The Prognostic Impact of Unplanned Excisions in a Cohort of 728 Soft Tissue Sarcoma Patients: A Multicentre Study

Optimizing Morbidity in Unplanned Soft Tissue Sarcoma Excisions: Should We Skip the Reconstructive Ladder?

INTRODUCTION

Soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) are rare and diverse primary malignant tumors that comprise approximately 1% of all malignancies. Misdiagnoses and unplanned excisions of STSs are common due to the tumor's rarity, leading to secondary tumor bed excisions (TBEs). Reconstructive outcomes for TBEs remain poorly understood, prompting this study to address the knowledge gap and inform preoperative discussions.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent STS excisions at a quaternary cancer center. Patients were categorized into mass excision (ME) and TBE groups. Reconstructive approaches were divided into simple (primary closure, complex repair, skin grafts, local flaps) and advanced (pedicled or free flaps). The groups were compared for postoperative outcomes, including complications, recurrence, and death.

RESULTS

When simple reconstructive techniques were used, TBEs exhibited higher rates of overall and major complications, whereas MEs had higher rates of overall and minor complications. Intergroup analysis revealed that with simple reconstruction, rates of overall and major complications were higher in TBEs than in MEs, and rates of minor complications were higher in MEs than in TBEs. Regression analyses revealed that simple reconstruction of TBEs had 90% and 180% higher odds of major complications and reoperation compared to simple reconstruction of MEs (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

TBEs, despite their smaller size, exhibited a heightened susceptibility to overall and major complications, challenging the notion that simpler techniques suffice in these cases. Our findings encourage the consideration of advanced reconstructive techniques for TBEs that may seem amenable to simple reconstructive techniques.

Unplanned Resections of Soft Tissue Sarcomas-Necessity of Re-Resection?

BACKGROUND

In soft tissue sarcomas, unplanned resections, or so-called Whoops procedures, do occur quite frequently, thus primarily owing to the abundant presence of benign lesions. Whether re-resection reduces local recurrence or improves overall survival remains a topic of ongoing debate. The principle objective of this study was to analyze the outcomes of patients with soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities or trunk wall after an incidental marginal resection by comparing re-resections to individuals who declined the procedure.

METHODS

A total of 185 patients who underwent unplanned resection were included. These patients were stratified into two groups: Group A (n = 156) underwent re-excision, while Group B (n = 29) was treated conservatively. Depending on the clinical scenario, radio- or chemotherapy was either administered in a neoadjuvant or an adjuvant setting. The presence of residual tumor and metastatic disease was documented. Clinical outcomes, specifically local recurrence (LR), local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) and overall survival (OS), were utilized for evaluation.

RESULTS

Group B exhibited significantly larger tumors (p < 0.0001) and a higher mean age than Group A. Among the patients in Group A, 11 (5.9%) had contaminated resection margins (R1), and residual disease (RD) was observed in 93 (59.6%) of the resected specimens. In group B, 10 patients received adjuvant radiotherapy alone, 5 received chemotherapy alone, and 13 underwent a combined approach consisting of both radio- and chemotherapy. In Group A, 8% (n = 12) of the patients developed local recurrence (LR) during the observation period. Conversely, in Group B, this amount was 14% (n = 4) (n.s.). Of the 12 LR in Group A, 10 were found in the subgroup with residual disease. Overall survival and local recurrence-free survival were not significantly different between the groups. A total of 15% (n = 24) of the patients in Group A developed metastatic disease, while 10% (n = 3) in Group B developed metastatic disease (n.s.).

CONCLUSIONS

Following the reresection of unplanned resected STS, there was no statistically significant difference observed in overall survival or LR compared to patients who did not undergo re-resection. However, within the subgroup of patients with residual disease in the re-resected specimen, the OS was compromised, and the LR rate was higher. Particularly for low-grade lesions, adopting a more conservative approach seems to be justified.

Improved Metastatic-Free Survival after Systematic Re-Excision Following Complete Macroscopic Unplanned Excision of Limb or Trunk Soft Tissue Sarcoma

BACKGROUND

Whether re-excision (RE) of a soft tissue sarcoma (STS) of limb or trunk should be systematized as adjuvant care and if it would improve metastatic free survival (MFS) are still debated. The impact of resection margins after unplanned macroscopically complete excision (UE) performed out of a NETSARC reference center or after second resection was further investigated.

METHODS

This large nationwide series used data from patients having experienced UE outside of a reference center from 2010 to 2019, collected in a French nationwide exhaustive prospective cohort NETSARC. Patient characteristics and survival distributions in patients reexcised (RE) or not (No-RE) are reported. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard model was conducted to adjust for classical prognosis factors. Subgroup analysis were performed to identify which patients may benefit from RE.

RESULTS

Out of 2371 patients with UE for STS performed outside NETSARC reference centers, 1692 patients were not reviewed by multidisciplinary board before treatment decision and had a second operation documented. Among them, 913 patients experienced re-excision, and 779 were not re-excised. Characteristics were significantly different regarding patient age, tumor site, size, depth, grade and histotype in patients re-excised (RE) or not (No-RE). In univariate analysis, final R0 margins are associated with a better MFS, patients with R1 margins documented at first surgery had a better MFS as compared to patients with first R0 resection. The study identified RE as an independent favorable factor for MFS (HR 0.7, 95% CI 0.53-0.93; p = 0.013). All subgroups except older patients (>70 years) and patients with large tumors (>10 cm) had superior MFS with RE.

CONCLUSIONS

RE might be considered in patients with STS of limb or trunk, with UE with macroscopic complete resection performed out of a reference center, and also in originally defined R0 margin resections, to improve LRFS and MFS. Systematic RE should not be advocated for patients older than 70 years, or with tumors greater than 10 cm.

Is Unplanned Excision of Soft Tissue Sarcomas Associated with Worse Oncological Outcomes?-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Soft tissue sarcomas are a group of rare neoplasms which can be mistaken for benign masses and be excised in a non-oncologic fashion (unplanned excision). Whether unplanned excision (UE) is associated with worse outcomes is highly debated due to conflicting evidence.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines. Main outcomes analyzed were five-year overall survival (OS), five-year local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), amputation rate and plastic reconstruction surgery rate. Risk ratios were used to compare outcomes between patients treated with planned and unplanned excision.

RESULTS

We included 16,946 patients with STS, 6017 (35.5%) with UE. UE was associated with worse five-year LRFS (RR 1.35, p = 0.019). Residual tumor on the tumor bed was associated with lower five-year LRFS (RR = 2.59, p < 0.001). Local recurrence was associated with worse five-year OS (RR = 1.82, p < 0.001). UE was not associated with a worse five-year OS (RR = 0.90, p = 0.16), higher amputation rate (RR = 0.77, p = 0.134), or a worse plastic reconstruction surgery rate (RR = 1.25, p = 0.244).

CONCLUSIONS

Unplanned excision of Soft Tissue Sarcomas and the presence of disease in tumor bed after one were associated with worse five-year LRFS. Tumor bed excision should remain the standard approach, with special consideration to the presence of residual disease.

Unplanned Sarcoma Excisions: Understanding How They Happen

BACKGROUND

Soft-tissue sarcomas present as a mass with nonspecific symptoms, and unplanned excisions commonly occur. The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence of unplanned excisions performed by orthopaedic surgeons and to conduct a root cause analysis (RCA) of the steps that led to unplanned excisions in all the cases.

METHODS

A retrospective case-control study was conducted. Two cohorts were identified, one including patients who underwent an unplanned excision of a soft-tissue sarcoma (n = 107) and a second cohort with patients whose entire care was performed at our sarcoma center (n = 102). A RCA was conducted with the whole sample to identify the preventable causes that led to sarcoma unplanned excisions.

RESULTS

Orthopedic surgeons were the second group of physicians to perform the most unplanned excisions, only behind general surgeons. Inadequate imaging was encountered in 76.6% of the patients (n = 82, 95% confidence interval, 67.8 to 83.6). Forty-five patients (42.1%) had no imaging studies before the unplanned procedure. In the RCA, the most notable obstacles found were (1) incorrect assumption of a benign diagnosis, (2) failure to obtain the appropriate imaging study, (3) incorrectly reported imaging studies, (4) failure to order a biopsy, and (5) incorrect reporting of the biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite educational efforts, unplanned excisions and the devastating consequences that sometimes follow continue to occur. Orthopaedic surgeons persist in playing a role in the unplanned procedure burden.

Unplanned excision of soft tissue sarcomas of the musculoskeletal system

INTRODUCTION

The diagnosis process of soft tissue sarcomas of the musculoskeletal system (SPBAL) continues to be complex, with cases of unplanned excisions ("whoops" surgeries). This study evaluates the frequency of these type of procedures, trying to indentify patient characteristics, tumors, surgical treatment and final results.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

131 patients treated surgically between October 2018 and December 2021 of a SPBAL were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with SPBAL located in the viscera, mediastinum, heart, retroperitoneum, peritoneum and genital tract were excluded. Differences between patients with planned and unplanned excisions were assessed with chi2 tests and a Cox multivariate regression model.

RESULTS

Unplanned excisions of SPBAL have taken place in 18% of the patients in our área, mainly in tumors of less than 5 cm and located superficial to the fascia. 29,2% of these patients did not have a previous imaging test. It has not been shown that a "whoops" surgery can lead to a decrease in survival or a higher rate of recurrences.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend carrying out an imaging test always prior to the removal of any type of soft tissue tumor, as well as adherence to the referral guidelines to reference centers.

[Translated article] Unplanned excision of soft tissue sarcomas of the musculoskeletal system

INTRODUCTION

The diagnosis process of soft tissue sarcomas of the musculoskeletal system (SPBAL) continues to be complex, with cases of unplanned excisions ("whoops" surgeries). This study evaluates the frequency of these type of procedures, trying to identify patient characteristics, tumours, surgical treatment and final results.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

131 patients treated surgically between October 2018 and December 2021 of a SPBAL were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with SPBAL located in the viscera, mediastinum, heart, retroperitoneum, peritoneum and genital tract were excluded. Differences between patients with planned and unplanned excisions were assessed with Chi2 tests and a Cox multivariate regression model.

RESULTS

Unplanned excisions of SPBAL have taken place in 18% of the patients in our area, mainly in tumours of less than 5cm and located superficial to the fascia. 29.2% of these patients did not have a previous imaging test. It has not been shown that a "whoops" surgery can lead to a decrease in survival or a higher rate of recurrences.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend carrying out an imaging test always prior to the removal of any type of soft tissue tumour, as well as adherence to the referral guidelines to reference centres.

The prognostic significance of surgical resection margins for local recurrence, distant metastasis, and overall survival in sarcoma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Surgical resection with microscopically negative margins constitutes one of the key elements of a curative therapeutic approach for localized sarcomas. However, the prognostic value of quantitative margin width remains controversial. We sought to determine the prognostic significance of margin status and margin width for local recurrence (LR), distant recurrence (DR), and overall survival.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 210 patients undergoing resection of localized sarcoma between 1997 and 2018 at a national sarcoma reference center.

RESULTS

Logistic regression did not reveal an effect of metric margin width as a prognostic factor for LR (odds ratio [OR] = 0.98, p = 0.574), DR (OR = 1, p = 0.908), or overall survival (hazard ratio = 0.98, 95% confidence interval = 0.73-1.20, p = 0.609). Subgroup analysis revealed no differences between complete first resections (R0) and re-resections (re-R0) following unplanned R1-resections for LR (p = 0.727) and overall survival (p = 0.125), but a significantly higher DR-rate in re-R0 cases (p = 0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

Achieving a negative margin is essential in sarcoma surgery, however, metric margin width was not associated with disease-specific outcomes. Re-resection of unplanned R1-resections should be performed to control for LR and overall survival rates. As re-R0 cases were at significantly higher risk of DR, these patients should be followed up closely in standardized surveillance protocols.

Differential impacts of initial treatment status on long-term survival in patients with sarcomas treated in a referral center according to histologic type and anatomic site

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this work was to estimate the magnitude of the differential impacts of initial treatment status relative to the impact of classic clinicopathologic factors on the long-term overall survival (OS) of sarcoma patients in a referral cancer center.

METHODS

From the institutional database, we identified 2185 patients who presented to the institutional multidisciplinary team (MDT) prior to (N = 717, 32.8%) or after (N = 1468, 67.2%) initial treatment, with a first diagnosis of sarcoma from January 1999 to December 2018. Descriptive, univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to identify the factors related to OS. By performing propensity score matching of each completely MDT-treated patient to a referral patient with similar characteristics, the differential impacts of the identified risk and prognostic factors on OS in the 2 groups were estimated by the Kaplan‒Meier survival curves, log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard regression; the results were compared using calibrated nomograph models and forest plots.

RESULTS

Adjusted for the clinicopathologic factors of patient age, sex, primary site, tumor grade, tumor size, resection margin and histology, hazard ratio-based modeling analysis indicated that the initial treatment status was an independent but intermediate prognostic factor associated with long-term OS. The major impacts of the initial and comprehensive MDT-based management on significant improvement of the 20-year OS of sarcomas were reflected in the subgroup of patients with stromal, undifferentiated pleomorphic, fibromatous, fibroepithelial, or synovial neoplasms and tumors in the breast, gastrointestinal tract, or soft tissues of limb and trunk.

CONCLUSIONS

This retrospective study supports early referral of patients with soft tissue masses of unknown identity to a specialized MDT before biopsy and initial resection to reduce the risk of death but highlights an unmet need for a greater understanding of some of the most difficult sarcoma subtypes and subsites and their management.

Noninvasive detection of soft tissue sarcoma using volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath: a pilot study

Aim: The aim of this pilot study was to assess whether an electronic nose can detect patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS) based on volatile organic compound profiles in exhaled breath. Patients & methods: In this cross-sectional pilot study, patients with primary STS and healthy controls, matched on sex and age, were included for breath analysis. Machine learning techniques were used to develop the best-fitting model. Results: Fifty-nine breath samples were collected (29 STS and 30 control) from March 2018 to March 2022. The final model yielded a c-statistic of 0.85 with a sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 60%. Conclusion: This study suggests that exhaled volatile organic compound analysis could serve as a noninvasive diagnostic biomarker for the detection of STS with a good performance.

Unplanned Excision of Soft Tissue Sarcomas of the Extremities in a Low-to-Middle-Income Country

BACKGROUND

Outcomes of unplanned excisions of extremity soft tissue sarcomas (STSE) range from poor to even superior compared with planned excisions in developed countries. However, little is known regarding outcomes in low-to-middle-income countries. This study aimed to determine whether definitively treated STSE patients with a previous unplanned excision have poorer oncologic outcomes compared with those with planned excisions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using the database of a single sarcoma practice, we reviewed 148 patients with STSE managed with definitive surgery-78 with previous unplanned excisions (UE) and 70 with planned excisions (PE).

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 4.4 years. UE patients had more surgeries overall and plastic reconstructions (P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, overall survival (OS), local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were not worse among UE patients compared with PE patients. Negative predictors for LRFS were high tumor grade (P = 0.031) and an R1 surgical margin (P < 0.001). High grade (P <0.001), local recurrence (P = 0.001), and planned excisions (P = 0.009) predicted poorer DMFS, while age over 65 years (P = 0.011) and distant metastasis predicted poorer OS (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend systematic re-excision for patients with unplanned excisions. Our study shows that STSE patients with UE, when subjected to re-excision with appropriate surgical margins, can achieve oncologic results similar to those for PE patients. However, there is an associated increased number of surgeries and plastic reconstruction for UE patients. This underscores the need, especially in a resource-limited setting, for education and collaborative policies to raise awareness about STSE among patients and physicians.

Re-excision After Unplanned Excision of Soft Tissue Sarcoma is Associated with High Morbidity and Limited Pathologic Identification of Residual Disease

BACKGROUND

Patients with unplanned excision (UPE) of trunk and extremity soft tissue sarcoma (STS) present a significant management challenge for sarcoma specialists. Oncologic re-resection has been considered standard practice after UPE with positive or uncertain margins. A strategy of active surveillance or "watch and wait" has been suggested as a safe alternative to routine re-excision. In this context, the current study sought to evaluate short-term outcomes and morbidity after re-resection to better understand the risks and benefits of this treatment strategy.

METHODS

A retrospective, single-institution study reviewed patients undergoing oncologic re-resection after UPE of an STS during a 5-year period (2015-2020), excluding those with evidence of gross residual disease. Short-term clinical outcomes were evaluated together with final pathologic findings.

RESULTS

The review identified 67 patients undergoing re-resection after UPE of an STS. Of these 67 patients, 45 (67%) were treated with a combination of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and surgery. Plastic surgery was involved for reconstruction in 49 cases (73%). The rate of wound complications after re-resection was 45 % (n = 30), with 15 % (n = 10) of the patients experiencing a major wound complication. Radiation therapy and plastic surgery involvement were independently associated with wound complications. Notably, 45 patients (67%) had no evidence of residual disease in the re-resection specimen, whereas 13 patients (19 %) had microscopic disease, and 9 patients (13%) had indeterminate pathology.

CONCLUSION

Given the morbidity of re-resection and limited identification of residual disease, treatment plans and discussions with patients should outline the expected pathologic findings and morbidity of surgery.

Perioperative outcomes in minimally-invasive versus open surgery in infants undergoing repair of congenital anomalies

BACKGROUND

This study compared perioperative outcomes among infants undergoing repair of congenital anomalies using minimally invasive (MIS) versus open surgical approaches.

METHODS

The ACS NSQIP Pediatric (2013-2018) was queried for patients undergoing repair of any of the following 9 congenital anomalies: congenital lung lesion (LL), mediastinal mass (MM), congenital malrotation (CM), anorectal malformation (ARM), Hirschsprung disease (HD), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), hepatobiliary anomalies (HB), and intestinal atresia (IA). Inverse probability of treatment weights (IPTW) derived from propensity scores were utilized to estimate risk-adjusted association between surgical approach and 30-day outcomes.

RESULTS

12,871 patients undergoing congenital anomaly repair were included (10,343 open; 2528 MIS). After IPTW, MIS was associated with longer operative time (difference; 95% CI) (16 min; 9-23) and anesthesia time (13 min; 6-21), but less postoperative ventilation days (-1.0 days; -1.4- -0.6) and shorter postoperative length of stay (-1.4 days; -2.4- -0.3). MIS repairs had decreased risk of any surgical complication (risk difference: -6.6%; -9.2- -4.0), including hematologic complications (-7.3%; -8.9- -5.8). There was no significant difference in risk of complication when hematologic complications were excluded (RD -2.3% [-4.7%, 0.1%]). There were no significant differences in the risk of unplanned reoperation (0.4%; -1.5-2.2) or unplanned readmission (0.2%; -1.2-1.5).

CONCLUSIONS

MIS repair of congenital anomalies is associated with improved perioperative outcomes when compared to open. Additional studies are needed to compare long-term functional and disease-specific outcomes.

MINI-ABSTRACT

In this propensity-weighted multi-institutional analysis of nine congenital anomalies, minimally invasive surgical repair was associated with improved 30-day outcomes when compared to open surgical repair.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Issues of diagnostic search of soft tissue sarcoma

Relevance. Soft tissue sarcoma is a heterogeneous group of relatively rare types of tumors, which demonstrates a huge variety of anatomical localization and histopathological characteristics. The rarity of soft tissue sarcomas combined with a variety of subtypes, forms of growth, progression and frequency of relapses makes it difficult to study them, make a correct diagnosis and early referral of patients for specialized care.

The purpose of study. To analyze the problem of differential diagnosis of malignant and benign soft tissue neoplasms.

Materials and methods. In the course of the work, current literary sources of domestic and foreign authors on a given topic were analyzed.

Results. Since it is absolutely impossible to determine the clinical features of the presented sarcoma, soft tissue tumors showing any of the following signs are considered malignant until the opposite is proven: increasing in size, >5 cm, deeply located and/or painful. The greater the number of these clinical signs present, the higher the risk that the soft tissue tumor will turn out to be malignant; at the same time, an increase in size is the best individual indicator. It is worth noting that the absence of concomitant constitutional symptoms, such as fever, chills, night sweats or unintentional weight loss, should not reduce the doctor's suspicion of malignancy.

Conclusion. In order to avoid erroneous diagnoses, a standardized diagnostic approach should be followed, starting from the moment of collecting the patient's medical history, clinical examination and ending with the use of appropriate imaging methods and biopsy.

Issues of diagnostic search of soft tissue sarcoma

Relevance. Soft tissue sarcoma is a heterogeneous group of relatively rare types of tumors, which demonstrates a huge variety of anatomical localization and histopathological characteristics. The rarity of soft tissue sarcomas combined with a variety of subtypes, forms of growth, progression and frequency of relapses makes it difficult to study them, make a correct diagnosis and early referral of patients for specialized care.

The purpose of study. To analyze the problem of differential diagnosis of malignant and benign soft tissue neoplasms.

Materials and methods. In the course of the work, current literary sources of domestic and foreign authors on a given topic were analyzed.

Results. Since it is absolutely impossible to determine the clinical features of the presented sarcoma, soft tissue tumors showing any of the following signs are considered malignant until the opposite is proven: increasing in size, >5 cm, deeply located and/or painful. The greater the number of these clinical signs present, the higher the risk that the soft tissue tumor will turn out to be malignant; at the same time, an increase in size is the best individual indicator. It is worth noting that the absence of concomitant constitutional symptoms, such as fever, chills, night sweats or unintentional weight loss, should not reduce the doctor's suspicion of malignancy.

Conclusion. In order to avoid erroneous diagnoses, a standardized diagnostic approach should be followed, starting from the moment of collecting the patient's medical history, clinical examination and ending with the use of appropriate imaging methods and biopsy.

The Therapeutic Role of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in the Interdisciplinary Treatment of Soft-Tissue Sarcomas in Germany-Cross-Sectional Results of a Prospective Nationwide Observational Study (PROSa)

Simple Summary

The mainstay of soft-tissue-sarcoma treatment remains ablative surgery with complete tumor resection. In this context, reconstructive plastic surgery has become an important aspect of multidisciplinary sarcoma therapy aiming at limb preservation as an alternative to amputations. In this present study, cross-sectional data collected prospectively at 39 study centers across Germany were analyzed, focusing on both the inhouse availability of plastic surgery and external accessibility to plastic surgery in 621 cases. In summary, unplanned and incomplete primary tumor resections carried out at centers with lower degrees of specialization were associated with a significantly increased need for subsequent flap-based defect coverage. In line with this, a readily available team of plastic surgeons was independently associated with successful defect reconstruction, which in turn was associated with significantly higher chances of limb preservation. We conclude that easily accessible plastic surgery and a high degree of expertise in the field of sarcoma treatment are indispensable for limb preservation following sarcoma resection. Plastic and reconstructive surgery therefore plays a vital role in achieving the best possible outcomes in the interdisciplinary treatment of soft-tissue sarcomas.

Abstract

Although the involvement of plastic surgery has been deemed important in the treatment of sarcoma patients to avoid oncological compromises and ameliorate patient outcomes, it is not ubiquitously available. The accessibility of defect reconstruction and its therapeutic impact on sarcoma care is the subject of this analysis. Cross-sectional data from 1309 sarcoma patients were collected electronically at 39 German study centers from 2017 to 2019. A total of 621 patients with surgical treatment for non-visceral soft-tissue sarcomas were included. The associated factors were analyzed exploratively using multifactorial logistic regression to identify independent predictors of successful defect reconstruction, as well Chi-squared and Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel tests to evaluate subgroups, including limb-salvage rates in extremity cases. A total of 76 patients received reconstructive surgery, including 52 local/pedicled versus 24 free flaps. Sarcomas with positive margins upon first resection (OR = 2.3, 95%CI = 1.2–4.4) that were excised at centers with lower degrees of specialization (OR = 2.2, 95%CI = 1.2–4.2) were independently associated with the need for post-oncological defect coverage. In this context, the inhouse availability of plastic surgery (OR = 3.0, 95%CI = 1.6–5.5) was the strongest independent predictor for successful flap-based reconstruction, which in turn was associated with significantly higher limb-salvage rates (OR = 1.4, 95%CI = 1.0–2.1) in cases of extremity sarcomas (n = 366, 59%). In conclusion, consistent referral to specialized interdisciplinary sarcoma centers significantly ameliorates patient outcomes by achieving higher rates of complete resections and offering unrestricted access to plastic surgery. The latter in particular proved indispensable for limb salvage through flap-based defect reconstruction after sarcoma resection. In fact, although there remains a scarcity of readily available reconstructive surgery services within the current sarcoma treatment system in Germany, plastic and reconstructive flap transfer was associated with significantly increased limb-salvage rates in our cohort.

Clinical Outcomes and Prognostic Factors in Soft Tissue Sarcoma Patients After Unplanned Excision

Purpose

Soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) constitute a group of rare, heterogeneous tumors representing approximately 1% of all cancers. Owing to the rarity and pathological diversity of the disease, unplanned excision (UE) has often been performed for STS, resulting in an unfavorable prognosis. This study aimed to clarify clinical outcomes and prognostic factors in STS patients who underwent UE.

Patients and Methods

In a retrospective review of the medical records of patients with STS who underwent surgery at our institution between 1999 and 2015, patients were enrolled to either a UE group or a planned excision (PE) group. An analysis was then conducted to identify factors associated with prognosis after UE.

Results

Of 134 patients undergoing surgery for STS, 110 were enrolled to the PE group and 24 to the UE group. The median size of the primary tumor was significantly smaller, and more lesions were located in the superficial layer in the UE group than in the PE group. In addition, plastic reconstruction after additional radical resection was required significantly more often in the UE group than in the PE group. No significant difference in overall survival, local recurrence-free survival, or disease-free survival (DFS) between the UE and PE groups was observed; however, metastasis-free survival was significantly better in the UE group. In the UE group, poorer DFS was associated with older age (≥61 years) and a larger primary tumor (≥2.9 cm).

Conclusion

A prognosis similar to that in patients undergoing PE could be achieved by appropriate additional surgeries in patients initially undergoing UE. However, UE for STS should be avoided, especially in older patients and those with a larger primary tumor.

The incidence of unplanned excision in patients with soft tissue sarcoma: Reports from the Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor registry in Japan

BACKGROUND

Due to their rarity, soft tissue sarcomas (STS)s are often treated surgically as unplanned excisions (UE)s before referral to specialists. The Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor (BSTT) registry is a nationwide, organ-specific cancer registry for bone and soft-tissue tumors in Japan. The aim of this study was to elucidate the incidence and risk factors for UEs using data from the BSTT registry.

METHODS

Our study comprised 8761 patients with STS including 4826 males and 3935 females, with a mean age of 59 years (range, 0-105 years). Patients were classified into primary STS and UE groups.

RESULTS

Superficial and deep tumors were found in 2533 and 6120 patients, respectively. The mean STS size was 8.6 cm (range, 0.2-49 cm). We identified 6610 patients with high-grade, and 1758 patients with low-grade STS. Of the total 8761 patients, 7770 patients had primary STSs, whereas 991 patients were referred after undergoing UE. The UE mean incidence rate over 11 years was 11.3%. The UE incidence rates for leiomyosarcoma (LMS) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.75, p < 0.0001), fibrosarcoma (FS) (OR = 2.28, p < 0.0001), and epithelioid sarcoma (OR = 1.82, p = 0.01) were higher than the mean UE incidence rate (11.3%). Of 757 patients who underwent UE, 354 (47%) patients had superficial (≤5 cm) STSs, whereas 156 (20.6%) of patients had deep STSs (>5 cm) (p < 0.0001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that UE was frequently associated with males and small, superficial, and trunk STSs.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, the mean UE incidence rate (11.3%) was significantly different from the individual UE incidence rates of histological diagnoses suggesting that surgeons should consider STS, even with small tumors. Continuous education during training for medical students and surgeons is essential to ensure awareness and correct diagnostic procedures for STS.

Risk factors for the development of local recurrence in extremity soft-tissue sarcoma

INTRODUCTION

Local recurrence (LR) is one of the main pitfalls in surgery for extremities soft tissue sarcoma (eSTS). Achieving clear histopathological margins is the most important factor to reduce the risk of LR, but the ability to do so depends on not only surgical technique but also the interplay between tumor biology, anatomical location and surgical approach. The balance between postoperative morbidity and oncological benefits in reducing the risk of LR needs to be considered.

AREAS COVERED

This review will cover which etiological factors for the development of eSTS lead to an increased risk of LR and discuss histological subtypes that have a high risk of LR and which surgical and neoadjuvant therapeutic strategies can minimize the risk of LR.

EXPERT OPINION

The traditional view that surgical radicality always results in low rates of LR, while marginality alone always leads to high rates of relapse, is outdated. In the modern era of surgical oncology, limb salvage and high-level function after resectional surgery are the key surgical goals. The best results are achieved by combining effective neoadjuvant treatments with planned bespoke oncological operations that consider the biological and anatomical factors of each individual sarcoma.

A comparison of clinical outcomes between additional excision after unplanned and planned excisions in patients with soft-tissue sarcoma of the limb : a propensity matching cohort study

AIMS

Patients with soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) who undergo unplanned excision (UE) are reported to have worse outcomes than those who undergo planned excision (PE). However, others have reported that patients who undergo UE may have similar or improved outcomes. These discrepancies are likely to be due to differences in characteristics between the two groups of patients. The aim of the study is to compare patients who underwent UE and PE using propensity score matching, by analyzing data from the Japanese Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor (BSTT) registry.

METHODS

Data from 2006 to 2016 was obtained from the BSTT registry. Only patients with STS of the limb were included in the study. Patients with distant metastasis at the initial presentation and patients with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and well-differentiated liposarcoma were excluded from the study.

RESULTS

A total of 4,483 patients with STS of the limb were identified before propensity score matching. There were 355 patients who underwent UE and 4,128 patients who underwent PE. The five-year disease-specific survival (DSS) rate was significantly better in the patients who received additional excision after UE than in those who underwent PE. There was no significant difference in local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) between the two groups. After propensity score matching, a new cohort of 355 patients was created for both PE and UE groups, in which baseline covariates were appropriately balanced. Reconstruction after tumour excision was frequently performed in patients who underwent additional excision after UE. There were no significant differences in DSS and LRFS between the patients who underwent PE and those who had an additional excision after UE.

CONCLUSION

Using propensity score matching, patients with STS of the limb who underwent additional excision after UE did not experience higher mortality and local failure than those who underwent PE. Reconstruction may be necessary when additional excision is performed. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(12):1809-1814.

Incidence of unplanned excisions of soft tissue sarcomas in the Netherlands: A population-based study

INTRODUCTION

Timely recognition of soft tissue sarcomas (STS) remains challenging, potentially leading to unplanned excisions (also known as 'whoops procedures'). This population-based study charted the occurrence of unplanned excisions and identified associated patient, tumour, and treatment-related characteristics. Furthermore, it presents an overview of the outcomes and clinical management following an unplanned excision.

METHODS

From the Netherlands Cancer Registry (NCR) database, information was obtained on 2187 adult patients diagnosed with STS in 2016-2019 who underwent surgery. Tumours located in the mediastinum, heart or retroperitoneum were excluded, as well as incidental findings. Differences between patients with planned and unplanned excisions were assessed with chi-square tests and a multivariable logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Overall, unplanned excisions comprise 18.2% of all first operations for STS, with a quarter of them occurring outside a hospital. Within hospitals, the unplanned excision rate was 14.4%. Unplanned excisions were more often performed on younger patients, and tumours unsuspected of being STS prior to surgery were generally smaller (≤5 cm) and superficially located. Preoperative imaging was omitted more frequently in these cases. An unplanned excision more often resulted in positive margins, requiring re-excision. Patients who had an unplanned excision outside of a sarcoma centre were more often discussed at or referred to a sarcoma centre, particularly in case of residual tumour.

DISCUSSION

Potential improvement in preventing unplanned excisions may be achieved by better compliance to preoperative imaging and referral guidelines, and stimulating continuous awareness of STS among general surgeons, general practitioners and private practices.

Impact of the national sarcoma guidelines on the prevalence and outcome of inadvertent excisions of soft tissue sarcomas: An observational study from a UK tertiary referral centre

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to investigate the impact of the national guideline on the prevalence and outcome in patients with soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) who had undergone inadvertent excisions.

METHODS

A total of 2336 patients were referred to a tertiary sarcoma centre from six regions (North East, North West, East Midlands, West Midlands, Wales, and South West) in the United Kingdom with a diagnosis of STS between 1996 and 2016, of whom 561 patients (24.0%) had undergone inadvertent excisions. Patients were categorised into two groups of 10-year periods pre and post the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guideline implementation in 2006.

RESULTS

The proportion of inadvertent excisions decreased after the NICE guideline implementation: 27.2% (pre-NICE) versus 19.8% (post-NICE) (p = 0.001). A substantial regional variation (17.4%-34.5%) in the proportion of inadvertent excisions in the pre-NICE era was reduced in the post-NICE era (14.3%-22.4%). The 5-year disease-specific survival was 77.7% (pre-NICE) versus 75.6% (post-NICE) (p = 0.961) and there was a trend toward lower incidence of local recurrence in the post-NICE era; 13.5% (pre-NICE) versus 10.5% (post-NICE) (p = 0.522). Multivariate analyses revealed that residual tumours in re-resection specimens were independently associated with an increased risk of disease-specific mortality (HR, 3.35; p < 0.001) and local recurrence (HR, 1.99; p = 0.017), which was significantly reduced after the NICE guideline implementation (53.2% versus 42.0%; p = 0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

The NICE guideline implementation reduced the proportion of patients with STS who had undergone inadvertent excisions and residual tumour in re-resection specimens, indicating an improved pre-referral management of STSs.

Benefit of second-line therapy for advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a tri-center propensity score analysis

Background

The level of evidence for palliative second-line therapy in advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (aESCC) is limited. This is the first study that reports efficacy data comparing second-line therapy + active symptom control (ASC) versus ASC alone in aESCC.

Methods

We conducted a tri-center retrospective cohort study (n = 166) including patients with aESCC who had experienced disease progression on palliative first-line therapy. A propensity score model using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was implemented for comparative efficacy analysis of overall survival (OS) in patients with second-line + ASC (n = 92, 55%) versus ASC alone (n = 74, 45%).

Results

The most frequent second-line regimens used were docetaxel (36%) and paclitaxel (18%). In unadjusted primary endpoint analysis, second-line + ASC was associated with significantly longer OS compared with ASC alone [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.49, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.35-0.69, p < 0.0001]. However, patients in the second-line + ASC group were characterized by more favorable baseline features including a better Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, a longer first-line treatment duration and lower C-reactive protein levels. After rigorous adjusting for baseline confounders by re-weighting the data with the IPTW the favorable association between second-line and longer OS weakened but prevailed. The median OS was 6.1 months in the second-line + ASC group and 3.2 months in the ASC group, respectively (IPTW-adjusted HR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.24-0.69, p = 0.001). Importantly, the benefit of second-line was consistent across several clinical subgroups, including patients with ECOG performance status ⩾1 and age ⩾65 years. The most common grade 3 or 4 adverse events associated with palliative second-line therapy were hematological toxicities.

Conclusion

This real-world study supports the concept that systemic second-line therapy prolongs survival in patients with aESCC.

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

PURPOSE

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Re-excision after unplanned excision of soft tissue sarcoma: A systematic review and metanalysis. The rationale of systematic re-excision

In Soft Tissue Sarcomas (STS) referral centre many patients have already had an incomplete tumour resection. In the majority of specimen, tumoral residual is detected and linked to a worsen prognosis. Systematic surgical re-resection of the scar tissue area is often performed. Some authors suggested to postpone re-resections until a clinically evident local recurrence is detected. A searching strategy was applied to Pubmed-Central and Ovid Medline. Odds ratio (OR) for local recurrence (LR), distant metastasis (MTS) or overall survival (OS) were calculated comparing patients who had tumour residual to people who hadn't. OR of local recurrences, distant metastasis and OS were calculated in planned vs unplanned-excisions groups. OR to develop a metastasis and OS after a local recurrences were calculated. Residual tumour led to an OR for LR of 3,56, OR of MTS was 3,42; OR of decreased OS was 3,42. Having a LR lead to a OR of 1,55 for MTS and to a OR of decreased OS of 2,32. Patients who underwent a re-excision compared to planned surgery did not have an increased OR of LR and had an OR to develop a MTS of 0,56. Our data confirm that there is a strong correlation between local recurrences, distant relapses and overall survival. Although there is a selection bias; this analysis highlights the optimal oncological outcome in patients who underwent re-resection. The rationale for systematic re-resection after unplanned excision of soft tissue sarcomas is very strong and this treatment remains the gold standard of care in these patients.

Soft-tissue Sarcoma of the Hand: Patient Characteristics, Treatment, and Oncologic Outcomes

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to describe patient characteristics, treatment, and oncologic outcomes of soft-tissue sarcomas (STSs) of the hand.

METHODS

Sixty-nine STSs of the hand in adult patients treated at a tertiary referral center were retrospectively included. We describe patient and tumor characteristics along with oncologic outcomes.

RESULTS

Epithelioid sarcoma (23%) was the most common histologic subtype, followed by synovial sarcoma (15%). Of all tumors, 17 (25%) were grade I, 22 (32%) were grade II, and 30 (44%) were grade III. The 5-year disease-free survival for epithelioid sarcomas was 75% with a disease survival of 100%, along with a metastatic rate of 15%. Of the patients with a synovial sarcoma, 40% developed metastases, and the 5-year disease-free survival was 68% and the 5-year disease survival was 73%.

CONCLUSION

Hand STSs are aggressive tumors with a high metastatic potential. Even with adequate oncologic treatment, long-term clinical follow-up (10 years) in these tumors is advised. The treating surgical oncologist should not be deceived by their smaller size.

Unplanned Excision of Extremity and Trunk Wall Soft Tissue Sarcoma: To Re-resect or Not to Re-resect?

PURPOSE

The need for systematic reexcision in patients who underwent unplanned excision (UE) for extremity and superficial trunk soft tissue sarcoma (ESTSTS) has been questioned. We investigated the outcome of patients who underwent reexcision for ESTSTS compared with primarily resected at our institution and the prognostic impact of microscopic residual disease (MR) in the reexcision specimen.

METHODS

Primary ESTSTS patients surgically treated at our institution between 1997 and 2017 were divided in three groups: primarily resected (A), reexcised after macroscopically complete UE (B), and incomplete UE (C). Weighted overall survival (OS), crude cumulative incidence of local relapse (CCI-LR), and distant metastasis (CCI-DM) were calculated and compared. In group B, multivariable models were performed to assess factors associated with the outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 1962 patients were identified: 1076, 697 and 189 in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Overall median follow-up was 85 months. Seven-year weighted-OS was 73.8%, 84.1%, and 80.7% (p < 0.001) for groups A, B, and C respectively. Seven-year CCI-LR and DM were 5.0% and 25.3%, 12.1% and 15.8%, and 13.6% and 29.4% (both p < 0.001) for groups A, B, and C, respectively. At multivariable analysis, the presence MR was associated with LR (p < 0.001) but not with OS nor CCI-DM.

CONCLUSIONS

UE and the presence of MR at pathology in reexcision specimen are associated to a higher risk of LR but not to a higher risk of DM or lower OS. After macroscopic complete UE, postponing reexcision until a LR occurs may be considered on an individualized basis.

The Impact of Unplanned Excision on the Outcomes of Patients With Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Trunk and Extremity: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis

Background

Unplanned excision (UPE) of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is often chosen in the early phase by general physicians without any radiological evaluation.

Purpose

The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of UPE on the clinical outcomes of patients with STS of the trunk and extremity.

Materials and Methods

Patients with STS of the trunk and extremity who underwent R0 resection between 1998 and 2016 were included and divided into the UPE and planned excision (PE) groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to control the selection bias. The endpoints were disease-specific survival (DSS), local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), and metastasis-free survival (MFS).

Results

In total, 458 patients (277 males, 181 females; median age: 43 years) were included: 329 (71.8%) in the PE group and 129 (28.2%) in the UPE group. The follow-up time ranged from 7.1 to 313.78 months, with a median of 112.18 months. UPE patients were more likely to have a smaller or superficial lesion and were more frequently administered adjuvant therapy. After PSM, compared with the PE group, the UPE group had a longer LRFS (P=0.015), but there was no difference between the two groups regarding DSS and MFS. Residual disease was observed in 77.5% of the re-resected specimens in the UPE group and was a risk factor for DSS (P = 0.046) and MFS (P = 0.029) but was not associated with local recurrence (LR) (P=0.475) or LRFS (P=0.334). Moreover, we found no difference in DSS, LRFS or MFS according to the interval from UPE to definitive resection.

Conclusion

STS treated with UPE had distinct characteristics. Patients who undergo UPE followed by an additional wide R0 resection have similar oncological survival compared to patients who undergo an initial PE, although the high incidence of residual tumor in the UPE group leads to an unfavorable clinical course.

The safety of primary surgical excision of small deep indeterminate musculoskeletal soft tissue masses

OBJECTIVE

To determine the suitability of primary excision of small indeterminate deep soft tissue masses presenting to a tertiary musculoskeletal oncology service.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Review of all patients referred to a specialist musculoskeletal oncology service over a 20-month period with a deep indeterminate soft tissue mass by non-contrast MRI criteria that was recommended for primary surgical excision due to relatively small size (<30 mm). Data collected included age, gender, site and maximal size of the lesion, and final histological diagnosis for excised lesions.

RESULTS

85 patients were included, mean lesion size being 12 mm (range 5-29 mm). Primary surgical resection had been undertaken in 69 cases (81.2%) by the conclusion of data collection, 36 males and 33 females with mean age of 45.6 years (range 11-80 years). Of these, 11 cases (15.9%) were non-neoplastic, 53 (76.8%) were benign, 1 (1.4%) was intermediate grade, while 4 (5.8%) were malignant including 3 synovial sarcomas. Two of these were treated with re-excision of the tumour bed showing no residual disease, with no evidence of local recurrence at a mean of 10.7 months post-excision.

CONCLUSION

Primary surgical excision of small deep soft tissue masses that are indeterminate by non-contrast MRI criteria is considered a safe procedure when undertaken in a specialist musculoskeletal oncology service, with only 4 of 69 cases (5.8%) being malignant.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

Small indeterminate deep soft tissue masses can safely be treated with primary excision in the setting of a specialist musculoskeletal oncology service.

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.

Locally recurrent extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma of the shoulder: a case of complete neoadjuvant radiotherapy response

BACKGROUND

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a rare soft tissue tumor that typically affects the lower limbs of men between the ages of 50 and 60. EMC of the shoulder is rare with a high risk of local recurrence and distant metastasis. A planned surgical excision in sarcoma referral centers (SRCs) is mandatory to obtain the best outcome. The role of chemotherapy (CHT) and Radiotherapy (RT) on soft tissue chondrosarcoma is still controversial.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 47-year-old man presented to our referral center with a history of EMC in the right shoulder excised with microscopic positive surgical margins in a non-referral center. Staging imaging exams did not reveal distant metastasis or residual disease, but during follow-up a local recurrence was detected. After a multidisciplinary discussion, preoperative radiotherapy was administered with a total dose of 50 Gy, and then the patient underwent wide surgical excision. Histological examination was negative for viable tumor cells. No relapse occurred in a 24-months post-operative follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

The case here described suggests the importance of patient's management in SRCs. A planned combined treatments with both surgery and RT seems to be the best choice to improve local control. RT seems to be promising within this specific histotype. Further studies are needed to confirm if the observed efficacy of combined treatments reflects in a consistent survival benefit for EMC patients.

Strategies for care of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor or soft tissue sarcoma during COVID-19 pandemic: A guide for surgical oncologists

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is deeply impacting the accessibility of cancer patients to surgery. In resource-limited conditions, the standard of care might not be deliverable, but evidence to support alternative management strategies often exists. By revisiting available treatment options, this review provides surgical oncologists with an evidence-based framework for treating patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor, extremity/truncal soft tissue sarcoma, and retroperitoneal sarcoma to rapidly adapt their decision-making to the constant evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tumor-associated mortality and prognostic factors in myxofibrosarcoma - A retrospective review of 109 patients

BACKGROUND

Myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) is one of the most common sarcoma subtype in elderly patients. They are reported to recur locally independently of the tumour grade in 30-40% of cases and metastases are reported to develop in high-grade tumours in 20-35% cases. As MFS is a rare diagnosis, data investigating specific survival and independent risk factors are lacking and have mostly been limited to single orthopaedic oncology centre studies so far. Thus we set up a pathology-based retrospective study and analyzed all MFS diagnosed in our institution with the following aims: (1) analysis of independent risk factors for overall survival, disease specific survival, local recurrence-free survival and distant metastasis free survival following resection of MFS; (2) analysis of resection margin status.

HYPOTHESIS

High-grade MFS have a low survival distant metastasis free survival and local recurrence free survival is dependent on surgical margin status.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analysed 109 patients (median 66 years [range, 21-96]) diagnosed with MFS and a median follow-up of 42 months at one centre between 1990 and 2014. Tumor-associated survival, including competing risk analysis, and prognostic factors for local recurrence, metastatic disease and death from disease were investigated and included in a multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Overall survival was 79% [95%CI: 71.9-87.5] at 3 years and 76% [95%CI: 67.4-84.6] at 5 years. Disease specific survival was 85% [95%CI: 78.4-92.2] at 3 years and 80% [95%CI: 72.2-88.2] at 5 years. There were local recurrences in 11/109 patients (10%). Local recurrence free survival (LRFS) was 95% [95%CI: 92.0-99.8] at 3 and 88% [95%CI: 84.3-96.4] at 5 years. Metastatic disease (n=25; 23%) occurred after a median follow-up of 10 months. Distant metastasis free survival was 78% [95%CI: 69.9-85.9] at 3 and 77% [95%CI: 68.4-84.8] at 5 years. R1 status at primary resection was an independent risk factor for decreased Local Recurrence-free survival (OR: 8.5, 95%CI: 1.59-49.79 [p=0.01]). Grading was an independent risk factor for decreased Disease specific survival (OR 13.4, 95%CI: 1.65-1734.84 [p=0.01]) and Distant metastasis free survival (OR 16.2, 95%CI: 2.0-2110.5 [p=0.004]). Primary resection achieved R0 margins in 63 (58%) of 109 patients. Margins were adequate significantly more often (p<0.001) in patients treated primarily at a sarcoma centre (R0=58/68, 85%) than in those treated primarily at non-sarcoma centres (R0= 5/41, 12%), whereby the latter significantly more often treated superficial tumours (p=0.001) with a size of less than 5cm (p<0.001).

DISCUSSION

Patients with high-grade MFS had a poorer prognosis with respect to Disease specific survival/Distant metastasis free survival than low-grade MFS. Local recurrence did not significantly affect disease specific survival.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Does Unplanned Soft Tissue Sarcoma Surgery Have a Negative Effect on Prognosis?

BACKGROUND

We aimed to compare the oncological outcomes of patients who underwent re-excision following unplanned surgery and those who underwent planned surgery.

METHODS

Patients who were referred to our hospital after a mass was inappropriately resected and reported to have a malignant pathology with a positive surgical margin, as well as patients diagnosed with malignant soft tissue tumors, and operated on following a multidisciplinary assessment and staging between 2012 and 2018. All patients were followed up at least 6 months.

RESULTS

Our study included a total of 125 patients. Forty percent (n = 50) underwent unplanned excision and sixty percent (n = 75) underwent planned excision.There was no statistically significant difference in the survival curves between the two groups (p = 0.248). Tumor size was larger, and the rate of deep-localized tumors was higher in patients undergoing planned surgery than in the unplanned surgery group (p = 0.001). The rate of tumors localized in the upper extremities was significantly higher in the unplanned surgery group than in the planned surgery (p = 0.033). MRI examinations could detect residual tumors with an accuracy of 80%. Age (>48 years), tumor size (>8 cm), tumor grade (grade 3), and distant organ metastasis at follow-up, which were among risk factors found to have a significant effect on mortality.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing re-excision after an inappropriate resection and undergoing planned resection had a similar prognosis. Superficial, upper extremity-localized, and relatively small-size tumors are more prone to inadequate surgical resection. MRI can be used to detect residual tumors at a high rate in patients who have undergone unplanned surgery. Distant organ metastasis is the most important factor affecting survival.

Estimation versus measurement of the glomerular filtration rate for kidney function assessment in patients with cancer undergoing cisplatin-based chemotherapy

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) assessment is indicated before every administration of cisplatin. The optimal modality for this purpose [GFR measurement by urinary Creatinine Clearance (uCrCl) versus GFR estimation (eGFR) by the CKD-EPI formula versus both] is unclear. We investigated whether eGFR only is safe in this setting. Paired uCrCl and eGFR determinations from 470 cisplatin cycles from 121 patients were analyzed [median age: 55 years; most frequent tumor site: genitourinary (45%); palliative treatment: n = 41 (34%)]. Primary endpoint was the proportion of cycles with uCrCl < 50 ml/min/1.73m² and eGFR ≥ 50 ml/min/1.73m² (i.e. a "false negative" result when only determining eGFR). The primary endpoint occurred in 8 of 470 cisplatin cycles (1.7%, 95%CI 0.5-2.9). In all 8 events, uCrCl was lower than eGFR (mean uCrCl vs. eGFR: 43 versus 112 ml/min/1.73m²). The uCrCl was re-measured in all patients, and showed normal results in all but 1 patient. None of these events precluded the administration of cisplatin at the planned date, and no subsequent cases of acute nephrotoxicity occurred. Overall agreement between uCrCl and eGFR was low, with qualitative analysis suggesting frequent incompliance with 24-h urine collection. We conclude that an eGFR is sufficient for assessing kidney function in patients with cancer undergoing cisplatin therapy.

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

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

Incidence, treatment and outcome of abdominal metastases in extremity soft tissue sarcoma: Results from a multi-centre study

Background and Objectives

Abdominal metastases (AM) from soft tissue sarcoma (STS) are rare and prognosis is poor. The aims of the study were to (a) identify risk factors for the development of AM and to (b) investigate the outcome of AM‐patients.

Methods

Seven‐hundred‐sixty‐nine STS‐patients with localised disease at diagnosis treated at three tumour centres (2000‐2016) were retrospectively included (409 males; mean age, 55.6 years [range, 8‐96 years]; median follow‐up, 4.1 years [interquartile‐range, 2.5‐6.6 years]).

Results

Two‐hundred‐two patients (26.3%) developed secondary metastases, and 24 of them AM (3.1%). Ten patients developed first AM (FAM) after a mean of 2.4 years and 14 patients late AM (LAM, after being diagnosed with metastases to other sites) after a mean of 2.0 years. Patients with liposarcoma had a significantly higher risk of developing AM (P = .007), irrespective of grading. There was no difference in post‐metastasis‐survival (PMS) between patients with AM at any time point and those with metastases to other sites (P = .585). Patients with LAM or FAM showed no difference in post‐abdominal‐metastasis‐survival (P = .884).

Conclusions

Survival in patients with AM is poor, irrespective of whether they develop secondarily to other metastases or not. Patients at high‐risk of AM (ie, liposarcoma) may be followed‐up regularly by abdominal‐ultrasound/CT.

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

BACKGROUND

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

AIM

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

METHOD

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Soft tissue sarcoma in children, adolescents and young adults: Outcomes according to compliance with international initial care guidelines

BACKGROUND

Outcomes for adults with soft tissue sarcoma are better when managed at referral centers. Care guidelines advise for 5 main criteria: 1-Imaging before biopsy; 2-Tumor biopsy before surgery; 3-Multidiscipinary team discussion (MTD) before biopsy; 4-Biopsy in "expert centers"; 5-Somatic molecular biology feasible. The aim is to describe and assess the prognostic impact of initial management of STS according to the type of referring centers and the number of optimal criteria.

METHODS

Monocentric retrospective analysis of the management of 127 youths (0-25 years) with localized STS treated from 2006 to 2015.

RESULTS

Median age at diagnosis was 9.6 years (range: 025). Overall, only 41% patients had 5/5, 28% 3-4, 31% ≤2. No adequate imaging was performed before surgery/biopsy for 18% patients, no biopsy before treatment for 29%. Patients referred by "expert centers" had higher compliance to guidelines (P = 0.025). Upfront surgery was performed in 59/127 patients. Immediate re-operation was inversely related to the number of criteria (0% when 5 criteria vs. 14% for 3-4, 46% if ≤ 2; P < 0.001). For malignant tumors, outcome was better when 5 criteria were reached: 5 year EFS 90.8% (81.4-100.0%) vs. 71.6 for (60.4-84.9%; ≤4 criteria; p = 0.033), OS 93.6% (85.5-100%) vs. 79.5% (68.9-91.8%; p = 0.11), and LRFFS 90.6% (81.0-100.0) vs. 73.1% (62.0-86.3%; p = 0.047).

CONCLUSION

Less than half of the youths with STS are initially managed according to international guidelines, highlighting the need for better information about optimal management. These results plead for immediate management in reference centers to reduce initial burden of therapy.

[Resection margins in soft tissue sarcomas]

BACKGROUND

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a rare and heterogeneous group of malignant tumors that arise from the mesenchymal tissue. STS can form anywhere in the human body, with the extremities being preferred sites of predilection.

TREATMENT

A fundamental pillar of treatment is the surgical resection of soft tissue sarcomas. The goal is always an R0 resection with a safety margin. There is no consensus in the literature about the desired tumor-free resection margin. The decisive factors for these resection margins are histopathology, presence of anatomical barriers (capsule, tendon, fascia, cartilage, periosteum) and possibilities of (neo-) adjuvant therapy.

DISCUSSION

References in the literature support the role of resection margins as a predictor of local recurrence. Regarding the role of resection margins in overall survival, available data is divergent. There are known prognostic factors that influence overall survival, such as histological subtype, tumor size, tumor grading, and presence of metastases. So far, several studies have attempted to quantify the margins of resection, but no consensus has been reached, and debates are ongoing. When analyzing all the results of the data in the literature, it seems appropriate to aim for a negative resection margin >1 mm including an anatomical border structure, if possible.

Inadvertent excision of malignant soft tissue tumours

Inadvertent excision of lumps which turn out to be sarcomas is not uncommon.Imaging has a limited role in detecting microscopic residual disease but can show the extent of the previous surgical field.Standard treatment is wide re-excision, usually combined with radiotherapy.Residual tumour is found in an average of 50% of reported cases.The presence of residual disease is an adverse prognostic factor.All lumps bigger than a golf ball should have a diagnosis prior to excision. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2019;4 DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.4.180060.

miR-197-5p inhibits sarcomagenesis and induces cellular senescence via repression of KIAA0101

The abnormal expressions of microRNAs (miRNAs) are known to be associated with various pathophysiological processes that lead to the development of a plethora of diseases including cancer. Among several miRNAs studied so far, miR-197 has been reported to play a vital role either as an oncogene or tumor suppressor in different cancers. However, its role in carcinogenesis of fibrosarcoma has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, the current study investigated the role of miR-197-5p, which is significantly downregulated in HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells compared to IMR90-tert fibroblast cells. The transient overexpression of miR-197-5p causes a significant decrease in viability and proliferation of fibrosarcoma cells in both concentration- and time-dependent manners. Interestingly, we did not observe any significant changes in cell cycle pattern or apoptotic cell populations, but rather noticed cellular senescence of fibrosarcoma cells upon overexpression of miR-197-5p. Further, this miRNA suppresses the metastatic properties, such as migration, invasion, and anchorage-independent growth of fibrosarcoma possibly through targeting KIAA0101, which is a proliferating cell nuclear antigen-associated factor and overexpressed in the malignancy. In nutshell, our result revealed that miR-197-5p acts as an oncosuppressor miRNA in fibrosarcoma through target regulation of KIAA0101, which can be exploited for developing RNA-based therapeutic strategies for the cure of this malignancy.

Benefit of second-line systemic chemotherapy for advanced biliary tract cancer: A propensity score analysis

Whether 2nd-line-chemotherapy (2LCTX) + best-supportive-care (BSC) benefits patients with advanced biliary tract cancer (aBTC) more than BSC alone is unclear. We therefore conducted a propensity-score-based comparative effectiveness analysis of overall survival (OS) outcomes in 80 patients with metastatic, recurrent, or inoperable aBTC, of whom 38 (48%) were treated with BSC + 2LCTX and 42 (52%) with BSC alone. After a median follow-up of 14.8 months and 49 deaths, the crude 6-, 12-, and 18-month Kaplan-Meier OS estimates were 77%, 53% and 23% in the BSC + 2LCTX group, and 29%, 21%, and 14% in patients in the BSC group (p = 0.0003; Hazard ratio (HR) = 0.36, 95%CI:0.20-0.64, p = 0.001). An inverse-probability-of-treatment-weighted (IPTW) analysis was conducted to rigorously account for the higher prevalence of favorable prognostic variables in the 2LCTX + BSC group. After IPTW-weighting, the favorable association between 2LCTX and OS prevailed (adjusted HR = 0.40, 95%CI: 0.17-0.95, p = 0.037). IPTW-weighted 6-, 12-, and 18-month OS estimates were 77%, 58% and 33% in the BSC + 2LCTX group, and 39%, 28% and 22% in the BSC group (p = 0.037). Moreover, the benefit of 2LCTX was consistent across several clinically-relevant subgroups. Within the limitations of an observational study, these findings support the concept that 2LCTX + BSC is associated with an OS benefit over BSC alone in aBTC.

[Systematic planning of surgery for soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities]

Soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities are rarely malignant tumors. They are best treated by an experienced interdisciplinary sarcoma team. A preoperative biopsy and imaging are prerequisites for successful sarcoma treatment. Before surgery the multimodal treatment and the extent of resection and, if necessary, plastic reconstruction should be discussed in a multidisciplinary tumor board. The aim is always a complete R0 resection with optimal preservation of function. The preservation of critical structures (e. g. sciatic nerve) by a planned focal marginal resection along the critical structure can be performed by an experienced team in a multidisciplinary treatment setting.