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

Abstract

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