Soft-tissue sarcomas of the upper extremity: surgical treatment and outcome

Pedicled Functional Latissimus Flaps for Reconstruction of the Upper Extremity following Resection of Soft-Tissue Sarcomas

(1) Background: Resection of soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) of the upper extremity can result in substantial functional impairment with limited options for functional reconstruction. Free functional latissimus flaps have been utilized to restore function of the thigh; however, there is limited data on the use of latissimus flaps for functional reconstruction in the upper extremity. As such, we sought to evaluate our institutional experience with these flaps. (2) Methods: We reviewed ten (seven male; three female; and a mean age of 63 years) patients undergoing soft-tissue sarcoma resection involving the triceps (n = 4), biceps (n = 4), and deltoid (n = 2) reconstructed with a pedicled functional latissimus flap. All surviving patients had at least 1 year of follow-up, with a mean follow-up of 5 years. (3) Results: The mean elbow range of motion and shoulder elevation were 105° and 150°. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 88%, and the muscle strength was four. Four patients had a recipient site wound complication. There were no flap losses. One patient sustained a radiation-associated humerus fracture 5 years postoperatively, treated nonoperatively. (4) Conclusions: Although early complications are high, pedicled functional latissimus flaps allow for wound coverage, potential space obliteration, and restoration of function in the upper extremity following resection of large soft tissue sarcomas.

What Are the Results of Limb Salvage Surgery for Primary Malignant Bone Tumor in the Forearm?

Background and Objectives

After diagnosing a primary bone tumor involving the forearm, various excision strategies and reconstruction methods must be considered. This study explored the oncological and functional outcomes of limb salvage surgery for primary malignant bone tumors in the forearm.

Methods

Patients with primary forearm bone tumors (n = 369) were retrospectively analyzed between 2000 and 2017. There were 266 patients with radial tumors, and 46 (17.3%) were malignant, whereas 103 patients had ulnar lesions and 22 (21.4%) were malignant tumors. The oncological results, prognostic factors, and functional results after limb salvage surgery of forearm malignancies were analyzed.

Results

The follow-up averaged 72.1 (7–192, median 62.5) months. Fifty-six patients who received limb salvage surgery were included in the final evaluation. Radius resection was performed in 38 patients, and distal radius (25 patients) was most frequent. Ulnar resection was performed in 18 patients, and the proximal ulna (13 patients) was most frequent. The surgical margins obtained were intralesional in 3 patients, marginal in 8 patients and wide in 45 patients. Local recurrence occurred in 11 patients (19.6%), and distant metastasis occurred in 14 patients (25%). The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was 79.8%. Unplanned excision, ulnar involvement, proximal forearm location and inadequate surgical margins were associated with recurrence. The overall 5-year and 10-year survival rates were 83.5 and 71.7%, respectively. Distant metastasis was a poor prognostic factor for the survival rate. Forty-two patients were evaluated by MSTS score with an average of 27.9 ± 1.5.

Conclusions

The incidence of radial malignant tumors is higher than that of ulnar lesions. The distal radius and the proximal ulna are the most frequently involved sites. Unplanned excisions, ulnar tumors, proximal forearm tumors, and inadequate surgical margin are the risk factors for local recurrence. Distant metastasis is an independent poor prognostic factor of death. The oncology control and functional results of limb salvage surgery were satisfactory.

Measuring functional outcome in upper extremity soft-tissue sarcoma: Validation of the Toronto extremity salvage score and the QuickDASH patient-reported outcome instruments

Interest in functional outcome (FO) and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in extremity soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) patients has increased. The aim of this study was to validate two FO questionnaires for upper extremity STS patients: the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) and short version of the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), based on Finnish population data. A multi-center study was conducted at two academic sarcoma centers. Surgically treated upper extremity STS patients were invited to participate. Patients completed the TESS and the QuickDASH with HRQL questionnaires the 15D and the QLQ-C30. The scores were analyzed and compared. Fifty-five patients with a mean follow-up period of 4.7 years were included. Mean age was 63 years (standard deviation [SD] 14.6). The mean score for TESS was 88.5 (SD 15.1) and for QuickDASH 17.8 (SD 19.6). The QuickDASH had a statistically significantly better score coverage. A ceiling effect was noted, 27% and 20% for TESS and QuickDASH, respectively. The TESS and QuickDASH scores were strongly correlated (r= -0.89). The TESS score strongly correlated with the QLQ-C30 (r = 0.79) and the 15D score (r = 0.70). The QuickDASH score correlated strongly with the QLQ-C30 score (r=-0.71) and moderately with the 15D score (r= -0.56). The TESS score had a statistically significantly stronger correlation with the 15D score than QuickDASH (p<0.005). Both the TESS and the QuickDASH provide reliable scores for assessing FO in upper extremity STS patients. The QuickDASH has a better coverage, whereas TESS showed a stronger correlation to HRQL scores.

Long-term patient-reported outcome measures following limb salvage with complex reconstruction or amputation in the treatment of upper extremity sarcoma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

This study compares long-term patient-reported outcomes between patients that underwent limb-salvage surgery with complex reconstruction by free or pedicled flap (LS) or amputation. Additionally, the need for revision surgery is compared.

METHODS

A total of 43 patients were studied at a median follow-up of 9.54 years. Sixteen patients completed questionnaires regarding functional outcome and mental wellbeing. Functional outcomes were measured by using the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS), QuickDASH, and PROMIS Upper Extremity instruments. Mental wellbeing was assessed using the PROMIS Anxiety and Depression instruments. Revision surgery was assessed for the entire follow-up.

RESULTS

The median TESS scores were 96.0 versus 71.7 (p = 0.034) and the PROMIS Upper Extremity scores were 50.1 versus 40.3 (p = 0.039) for the LS and amputation cohorts, respectively. No significant difference was found regarding symptoms of anxiety (52.7 vs. 53.8; p = 0.587) or depression (52.0 vs. 50.5; p = 0.745). Of the patients in the LS cohort 51.6% required at least one reoperation compared to 8.33% in the amputation cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

LS surgery maintains functional benefits over amputation after almost a decade of follow-up. Still, mental wellbeing seems to be comparable between these patients, whereas LS procedures are associated with a sixfold increased need for reoperations.

Impact of surgical margin on survival in extremity soft tissue sarcoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The impact of surgical margin status on the survival of patients with extremity soft tissue sarcoma (STS) remains to be clearly defined. The evidence regarding the impact of surgical margins on survival is limited by retrospective single-institution cohort studies. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the impact of surgical margin status on patient survival in extremity STS.

METHODS

A literature search in the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register electronic databases, and a manual search of reference lists of original studies was performed. The following text words and/or Medical Subject Heading terms were searched: (neoplasm) or/and (sarcoma) and/or (connective tissue) and/or (soft tissue) and/or (extremity) and/or (extremity) and/or (surgical margin).

RESULTS

Six selected studies that reported a total of 2917 cases of extremity STS were published between 1994 and 2013. All the eligible studies were observational cohort studies, and the sample size ranged from 95 to 1261 patients. A meta-analysis of 6 studies showed that a positive surgical margin predicted poor 5-year OS in a random-effects model (summary hazard ratio, 1.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-2.17). Moderate heterogeneity was observed among the studies (P < .075; heterogeneity, 45.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis supports the hypothesis that adequate surgical margins are associated with improved survival in extremity STS.

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

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

A Meta-Analysis of the Association Between Radiation Therapy and Survival for Surgically Resected Soft-Tissue Sarcoma

OBJECTIVES

Radiotherapy for soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) has been shown to reduce local recurrence, but without clear improvement in survival. We conducted a meta-analysis to study the association between radiotherapy and survival in patients undergoing surgery for STS.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases. Our population of interest consisted of adults with primary extremity, chest wall, trunk, or back STS. Our metameters were either an odds or hazard ratio for mortality. A bias score was generated for each study based on margin status and grade.

RESULTS

Of 1044 studies, 30 met inclusion criteria for final analysis. The pooled odds ratio in patients receiving radiation was 0.94 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78-1.14). The pooled estimate of the hazards ratio in patients receiving radiation was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.73-1.03) overall and 0.65 (95% CI, 0.52-0.82) for studies judged to be at low risk of bias. Significant publication bias was not seen.

CONCLUSIONS

High-quality studies reporting adjusted hazard ratios are associated with improved survival in patients receiving radiotherapy for STS. Studies in which odds ratios are calculated from event data and those that do not report adjusted outcomes do not show the same association, likely due to confounding by indication.

Therapeutic options and postoperative wound complications after extremity soft tissue sarcoma resection and postoperative external beam radiotherapy

Soft tissue sarcomas occur most commonly in the lower and upper extremities. The standard treatment is limb salvage surgery combined with radiotherapy. Postoperative radiotherapy is associated with wound complications. This systematic review aims to summarise the available evidence and review the literature of the last 10 years regarding postoperative wound complications in patients who had limb salvage surgical excision followed by direct closure vs flap coverage together with postoperative radiotherapy and to define the optimal timeframe for adjuvant radiotherapy after soft tissue sarcomas resection and flap reconstruction. A literature search was performed using PubMed. The following keywords were searched: limb salvage, limb-sparing, flaps, radiation therapy, radiation, irradiation, adjuvant radiotherapy, postoperative radiotherapy, radiation effects, wound healing, surgical wound infection, surgical wound dehiscence, wound healing, soft tissue sarcoma and neoplasms. In total, 1045 papers were retrieved. Thirty-seven articles were finally selected after screening of abstracts and applying dates and language filters and inclusion and exclusion criteria. Plastic surgery provides a vast number of reconstructive flap procedures that are directly linked to decreasing wound complications, especially with the expectant postoperative radiotherapy. This adjuvant radiotherapy is better administered in the first 3-6 weeks after reconstruction to allow timely wound healing and avoid local recurrence.

Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Trunk and Extremities

The diagnostic methods and treatment modalities of soft tissue sarcomas have evolved with the multidisciplinary approach. The soft tissue sarcoma team must have specialists capable of using and combining modern methods of radiology and pathology, cytogenetics, tumour surgery, tissue transfer techniques, radiotherapy and chemotherapy for optimal local and systemic treatment. Limb sparing surgery combined with radiotherapy has lowered the amputation rate and maintained low rates of local recurrence. Reconstructive surgery facilitates treatment of patients with soft tissue sarcoma by permitting tumour resection with adequate margins, protects vital structures, enables early postoperative radiation therapy, maintains extremity length, and if necessary assists in palliative procedures. The ability to maintain function and aesthetics after tumour resection, and effective palliation improves the quality of life for these patients. Early recognition and appropriate referral to a tumour centre improve the outcome.

Soft Tissue Coverage of the Lower Limb following Oncological Surgery

The treatment of lower limb tumors has been shifted by advancements in adjuvant treatment protocols and microsurgical reconstruction from limb amputation to limb salvage. Standard approaches include oncological surgery by a multidisciplinary team in terms of limb sparing followed by soft tissue reconstruction and adjuvant therapy when indicated. For the development of a comprehensive surgical plan, the identity of the tumor should first be determined by histology after biopsy. Then the surgical goal and comprehensive treatment concept should be developed by a multidisciplinary tumor board and combined with soft tissue reconstruction. In this article, plastic surgical reconstruction options for soft coverage of the lower extremity following oncological surgery will be described along with the five clinical cases.

Evaluating the British sarcoma referral form

INTRODUCTION

This study investigated the accuracy of general practitioner (GP) referrals under the two-week wait pathway for soft tissue sarcomas and whether the current National Institute for Health and Care Excellence criteria should be refined.

METHODS

All patients referred under the two-week wait system to one centre over the course of one year were reviewed. Comparison was made between the criteria identified by the GP and those confirmed by the centre to assess the accuracy of the referrals, and to identify what criteria predicted malignancy.

RESULTS

Overall, 135 patients were referred to our unit with a mean age of 56.4 years. Of these, 45 (33%) were found to have a malignant tumour. Factors identified by the GP were accurate in 74% of cases. The best predictor of malignancy was 'size >5cm' (76% sensitivity) while 'pain' was the least useful (27% sensitivity). Lowering the threshold for concern to a size of >4cm increased sensitivity to 89%. Although 106 patients had undergone some form of imaging prior to referral, this did not increase the likelihood of malignancy being detected. The combination of factors most likely to predict malignancy was a size of >5cm, increase in size, deep location and no pain (10 out of 13 referrals, 77% accuracy).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results of this study, we recommend an adaption of the existing features for concern. The new feature for concern should be 'size >4cm' and the factor 'pain' should be removed from the urgent referral form.

MR imaging appearances of soft tissue flaps following reconstructive surgery of the lower extremity

MR imaging appearances of different types of reconstructive muscle flaps following reconstructive surgery of the lower extremity with associated post-surgical changes due to altered anatomy, radiation, and potential complications, can be challenging. A multidisciplinary therapeutic approach to tumors allows for limb salvage therapy in a majority of the patients. Decision-making for specific types of soft tissue reconstruction is based on the body region affected, as well as the size and complexity of the defect. Hematomas and infections are early complications that can jeopardize flap viability. The local recurrence of a tumor within six months after a complete resection with confirmed tumor-free margins and adjuvant radiation therapy is rare. Identification of a new lesion similar to the initial tumor favors a finding of tumor recurrence.

[Surgical margins in soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities]

Negative surgical margins (R0 resection) play a key role in the prevention of local recurrences of soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities in the multimodal therapy concept. The prognostic relevance for long-term survival is still under dispute. Despite the fact that numerous recommendations and guidelines have existed for over 100 years, strong evidence-based data from prospective randomized studies are still not available today. These studies should include parameters like tumor localization, subtype and biological aggressiveness. Recommendations as to surgical therapy diverge considerably. They range from amputation and compartment resection to centimetre and millimetre surgical margins. The present article analyses currently available data and definitions and discusses the impact on functional restriction, lymph drainage, local recurrence and the perioperative irradiation field. In the absence of surgical standards, it is doubtful whether existing studies and multicenter trials currently underway are valid. Close co-operation between surgeon and pathologist is imperative to further substantiate the significance of histological examinations and resection margins.

Microvascular flaps and collateral ligament reconstructions for soft tissue sarcomas at the knee joint

We report the suitability of free flap reconstruction in defects around the knee joint caused by soft tissue sarcoma (STS) excisions. The importance of collateral ligament reconstruction is also evaluated.Between years 1993 and 2005, 15 STS patients having a STS at the knee area with the need for free flap were treated in Helsinki University Hospital. Eleven musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi, 3 fasciocutaneous anterolateral thigh flaps, and 1 osteomusculocutaneous latissimus dorsi were used. The reconstruction of collateral ligaments was performed for 7 patients, 4 medial and 3 lateral; 6 with bone-tendon-bone grafts from patellar tendon and 1 with pes anserinus tendon transposition.There was no postoperative mortality. One flap was lost. Five patients needed debridement for minor wound complications. The mean follow-up time was 64 months. There were no local recurrences. Distant metastasis developed after the operation in 5 patients. Of these, 2 patients with solitary soft tissue metastasis were operated, and they are disease free. At 5 years 79% were disease-free. One patient with medial collateral reconstruction had recurrent patellar displacement and needed further operations; another with lateral collateral ligament and posterior capsular excision, that was not reconstructed, had lateral instability of the knee and needed orthosis.Free flap for STS of the knee is a reliable method. Patients can be operated with wider marginals and prognosis is good. Ligament reconstruction can be performed simultaneously, if collateral ligaments are excised.

Oncosurgical and reconstructive concepts in the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas: a retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

Patients with soft tissue sarcomas are initially treated in community hospitals and in the private practice setting in the majority of cases. Thus, this disease entity is initially treated by surgeons with limited experience and expertise regarding the complex and demanding therapeutic regimen necessary to address this distinct group of malignancies.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted with a particular focus on factors affecting patient outcome, oncosurgical intervention, and plastic surgical reconstruction.

RESULTS

A total of 75 patients were included in the study. Only 66% of all patients presented with a primary tumor. The remaining 34% presented with either local recurrence or distant metastasis. The oncosurgical procedure most commonly performed was wide excision (69%). However, amputation was unavoidable in 7% of cases. Single-step reconstruction included primary closure (19%), skin grafting (19%), local fascio- or myocutaneous flap transfer (31%), as well as free flap transfer (31%). 17 patients (20%) have deceased due to their underlying disease. Yet another 10% are alive with evidence of residual tumor. Kaplan-Meier analysis displayed significant differences in overall survival rate depending on disease stage upon initial presentation.

CONCLUSION

Based on our data favorable oncological outcomes with satisfactory functional results and limb preservation are achievable if oncological principles for resection are respected and reconstruction is performed according to plastic surgical principles.

The management of soft tissue sarcoma

SUMMARY

Soft tissue sarcomas are a rare group of mesenchymal tumours that display cardinal signs, which can raise suspicion to their diagnosis. Management in a sarcoma treatment centre by its multidisciplinary team has improved outcome. Good local disease control with limb salvage and adjuvant radiotherapy has considerably reduced the morbidity of previous limb amputation. By the early involvement of a plastic surgeon, tissue reconstruction is optimised and wound complications reduced. This article looks at the contemporary management of soft tissue sarcoma and, in particular, its relevance to the plastic surgeon today.

Extra-osseous Ewing's sarcoma of the thumb

The hand is an uncommon location for Ewing's tumour of the bone. This paper details the presentation, pathology and management of an extra-osseous Ewing's sarcoma of the thumb in an adult woman. The management entailed a combination of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and surgical excision, followed by reconstruction with an interposition bone graft from the subcutaneous surface of the ulna.

MFH revisited: outcome after surgical treatment of undifferentiated pleomorphic or not otherwise specified (NOS) sarcomas of the extremities -- an analysis of 140 patients

BACKGROUND

Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma/NOS (not otherwise specified; former pleomorphic and storiform MFH) of the extremities is a common malignant soft tissue tumor in adults. The objective of this study is to determine prognostic factors for the outcome after surgical treatment with respect to the recent developments in classification.

METHODS

From 1996 to 2004, 140 undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas/NOS were identified out of 1,200 soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities that were treated at our institution and recorded in a prospective database. Overall survival (OS) and isolated local recurrence (ILR) were determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis. All tumors were retrospectively analyzed regarding prognostic factors of the disease, including patient's background (primary or recurrent), histological grade (G2/G3), adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy, size (T1-2) and depth of the tumor, and surgical margins (R0, R1, R2).

RESULTS

In 123 patients, a wide resection was performed (limb-sparing surgery). In nine patients, an amputation was necessary. The overall 5-year survival rate was 72% (median follow up: 52 months). There was a significant difference between the group presenting with primary tumors (5-year survival: 84%, p < 0.05) and recurrent tumors (5-year survival: 62%, p < 0.05). Isolated local recurrence occurred in 36 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In terms of OS and ILR, primary or recurrence, negative surgical margins, size and grading had a highly significant influence, whereas the site of surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy, adjuvant radiation and tumor depth did not. Prognosis for patients with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma of the extremities depends predominantly on adequate wide resection of the primary tumor.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of electrochemotherapy with the Cliniporatortrade mark vs other methods for the control and treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous tumors

INTRODUCTION

Tumors of any histological origin can give rise to cutaneous and subcutaneous metastases during follow-up. This study aims to evaluate the costs and benefits of electrochemotherapy (ECT) with the Cliniporatortrade mark vs other currently used methods in the control and treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous advanced neoplasms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cost-effectiveness analysis was carried out on ECT using the Cliniporator vs other techniques (radiotherapy, hyperthermia associated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, interferon-alpha, and isolated limb perfusion) for the control and treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous neoplasms. The direct health costs were attributed a value according to the Italian National Healthcare System. Resource consumption and clinical outcomes were derived from cost survey data collection and literature review.

RESULTS

ECT is cost-effective with an incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) of euro1,571.53 to achieve a further additional response. Radiotherapy and interferon-alpha are the least effective strategies. A combination of hyperthermia, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and interferon-alpha treatment are dominated by ECT (more costly and less effective). Isolated limb perfusion is the most effective treatment, but is very costly (euro18,530.47) because of the use of antiblastic drugs (TNFalpha), with an ICER of euro92,717.29.

CONCLUSIONS

After sensitivity analysis, the study results confirm the favorable cost-effectiveness ratio of ECT with the Cliniporator and justify its wider use.

Preoperative chemoradiation and flap reconstruction provide high local control and low wound complication rates for patients undergoing limb salvage surgery for upper extremity tumors

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Neoadjuvant protocols in the management of upper extremity sarcoma have improved local control rates but have been associated with high complication rates. We present a refinement of the Eilber protocol using judicious preoperative chemoradiation, limb salvage surgery, and flap coverage to achieve high local control rates with acceptable wound healing complications.

METHODS

Patients presenting with upper extremity neoplasms from 1986 to 2002 were treated with a modified Eilber protocol, consisting of 3 days of adriamycin (30 mg/day) and sequential radiotherapy (300 cGy/day for 10 days). Limb salvage surgery with flap coverage where needed was performed 4-8 weeks later. Patients were followed prospectively for recurrence.

RESULTS

Fifty-three consecutive patients with upper extremity tumors were treated and followed for a mean of 6.1 years. This cohort included 44 sarcomas and nine non-metastasizing, locally aggressive tumors. There were two local recurrences (3.8%). Limb salvage was achieved in all patients. Flaps were required in 43.4% of patients. Major complications occurred in 11%, were all flap related (partial flap loss, venous congestion), and went on to heal promptly with treatment.

CONCLUSION

This modified Eilber protocol achieved 96% local control for upper extremity tumors with a wound complication rate of 11%. The liberal use of flaps of resulted in healed, stable wounds in all patients.

Soft-tissue sarcomas and reconstruction options: twenty-two years of experience

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are particularly rare malignancies that constitute less than 1% of all malignancies. In recent years, prognostic clinical factors have been defined that help to stratify patients regarding their risk for local and distant recurrence and death from disease. Tumor grade, size, depth, completeness of resection, and presentation status are among the independent prognostic factors. At present, the treatment of these tumors constitutes a wide or marginal excision, adequate primary reconstruction, and radiotherapy. Surgery has generally been recommended as the primary method of treatment for achieving local control. Modern reconstructive surgery, especially musculocutaneous, either pedicle or free flaps, has made more extensive resections possible, while providing acceptable cosmetic and functional results. This study deals with our experience in the treatment of resectable STS with selective combination of treatment modalities.

Radiotherapy and wound healing

Radiotherapy is an invaluable weapon when treating cancer. However, the deleterious effects of radiation, both immediate and long-term, may have a significant effect on local tissues. Problematic wound healing in radiation-damaged tissue constitutes a major problem that is frequently overlooked during the management of patients who require radiotherapy, or have had radiotherapy in the past. Poor wound healing may lead to chronic ulceration, pain, secondary infection and psychological distress and compromise the outcome of general or reconstructive surgery. We discuss the pathophysiology of poor wound healing following radiotherapy, specific problems for radiation-damaged tissue and potential treatments to improve wound healing of irradiated tissues.

Adult soft tissue sarcomas: Conventional therapies and molecularly targeted approaches

The therapeutic approach to soft tissue sarcomas (STS) has evolved over the past two decades based on the results from randomized controlled trials, which are guiding physicians in the treatment decision-making process. Despite significant improvements in the control of local disease, a significant number of patients ultimately die of recurrent/metastatic disease following radical surgery due to a lack of effective adjuvant treatments. In addition, the characteristic chemoresistance of STS has compromised the therapeutic value of conventional antineoplastic agents in cases of unresectable advanced/metastatic disease. Therefore, novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to improve the prognosis of patients with STS. Recent advances in STS biology are paving the way to the development of molecularly targeted therapeutic strategies, the efficacy of which relies not only on the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development/progression but also on the personalization of the therapeutic regimen according to the molecular features of individual tumours. In this work, we review the state-of-the-art of conventional treatments for STS and summarize the most promising findings in the development of molecularly targeted therapeutic approaches.

Reconstruction of the hand and upper extremity after tumor resection

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

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

PURPOSE

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

METHODS AND MATERIALS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Sentinel node biopsy as an adjunct to limb salvage surgery for epithelioid sarcoma of the hand

Background

Epithelioid sarcomas of the hand are rare, high-grade tumors with a propensity for regional lymphatic spread approaching 40%.

Case presentation

A 54-year-old male with an epithelioid sarcoma of the palm was treated with neoadjuvant radiation, wide excision, and two-stage reconstruction. Sentinel lymph node biopsy was used to stage the patient's axilla. Sentinel node biopsy results were negative. The patient has remained free of local, regional and distant disease for the follow-up time of 16 months.

Conclusion

The rarity of this tumor makes definitive conclusions difficult but SLN biopsy appears to be a useful adjunct in the treatment of these sarcomas.