitoneal sarcomas

Purpose

The primary aim of this work was to analyze feasibility of combined treatment of retroperitoneal sarcomas (RS): surgery (S) and intraoperative brachytherapy (IOBRT). The secondary aim was to analyze results and complications after this treatment.

Material and methods

84 patients with retroperitoneal sarcomas were qualified for combined treatment (S and IOBRT) between June 1998 and September 2006. 65 of the patients (77.4%) had local recurrences. Sarcomas with intermediate and high grade of histological malignancy (G2, G3 – 76.2%) were the most frequent within the all surgically treated patients. Resection ability (R0/R1) in analyzed group of patients was estimated as 85% (74 cases). After intraoperative evaluation, 57 (67.8%) patients were qualified for IOBRT. Since 2000, in 34 patients (60%) an adjuvant postoperative external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) in dose of 50 Gy was applied. Median follow-up of the surviving patients was 40 months.

Results

On the basis of the univariate analysis, relevant aspects negatively influencing overall survival rate within the RS group treated with IOBRT were as follows: surgery of sarcoma recurrence (p = 0.002), higher grade of histological malignancy (p = 0.05), histological type different than liposarcoma (p = 0.05) as well as no adjuvant EBRT (p = 0.05). On the basis of multivariate analysis one can ascertain that relevant factors negatively influencing LRFS in RS patients treated with IOBRT were: surgery due to recurrence of sarcoma (p = 0.008) and lack of EBRT (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Combined treatment (surgery and brachytherapy) was possible to be carried out on 68% of RS patients. The overall number of complications was quite high, however acceptable, taking into consideration the application of extensive, multi-organ treatments in case of sarcoma recurrences in this localization. The results suggest that the method of treatment will improve the final outcome when most of patients will be qualified for treatment of primary sarcomas in experienced centre.

Predicting outcome by growth rate of locally recurrent retroperitoneal liposarcoma: the one centimeter per month rule

OBJECTIVE

To identify the prognostic variables that predict disease-specific survival and second local recurrence-free survival in patients with recurrent retroperitoneal liposarcoma so as to guide clinical management.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Local recurrence after complete resection of primary retroperitoneal liposarcoma is a common clinical problem that frequently leads to morbidity and mortality. Factors that determine survival in patients with a local recurrence after complete resection of the primary and rerecurrence after resection of the first local recurrence have not been clearly defined.

METHODS

From a prospective sarcoma database we selected 105 patients who had at least one local recurrence following complete resection of a primary retroperitoneal liposarcoma between July 1982 and December 2005. Of these patients, 61 underwent complete resection of their first local recurrence. Study endpoints included second local recurrence-free survival for these 61 patients and disease-specific survival for all 105 patients. Univariate analysis was performed with the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test, and multivariate analysis with the Cox proportional hazards model and score test. Local recurrence growth rate was defined as the radiographic size of the local recurrence divided by the time to local recurrence from the primary resection.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 65 months. Local recurrence size, primary histologic variant and grade, and local recurrence growth rate were independent predictors of disease-specific survival. For those undergoing reresection, local recurrence size and local recurrence growth rate independently influenced development of a second local recurrence. Only patients with local recurrence growth rates of less than 0.9 cm/mo were associated with improved survival after aggressive resection of the local recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Local recurrence growth rate is strongly associated with disease-specific survival and local control for patients with completely resected locally recurrent retroperitoneal liposarcoma. Despite aggressive operative management patients with a local recurrence growth rate greater than 0.9 cm/mo were associated with poor outcomes and should be considered for enrollment in clinical trials employing novel agents.

Current concepts in the management of retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcoma

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) in the retroperitoneum are usually diagnosed at the late stages. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment. The technique of resection is standardized. After dissection of the retroperitoneal blood vessel, a retroperitoneal plane of dissection adjacent to the spinal foramina is established in between the layers of the abdominal wall. Complete resection with tumor-free resection margins is the primary goal in retroperitoneal sarcoma surgery. Preoperative assessment of pathoanatomical growth patterns with respect to retroperitoneal vascular structures--as well as to visceral and retroperitoneal organs--influences surgical strategies and thus the surgical outcome. Blood vessel replacement and a multivisceral en bloc approach improve the quality of resection. Blood vessel involvement is stratified in type I (arterial and venous involvement), type II (arterial involvement), type III(venous involvement), and type IV (no vascular involvement). Adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment options (chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy) are currently being investigated. A prospective randomized phase III trial has shown a positive effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with regional hyperthermia in disease-free survival, response rate, and local control. Subsets of liposarcomas (myxoid and round cell type) are selectively responsive to novel drugs, such as trabectedin, a DNA-binding agent. Radiotherapy is applied in higher-grade locally advanced retroperitoneal STS. The optimal technique of delivering radiotherapy remains to be determined. The restricted number of patients with retroperitoneal STS and unsatisfying results in local tumor control and long-term survival indicate the need for multi-institutional cooperative studies. An international effort is required to improve the evidence level on multimodal treatment algorithms.

Giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma

Background

Liposarcoma is the most frequent histopathological variety of the retroperitoneum, surgery is the gold standard for treatment.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 24-year-old male who was diagnosed with a giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma. The patient received palliative treatment due to non-resectability on the basis of chemotherapy. We decided to perform surgery after no benefit was received with systemic treatment. Complete macroscopic resection of the tumor was performed, without multi-organ resection. The patient is currently alive and disease free at 14 months of evolution.

Conclusion

Retroperitoneal liposarcomas represent a unique situation and require a more aggressive surgical approach including multiple resections for recurrences. Based on the ability of the patient to tolerate the procedure, surgery is suggested to evaluate resectability of the tumor. We must take into consideration whether prolonged survival will be attained and tumor removal will result in palliation of symptoms.

[Retroperitoneal sarcomas: a single center experience]

PURPOSE

To analyse the management and clinical outcome of patients treated for retroperitonal soft tissue sarcoma and to identify prognosis factors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective study of 20 adults ; 11 women and nine men treated between 1980 and 2000 in our institution.

RESULTS

There were seven liposarcomas and 13 leiomyosarcomas. The mean tumor size was 26 cm. Three patients underwent a complete resection (R0), 14 patients an incomplete resection (R1/R2) with microscopic or macroscopic tumour remained after surgery. Only three patients had a surgical biopsy. Median follow-up was 18 months. Overall survival rates was 45%, 10% at two and five years, respectively. Among the following factors, sex, age, symptom duration, tumor size, histologic type, histologic grade, resection type, mitotic index, necrosis extension, histologic differentiation, and AJCC stage, only mitotic index factor (scale 1,2 versus scale 3) significantly influenced patient survival (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

This study re-emphasizes the poor outcome of patients with retroperitoneal sarcoma. Survival rates appeared low when compared with other studies. These results incite for a more aggressive approach.

Outcomes in a series of 103 retroperitoneal sarcomas

AIMS

To report the effect on outcome of selection in patients receiving intra-operative electron beam radiation (IOERT) and external beam radiation therapy (EBRT).

METHODS

One hundred and three patients treated for primary RS were studied. Median follow-up was 27 months. Clinical presentation, tumor characteristics, and treatment methods were analyzed to determine impact on survival and recurrence and if selection was occurring.

RESULTS

Mean age was 55+/-17 years. Mean tumor size was 15+/-6cm and 88 were high-grade. Complete gross tumor resection (CR) occurred in 62 patients and improved survival vs. both debulking (p=0.0005) and biopsy (p<0.0001). The 5- and 10-year survival rates were 62% and 52% for those with CR vs. 29% and 20% after incomplete resection. Among the 62 CR patients, there was selection to receive additional EBRT+/-IOERT in patients with high-grade tumors (p=0.005) and/or microscopically positive margins (p=0.011). In these high-risk patients there was a trend for IOERT to further augment survival vs. EBRT alone and to increase the time to both local and distant recurrences (p=0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

Complete gross resection is the primary form of curative treatment for retroperitoneal sarcomas. Selection led to patients with high-risk tumors receiving additional radiation therapy. There appears to be a beneficial effect of IOERT plus EBRT in these high-risk patients after complete tumor resection.

Perioperative outcome in sarcoma surgery

INTRODUCTION

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare tumors accounting for less than 1% of all malignancies. Although disease-specific surgical management is increasingly important, only few data are available for STS. Here, we analyze a single institution setting focusing on perioperative surgical and clinical parameters.

METHODS

Prospectively gathered data of all adult patients undergoing surgery for STS including gastrointestinal stroma tumors (GIST) between October 2001 and October 2004. Patients undergoing only biopsy or ambulatory surgery were excluded. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS(R) software and patient's data from a computerized sarcoma registry.

RESULTS

159 patients with a median age of 60.2 years underwent a total of 179 operations. Three major sites of occurrence were notified: the visceral cavity (VIS) (36.3%), the retroperitoneum (RET) (31.3%), and the extremities (EXT) (27.4%). GIST (53.9%) were the most common type in the VIS, liposarcoma (62.5%) in the RET, and either liposarcoma (30.6%) or malignant fibrous histiocytoma (28.6%) in the EXT. Recurrence was treated in more than half of the patients with RET STS, and in almost one third of the EXT lesions, while primary occurrence dominated in the VIS. Median operation times in the VIS, RET, and EXT were 210, 240, and 120 min, respectively. Blood loss was 300, 500, and 50 ml for VIS, RET, and EXT operations. Morbidity was 26.2, 30.4, and 34.7% in VIS, RET, and EXT operations, respectively (reoperation rates were 9.4, 5.4, and 14.3%). Mortality was 1.5, 8.9, and 2.0% for VIS, RET, and EXT. Length of hospital stay in the groups was comparable.

CONCLUSION

STS surgery of a single surgical unit contains predominantly VIS, RET, and EXT tumors. The STS subtype varies with location, as does length of operation, blood loss, morbidity, mortality, and reoperation rate. These data are helpful for planning the perioperative management of adult patients with STS and can be used for prognostic analyses.

Use of Tissue Expanders and Pre-operative External Beam Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Retroperitoneal Sarcoma

INTRODUCTION

We report our experience of treating retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS) using pre-operative external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in combination with radical resectional surgery from 1990 to 2005.

METHODS

Twenty-eight primary and 10 recurrent tumors were identified from a prospective database.

RESULTS

The resection rate was 71% overall; 82% in primary (23/28) and 40% (4/10) in recurrent cases. EBRT was administered preoperatively in 25 patients, postoperatively in 1, and palliatively in 11. In 33 patients a saline-filled tissue expander was inserted into the abdomen before radiotherapy to displace small bowel from the radiation field. 4,500-5,000 cGy was administered in fractions of 180-200 cGy over a 5-week period; surgery followed 6-8 weeks later. Expander insertion was associated with minimal morbidity; 31/37 patients received a dose of 4,000 cGy or more (median 4,650 cGy). Median resected tumor diameter was 13 cm, and a median of three adjacent organs was resected per patient. Complete macroscopic resection was achieved in 25/27 patients (93%); R0 in 9 (33%) and R1 in 13 (48%) (microscopic margins unclear in 5). There was no postoperative mortality. Tumors were high-grade in 20 patients, low-grade in 14 and ungraded in 4. Actuarial 5- and 10-year survival for all patients was 74 and 60%. For operable primary tumors, the 5-year survival and disease-free rates were 90 and 80%. In four patients with operable recurrent tumors, median disease-free interval was 91 months (27-160). In the 11 inoperable cases, median survival after radiotherapy was 48 months (9-77).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that a combination of pre-operative tissue expander placement, high-dose EBRT and radical resectional surgery can achieve acceptable morbidity, extended survival and low long-term recurrence in patients with RPS.

STATISTICS

Median (interquartile range).

Intensificación terapéutica intraoperatoria en el tratamiento de los sarcomas abdominales localmente avanzados

INTRODUCTION

Sarcomas are rare tumors that develop from mesenchymal cells. Their management is difficult due to their changing histology, location, and behavior. In this article, we discuss the use of two intraoperative therapeutic intensification techniques, intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) and hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIIC), in the treatment of locally advanced abdominal sarcomas and peritoneal sarcomatosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We analyzed a series of 20 consecutive patients diagnosed with advanced abdominal sarcoma and 5 patients with a diagnosis of peritoneal sarcomatosis who were evaluated and treated in our department from December 1996 to October 2005. In advanced abdominal sarcoma, we performed complete or maximal resection followed by IORT. In peritoneal sarcomatosis we performed massive cytoreduction followed by HIIC.

RESULTS

The survival rate in advanced abdominal sarcomas without sarcomatosis was 65% at 26 months. Among the 5 patients diagnosed with peritoneal sarcomatosis, 3 were alive, and 2 were without recurrence at 20 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

IORT associated with radical surgery seems to improve local control and survival in advanced abdominal sarcomas. Maximal cytoreduction plus HIIC used as treatment of peritoneal sarcomatosis is a feasible technique that offers a therapeutic option with curative intent.

Retroperitoneal sarcomas: Combined-modality treatment approaches

Retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPS) are rare tumors, accounting for approximately 15% of soft tissue sarcomas. Surgical resection of localized tumors with gross and microscopically negative margins remains the standard of care. However, because RPS are frequently large and locally advanced, resections are often incomplete, resulting in local recurrence. Investigators are evaluating combined-modality therapies to improve local control and disease-specific survival. This review outlines current concepts and evolving treatment strategies in the diagnosis, staging, and management of RPS.

Primary and recurrent retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcoma: prognostic factors affecting survival

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

To analyze treatment and survival in 34 patients (28 resected) with primary or recurrent retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS).

METHODS

Between July 1994 and January 2001, 34 patients (15M, 19F; mean age: 56 years, range: 25-77) were evaluated. Complete resection was defined as removal of gross tumor with histologically confirmed clear resection margins.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight out of 34 patients (82%) (15 were affected by primary RPS, and 13 by recurrent RPS), underwent surgical exploration. Twenty-three patients had a grossly and microscopically complete resection, (3 having a grossly incomplete resection and 2 patients with a grossly complete resection having histologically involved resection margins). Twenty-one out of 28 patients (75%) underwent removal of contiguous intra-abdominal organs. Preoperative mortality was nil, and morbidity occurred in six cases only (21%). High tumor grade results a significant variable for a worse survival in all 28 patients (100% 5 years survival for low grade vs. 0% for high grade; P = 0.0004). Amongst completely resected patients, only histologic grade and peroperative blood transfusions affected disease-free survival (P = 0.04 and P = 0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

An aggressive surgical approach in both primary and recurrent RPS is associated with long-term survival.

Long-term results of two prospective trials of preoperative external beam radiotherapy for localized intermediate- or high-grade retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcoma

BACKGROUND

The reported data on surgery plus radiotherapy for retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas (RPS) have been mostly from retrospective studies. We evaluated the long-term outcome of patients with operable RPS who were treated with protocol-based preoperative radiotherapy followed by complete surgical resection.

METHODS

Data from two prospective trials that included preoperative radiotherapy and surgery for patients with radiographically resectable RPS were combined to define long-term relapse rates and survival.

RESULTS

Seventy-two patients with intermediate- or high-grade RPS were treated with preoperative radiotherapy (median dose, 45 Gy; range, 18.0-50.4 Gy). Fifty-four patients (75%) had primary RPS, whereas 18 (25%) had recurrent disease. The median tumor size was 15.5 cm. Sixty-four patients completed the planned preoperative radiotherapy; 57 (89%) underwent laparotomy with curative intent, and 54 (95%) had a macroscopically complete (R0 or R1) resection. With a median follow-up of 40.3 months, 28 patients (52%) who received preoperative radiotherapy and underwent a macroscopically complete resection had recurrences. For the 54 patients who underwent R0 or R1 resection after preoperative radiotherapy, the 5-year local recurrence-free, disease-free, and overall survival rates were 60%, 46%, and 61%, respectively. The median overall survival has not been reached (>60 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with intermediate- or high-grade RPS treated with preoperative radiotherapy plus complete resection had a median survival >60 months. This compares favorably to historical data for similar patients treated with surgery alone.

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.

Surgery Combined With Intraoperative Brachytherapy in the Treatment of Retroperitoneal Sarcomas

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to analyze the results of treatment of retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas (RSTS) by surgery combined with intraoperative brachytherapy (IOBRT).

METHODS

Seventy adult patients with RSTS were considered for combined treatment (surgery plus IOBRT) between June 1998 and February 2004. There were 64 (91%) recurrent tumors, and 93% of tumors exceeded 5 cm. IOBRT was performed with high-dose-rate Gammamed 12 with iridium 192 (IOBRT time range, 20-87 minutes; median, 56 minutes).

RESULTS

After intraoperative re-evaluation, 24 patients (34%) were found to be ineligible for IOBRT because of multiple intraperitoneal recurrences, macroscopically nonradical resection, poor general condition, and technical aspects. Thirty-seven patients underwent IOBRT immediately after surgery during the same general anesthesia procedure. Nine patients underwent delayed IOBRT within 1 to 3 days after the primary operation. Ten (21.5%) of 46 patients underwent reoperation because of surgical complications. One patient died in the postoperative period. After IOBRT, 24 patients (52%) underwent adjuvant external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) to a total dose of 50 Gy. Over a median follow-up time of 20 months, the estimated 5-year overall survival and local recurrence-free survival rates in IOBRT patients were 55% and 51%, respectively. Application of adjuvant EBRT showed a favorable local control rate.

CONCLUSIONS

The scheduled combined treatment (surgery plus IOBRT) was possible to perform in 66% of RSTS cases that received surgical treatment. The complication rate was high, but we consider it acceptable because of the necessity for extensive aggressive surgical treatment in regionally advanced RSTS. EBRT seems to be an indispensable part of treatment that provides better local control.

Retroperitoneal sarcoma

BACKGROUND

No population-based studies of retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS) have been conducted, and the use and timing of adjuvant radiotherapy for RPS is controversial. The objective of this study was to examine the incidence and treatment of RPS, specifically regarding the use of adjuvant radiotherapy.

METHODS

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was used to evaluate the incidence of RPS over a 29-year period (1973-2001). The rate of surgery, the rate and timing of adjuvant radiotherapy, and the influence of demographic factors on treatment were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 2348 cases of RPS were identified. The mean annual incidence of RPS was 2.7 cases per 10(6) persons and did not change significantly over time (2.6 in 1973 vs. 2.8 in 2001; P = .92). Most patients (1654; 70.4%) underwent surgical resection. Radiotherapy was used in 428 patients (25.9%) who underwent surgery; radiation was given postoperatively in 366 (85.5%), preoperatively in 20 (4.7%), and intraoperatively or unknown in 42 (9.8%). Patients who received any adjuvant radiotherapy were on average 5 years younger than those who underwent surgery alone (P < .0001). Radiotherapy was more commonly used among whites than African Americans (25.8% vs. 16.7%; P = .02) and there was significant variation in the use of adjuvant radiotherapy by geographic location (P = .003). On multivariate analysis, race (P = 0.004), age (P < .0001), and geographic location (P = .006) were independently associated with the use of adjuvant radiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of RPS, a rare disease, appears stable. Most patients who undergo surgery do not receive any adjuvant radiotherapy, and very few receive preoperative radiotherapy. Differences in adjuvant radiotherapy use related to demographic and geographic factors suggest that at least some treatment variations reflect differences in individual and institutional practice patterns.

Surgical management of retroperitoneal sarcomas associated with external and intraoperative electron beam radiotherapy

AIMS

To report outcomes of adults with retroperitoneal sarcoma (RS) treated by surgery, external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and intraoperative electron beam radiotherapy (IORT).

METHODS

From July 1988 to February 2001; 24 patients with primary and recurrent RS were diagnosed and treated. The median dose and energy of IORT delivered was 15 Gy/9meV. EBRT dose varies between 45-50 Gy.

RESULTS

There were five primary and 19 recurrent tumours. One primary and five recurrent tumours underwent R0 resection. There were 12 liposarcomas and 19 grade I tumours; 13 patients developed local recurrence and three developed distant metastases.Twenty-two patients received IORT associated with EBRT: 11 developed recurrences. Six patients developed Neurotoxicity (4 grade II and 2 grade III). Disease free survival and overall survival at 5 years was 28 and 56% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

EBRT with IORT treatment is a promising technique for local control. Lower recurrence rates are associated with radical (R0) surgical procedures.

Retroperitoneal sarcomas

Retroperitoneal sarcomas comprise a rare, heterogeneous group of neoplasms. Routine workup should include the patient's medical history, a physical examination, and helical CT of the abdomen and pelvis, with selective use of MRI and preoperative tissue sampling. The primary treatment is complete surgical resection with a rim of normal tissue. The role of adjuvant therapy is evolving and at present should not be used outside the investigational setting.

Aggressive resection of retroperitoneal sarcoma is superior to simple excision: an animal study using a novel model for retroperitoneal sarcoma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Retroperitoneal sarcomas constitute a difficult management problem. The need for, and extent of, aggressive surgery continues to be debated. The aim of our study was to compare the impact of radical en bloc resection of retroperitoneal sarcoma with complete resection of the tumor alone in a rat model.

METHODS

Under laparoscopic guidance, a fibrosarcoma cell line suspension was injected into the left paranephric space of a rat, resulting in the development of a macroscopic retroperitoneal tumor. Ten days after inoculation, 50 rats were randomized into three groups: (1) local resection, (2) radical resection, and (3) follow-up only. Groups 1 and 2 were further randomized for sacrifice 1 month after surgery or were followed up for 2 months.

RESULTS

Local recurrence: 46% of group 1, while none in group 2 developed local recurrence during the same follow-up period (P = 0.02). Survival: 33% of group 1 were alive after 2 months, as compared with 54.5% of group 2. (P = 0.04). All rats in the control group died within <25 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that aggressive en bloc resection of retroperitoneal sarcomas with adjacent viscera, even when macroscopically uninvolved with disease, has an advantage over complete local resection alone.

[Retroperitoneal pathology]

The retroperitoneum is one of the most complex regions of human anatomy as it contains a variety organs and structures from different systems, in particular those belonging to the urinary and digestive tracts and the vascular systems. The emergence of different diagnostic imaging techniques has made easier to study the retroperitoneum. Thanks to ultrasonography, computerised tomography and magnetic resonance the assessment of retroperitoneal conditions has taken a great leap forwards permitting the anatomical connections and characteristics of the structures in this region to be reliably established. Owing to the location in the retroperitoneal space of the different organs of the digestive tract and the vascular system, a multidisciplinary approach is required involving the different surgical specialties. The urologist performs a large proportion of his surgical activity in this region and must, therefore, have a good knowledge of the different retroperitoneal organs belonging to the urinary tract and also the connections between these and other organs and structures of the retroperitoneal region.

Initial results of a trial of preoperative external-beam radiation therapy and postoperative brachytherapy for retroperitoneal sarcoma

BACKGROUND

Surgical resection alone does not cure the majority of patients with retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS). We evaluated the effects of preoperative external-beam radiotherapy (XRT) and postoperative brachytherapy (BT) combined with complete surgical resection.

METHODS

Fifty-five patients with primary or locally recurrent RPS judged to be resectable were entered onto a trial of combined therapy and observed prospectively. Forty-six patients underwent complete gross resection with curative intent. Of these, 41 patients completed preoperative XRT and 23 patients received BT. Outcome measures were treatment toxicity, overall survival, and disease-free survival (DFS).

RESULTS

Preoperative XRT was very well tolerated and was associated with Radiation Therapy Oncology Group acute toxicity scores of < or = 2 in all patients. Acute postoperative and BT-related toxicity resulted in modified RTOG scores of > or = 3 in 39.1% (18 of 46) of patients. Late toxicity was associated with death in 4.3% (2 of 46) and with life-threatening illness in 2.2% (1 of 46) of patients, all of whom had been treated with BT to the upper abdomen. The 2-year overall survival and DFS for resected RPS were 88% and 80%, respectively. Significantly better 2-year DFS was achieved in patients with primary RPS and in those with low-grade tumors (93% and 95%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The initial results of combined therapy are promising. Although preoperative XRT was very well tolerated, BT to the upper abdomen was associated with substantial toxicity. Our current protocol includes selective application of BT to the lower abdomen only.

Retroperitoneal sarcoma: Time for a change in attiude?

BACKGROUND

Retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS) is considered a disease with poor prognosis partly because of the difficulty with diagnosis at an early stage. This review assesses the current best practice principles for RPS and finds evidence suggesting a better outlook for appropriately managed cases. Recommendations are made for improving diagnostic certainty before laparotomy and inappropriate transperitoneal biopsy occur.

METHODS

A critical review of the English language literature was conducted using MEDLINE software and searching the terms 'retroperitoneal sarcoma' alone or in combination with 'prognosis', 'surgery' and 'adjuvant therapy'.

CONCLUSIONS

Retroperitoneal sarcoma is a rare disease but when appropriately managed the disease-free survival can be improved and may even approach that of extremity soft tissue sarcoma. One of the greatest barriers to improving outcome is the misinterpretation of clinical signs and an over-reliance on ultrasound diagnosis in pelvic presentations, or misinterpretation of clinical signs and/or computer tomography (CT) scans in abdominal masses. Physicians referring patients with a retroperitoneal mass should consider more frequently the less common differential diagnoses of an abdominopelvic mass including retroperitoneal sarcoma. This is especially true in circumstances where there is a circumscribed, predominantly solid tumour, with clinical or radiological signs of vascular or rectal displacement, ureteric obstruction and/or classic renal rotational displacement. The more frequent use of CT scans with intravenous and oral contrast with referral prior to inappropriate transperitoneal biopsy is recommended. In atypical cases where preoperative biopsy is necessary, extraperitoneal routes are preferable. Complete en bloc surgical excision at the first laparotomy is the treatment of choice in RPS. Macroscopic clearance may necessitate resection of adjacent viscera, neurovascular structures or abdominopelvic walls but, if achieved, may lead to long-term survival depending on individual tumour biology.