Resection Of Soft Tissue Sarcoma Research Articles

Intraoperative Peripheral Frozen Margin Assessment in Soft Tissue Sarcoma.

Intraoperative peripheral margin sampling in soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is a routine practice among musculoskeletal oncologists. Practice patterns are variable, and evidence to support it is lacking. Rates of peripheral margin sampling at our institution were analyzed in addition to its clinical utility and cost-effectiveness. Peripheral margin sampling patterns at a tertiary sarcoma center were retrospectively evaluated. Concordance between peripheral margins and final pathology was assessed using McNemar's test and κ Coefficient. Clinical outcomes were compared, and a cost-utility analysis was performed. A total of 179 patients were included. 66% had peripheral margins sampled of which 23% had frozen margins analyzed. Ten patients had positive margins (5.5% of all patients; 8.4% in those with margins sampled) and R1 margins on the final tumor specimen were identified in 15 patients (8.4%). There were no R2 resections. Three patients underwent repeat surgical resection (20%). Three patients with R1 resections had negative peripheral margins sampled, suggesting falsely reassuring peripheral margins. Peripheral margin sampling averaged $5000/patient. Routine peripheral margin sampling in STS resection is of questionable utility with added cost. Prospective studies are warranted to determine the optimal approach to surgical margin assessment.

One-Stage Surgical Resection and Functional Reconstruction for Upper Limb Soft Tissue Sarcoma.

Currently, the gold standard of treatment for extremity soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is limb-sparing surgery. When the upper extremity is involved, the functional outcome is frequently poor. A 1-step resection and functional reconstruction would be advisable to obtain a fast recovery. Our study aims at retrospectively analyzing our case series of immediate nerves and tendons reconstructions of the upper limb after STS resection, while combining a review of the literature. A retrospective review was conducted on a consecutive series of patients who underwent an immediate functional reconstruction after STS resection of the upper limb between 2015 and 2022 among the IRCCS Foundation "Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori." The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score was considered the primary outcome. The obtained DASH scores were compared through groups that underwent different reconstructive procedures. The literature review was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis) criteria among 3 databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane) using the search parameters "(((upper extremity) OR (upper limb)) AND (functional reconstruction) AND (soft tissue sarcoma)." Between 2015 and 2022, 52 patients required a functional reconstruction. The mean follow-up time was 49.63 months. The DASH score analysis reported a mean value of 44.1 ± 26.7. A statistically significant difference was found between groups who underwent different reconstruction techniques, whereas no difference was found regarding exposure to neoadjuvant radiation therapy. The literature review reported few articles focusing on immediate functional reconstruction after STS resection, and only 6 articles were included in the review. Our review aimed at reporting our case series of immediate functional reconstructions after STS of the upper extremity, which is currently the most substantial one reported in literature to set an effective baseline for further studies in the field.

L-Shaped Scapular and Parascapular Combined Flap forReconstruction of a Large Surface Defect After SarcomaResection Using ICG Angiography: A Case Seriesof6 Patients.

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) pose challenges in management due to large defects following wide resection. Reconstructive options are often limited, especially in patients with large circular defects below the gluteal region. This article addresses the question of how to effectively reconstruct such defects while minimizing donor-site morbidity. We present our experience with using an L-shaped combined scapular and parascapular flap after STS resection, highlighting the novelty of employing indocyanine green (ICG) angiography to ensure optimal blood flow and surgical safety. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent STS resection and immediate reconstruction using an L-shaped scapular and parascapular combined flap between October 2022 and April 2024. The feasibility of the procedure was assessed by analyzing the patient demographics, tumor characteristics, defect and flap sizes, operative time, and postoperative outcomes, including donor-site complications and shoulder function. Six patients underwent reconstruction using an L-shaped combined flap with no donor-site complications or significant shoulder dysfunction. The average sizes were 15.7 × 13.7 cm for the defect, 20 × 7 cm for the scapular flap, and 23 × 7.3 cm for the parascapular flap. The average operative time was 7 h and 9 min. The average follow-up period was 10.2 months. Except for one case of partial flap necrosis, all flaps survived completely, highlighting the reliability of the procedure. L-shaped combined scapular and parascapular flaps are promising reconstructive techniques for large surface defects after STS resection with low donor-site morbidity and preservation of shoulder function. The novel application of these flaps for large circular defects below the gluteal region, combined with the use of ICG angiography to ensure flap viability and enhance surgical safety, are key contributions of this study.

Mapping the Course of Recovery Following Limb-Salvage Surgery for Soft-Tissue Sarcoma of the Extremities.

Despite the goal of an acceptable functional result, the surgical treatment of soft-tissue sarcoma can portend a prolonged course of recovery. More comprehensive data on the expected course of recovery following extremity sarcoma surgery are needed to help to inform physicians and patients. The purpose of the present study was to describe the typical course of functional recovery following limb-salvage resection of a soft-tissue sarcoma and to identify factors associated with a delayed postoperative course of recovery. A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained institutional database was performed for all patients undergoing surgical treatment with limb salvage of a soft-tissue sarcoma of the extremities or pelvis with at least 1 year of follow-up after the definitive surgical procedure. All patients were required to have preoperative functional outcomes recorded for either the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) or the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score and functional outcome measures at 1 year postoperatively. The primary outcome measures were time to recovery and maximal functional improvement. In this study, 916 patients met inclusion criteria following surgical resection of a soft-tissue sarcoma of the extremities. The median follow-up was 74 months. Patients typically achieved a return to their baseline preoperative level of function for all functional outcome measures by 1 to 2 years and achieved maximal functional recovery by 2 years postoperatively. Older age, female sex, deep tumor location, larger tumor size, pelvic location, osseous resection, motor nerve resection, free and/or rotational soft-tissue coverage, and postoperative complications were independently associated with worse TESS and/or MSTS scores (p ≤ 0.05). Tumor recurrence was associated with worse functional outcomes scores. An analysis was performed to determine which patients had a prolonged course of recovery (i.e., were considered to still be recovering). Older age, female sex, larger tumor size, osseous resection, and motor nerve resection were associated with a delayed course of recovery (p ≤ 0.04). Complications and tumor recurrence were associated with delayed functional recovery across all domains. Most patients will achieve maximal recovery by 2 to 3 years following surgical resection for soft-tissue sarcoma of the extremities. Older age, female sex, larger tumor size, osseous resection, motor nerve resection, postoperative complications, and tumor recurrence portend poorer functional outcomes and a delayed course of recovery. Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Immediate and delayed flap reconstruction have equivalent outcomes and associated costs following soft tissue sarcoma surgery.

Surgical treatment of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) involves wide resection of the tumor, which can necessitate soft tissue reconstruction with local or free tissue flaps. This retrospective study compares cost, surgical and oncologic outcomes between patients undergoing reconstruction with immediate versus delayed flap coverage following STS resection. Thirty-four patients who underwent planned flap reconstruction following resection of primary STS were identified retrospectively. Twenty-four (71%) received immediate reconstruction during the index surgery and 10 (29%) underwent planned delayed reconstruction. Preoperative patient-specific metrics, tumor characteristics, and surgical and patient outcomes were collected. Total hospital charges associated with every encounter during the perioperative period were obtained. Patient demographics, comorbidities, tumor metrics, and surgical characteristics were equivalent between groups. Postoperative wound complications, reoperations, readmissions, and disease-specific survival did not differ between cohorts. Costs associated with each reconstruction strategy were equivalent on bivariate and multivariate testing, when accounting for operating room time, hospital length of stay, and reoperation rate. Our study identifies no significant difference in patient outcome measures or cost between planned immediate and delayed flap reconstruction following STS resection. These results support the implementation of either treatment strategy in keeping with patient-centered, multidisciplinary care principles.

Risk Stratification Tools to Aid Decisions on Adjuvant Chemotherapy Usage in Resected Soft Tissue Sarcomas: A Ten-Year Review of an Irish Sarcoma Center Experience.

Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is comprised of approximately 80 subtypes, with an incidence of 4 - 5 per 100,000 annually in Europe. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend consideration of neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy in tumors at high risk of recurrence based on the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging. Alternatively, the Sarculator is a risk prediction tool that has identified a threshold of risk, above which chemotherapy may provide an overall survival (OS) benefit. Using this nomogram, patients with a 10-year predicted OS < 60% are classified as high risk and should be considered for chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic accuracy of these two risk prediction methods in an Irish population. All newly diagnosed patients with resected STS discussed in the STS tumor board in Cork University Hospital between January 2012 and December 2021 were identified. Clinicopathological data were collected. Risk assessment using AJCC and Sarculator nomogram was performed on all patients with an extremity/trunk sarcoma. The OS was calculated including Kaplan-Meier method for time to event analysis. In total, 200 STS patients were reviewed, of whom 134 had truncal or extremity tumors. Sarculator score was calculated for 60 of these (well differentiated liposarcomas, desmoid tumors and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans were excluded). Using the Sarculator nomogram to calculate 10-year predicted OS, 19 patients were categorized as high risk and 41 were categorized as low risk. Using AJCC staging, 25 patients were categorized as high risk and 35 as low risk. The 5-year OS rate in the Sarculator high-risk group was 60.2%, compared with 87.1% in the low-risk group (P = 0.009). The 5-year OS rate in the AJCC high-risk group was 67.6%, compared with 86.3% in the low-risk group (P = 0.083). Our cohort is representative of the broad histological subtypes expected. In our population, Sarculator score results correlate with international outcomes and higher scores were associated with increased mortality. The Sarculator was more predictive of clinical outcome than AJCC staging, and its use would lower the proportion of patients being considered for adjuvant chemotherapy thereby sparing toxicity, which is important in the setting of uncertain clinical benefit.

Primary Lymphovenous Anastomosis After Extended Soft Tissue Resection in the Medial Thigh for Reduction of Lymphocele and Lymphedema.

Postoperative chronic lymphocele and lymphedema represent severe burdens for soft tissue sarcoma patients who are already physically handicapped after an extensive surgery and a long recovery time. Incidences are high in the upper medial thigh. We have shifted our focus to lymphedema and lymphocele risk reduction with immediate lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) after sarcoma resection. We performed immediate lymphatic reconstruction in 11 patients after soft tissue sarcoma resection in the upper medial thigh. The postoperative course was followed up closely, and postoperative occurrence of lymphocele and lymphedema was clinically assessed. A literature search outlining the latest clinical data, current treatment strategy landscape, and their application into clinical practice was added to the investigation. A total of 19 LVA and 2 lympho-lymphatic anastomoses were performed in 11 patients immediately after tumor resection in an end-to-end manner. We found a postoperative lymphedema rate of 36% and a postoperative lymphocele rate of 27%. Mean follow-up time was 17 months. Average tumor volume was 749 cc. Our literature search yielded 27 articles reporting on immediate LVA in cancer patients. Incidences of secondary lymphedema after LVA for lymphedema prevention vary between 0% and 31.1%. Lymphocele prevention with LVA is poorly studied in sarcoma patients. Immediate lymphatic reconstruction improved the overall postoperative course of our patients. The current literature does not serve with high-quality studies about primary LVA preventing lymphedema and lymphocele formation. We conclude that this technique should be seen as an additional concept to achieve overall better postoperative outcomes in these challenging surgical settings. We strongly recommend to either anastomose or ligate severed lymphatics under the microscope primarily after sarcoma resection in the upper medial thigh area.

Preoperative sequential chemotherapy and hypofractionated radiotherapy combined with comprehensive surgical resection for high-risk soft tissue sarcomas: a retrospective study.

The management of soft tissue sarcomas presents considerable therapeutic challenges. This study was designed to assess the efficacy of neoadjuvant sequential chemotherapy and hypofractionated radiotherapy in conjunction with extensive surgical resection for the treatment of high-risk soft tissue sarcomas. We performed a retrospective review of 31 high-risk soft tissue sarcoma patients treated at our institution from June 2021 to June 2023. The cohort consisted of 21 males and 10 females with a mean age of 55.7 years and included both initial and recurrent disease presentations. Our treatment regimen comprised two to three cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy coupled with hypofractionated radiotherapy, delivered at 5 Gy per fraction to a total dose of 25-35 Gy across 5-7 days, prior to surgical resection aimed at achieving wide margins. Data collection was systematic, covering surgical outcomes, chemoradiotherapy-related complications, and prognostic factors. All patients completed the prescribed course of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. 29% patients experienced grade 3+ chemotherapy toxicity, necessitating a reduction or interruption in their chemotherapy regimen. Limb preservation was accomplished in 30 patients finally. Response evaluation using RECIST 1.1 criteria post-neoadjuvant therapy revealed 9.7% with PD, 58.1% with SD, 29% with a PR, and 3.2% with a CR, culminating in an ORR of 32.2%. Postoperative complications included superficial wound infections in four patients and deep incisional infections in another four. 6 patients had developed metastasis, and 3 patients were still alive. Two experienced local recurrence. One-year DFS was 79.3%, with a one-year OS rate of 89.6%. Neoadjuvant sequential chemotherapy and hypofractionated radiotherapy followed by extensive surgical resection represents an effective treatment paradigm for high-risk soft tissue sarcomas. This multimodal approach not only facilitates tumor reduction but also significantly reduces the risks of local recurrence and distant metastasis.

Local recurrence rates of superficial versus deep soft tissue sarcoma.

Soft tissue sarcomas are a group of malignancies that commonly occur in the extremities. As deep lesions may exist within the confines of the muscular fascia, we postulate that local recurrence rates are higher for superficial soft tissue sarcomas managed by the standard of care. A retrospective review was performed on 90 patients who underwent surgical resection of soft tissue sarcomas of the extremity from 2007 to 2015. Patients with minimum 2-year follow-up and adequate operative, pathologic, and clinical outcomes data were included. Mean age was 54 ± 18 years with 49 (54.4%) patients being male. Lesions in 77.8% of cases were deep, and 22.2% were superficial to fascia. Following the index surgical resection, a total of 33 (36.7%) patients had positive margins. A total of 17 (18.9%) patients had a local recurrence. Overall, 3-year survival was 92.7%, and 5-year survival was 79.0%. Five-year recurrence-free survival of deep sarcomas was 91.1% versus 58.2% of superficial lesions (p = 0.006). Patients with higher tumor depth had lower odds of experiencing a local recurrence (HR 0.26 [95% CI 0.09-0.72]). Local recurence rates was also associated with positive surgical margins on initial resection (33.3% versus 12.3%) (p = 0.027). In this series, superficial tumor depth was associated with local recurrence of soft tissue sarcomas of the extremity following surgical resection. Positive surgical margins was also associated with local recurrence.

Oncology

The June 2024 Oncology Roundup360 looks at: Chondrosarcoma of the femur: is local recurrence influenced by the presence of an extraosseous component?; Diagnostic challenges in low-grade central osteosarcoma; Single osteotomy technique for frozen autograft (pedicled freezing) in patients with malignant bone tumours; Unplanned resection for small superficial soft-tissue sarcomas: disastrous or simply bad?; Inactivation and replantation of the knee joint: an infeasible surgical method; Active surveillance of diffuse-type tenosynovial giant cell tumours: a retrospective, multicentre cohort study.

Anlotinib versus placebo as adjuvant therapy for completely resected high-grade soft tissue sarcomas: Interim results of a phase 2, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

Anlotinib versus placebo as adjuvant therapy for completely resected high-grade soft tissue sarcomas: Interim results of a phase 2, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

Development and validation of a nomogram to predict surgical site infection after soft-tissue sarcoma resection.

Surgical site infection (SSI) after soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) resection is a serious complication. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the risk factors for SSI after STS resection, and to develop a nomogram that allows patient-specific risk assessment. A total of 547 patients with STS who underwent tumour resection between 2005 and 2021 were divided into a development cohort and a validation cohort. In the development cohort of 402 patients, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model was used to screen possible risk factors of SSI. To select risk factors and construct the prediction nomogram, multivariate logistic regression was used. The predictive power of the nomogram was evaluated by receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis in the validation cohort of 145 patients. LASSO regression analysis selected possible risk factors for SSI, including age, diabetes, operating time, skin graft or flap, resected tumour size, smoking, and radiation therapy. Multivariate analysis revealed that age, diabetes, smoking during the previous year, operating time, and radiation therapy were independent risk factors for SSI. A nomogram was developed based on the results of multivariate logistic regression analysis. In the development cohort, the incidence of SSI was 4.5% in the low-risk group (risk score < 6.89) and 26.6% in the high-risk group (risk score ≥ 6.89; p < 0.001). In the validation cohort, the incidence of SSI was 2.0% in the low-risk group and 15.9% in the high-risk group (p = 0.004). Our nomogram will enable surgeons to assess the risk of SSI in patients with STS. In patients with high risk of SSI, frequent monitoring and aggressive interventions should be considered to prevent this.

P33. When to Skip the Ladder and Take the Elevator: Complex Reconstructions Predict Reduced Complication Rates Compared To Simpler Techniques after Resection of Soft Tissue Sarcomas Located in the Thigh

P33. When to Skip the Ladder and Take the Elevator: Complex Reconstructions Predict Reduced Complication Rates Compared To Simpler Techniques after Resection of Soft Tissue Sarcomas Located in the Thigh

P38. Reconstruction Distal To Ankle after Soft Tissue Sarcoma Resection

P38. Reconstruction Distal To Ankle after Soft Tissue Sarcoma Resection

The role of free flap reconstruction after resection of extremity and trunk soft tissue sarcomas. Results of two referral centers in Argentina

IntroductionFor patients affected by extremity or trunk soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) large resections might be needed to achieve negative margins. This is a common scenario especially in locally advanced or recurrent tumors often within a pre-irradiated field. The objective of this study was to evaluate the results of free-flap reconstructions (FFR) after sarcoma surgery. ObjectiveThe endpoints were surgical results, quality of surgical margins and oncological outcome. MethodsRetrospective analysis of patients with extremity and trunk STS with free-flap reconstruction between 2008 and 2022. Demographic and tumor data, perioperative treatment, margin status, morbidity and evolution were evaluated. ResultsOf 467 patients, 25 (5.35%) required 26 free-flap reconstructions. Surgery was performed on an irradiated field in 8 (32%) patients. Reconstructions were mostly needed for distal lower extremity resections and the most common type of flap used was antero-lateral tight (ALT) flap. No R2 resections were performed. R0 and R1 resections were achieved in 22 (84.6%) and 4 (15.4%), respectively. All R1 resections were preplanned positive along a preserved critical structure. Surgical morbidity rate was 26% (7/26) and the re-operation rate was 15% (4/26) with 7.7% flap losses (2/26). At a median follow-up of 38 months, 7 (28%) patients presented local recurrences. ConclusionIn a referral sarcoma center, having a multidisciplinary surgical team capable of complex resections and reconstructions is of utmost importance for a correct and integral surgical planning. This allows optimal oncologic resections with acceptable morbidity.

When to ditch the ladder and take the elevator: The Anderson SArcoma Risk of Complications (A-SARC) score to guide reconstructive decision-making in extremity soft tissue sarcoma patients.

The reconstructive ladder relies mostly on defect size and depth to determine reconstructive technique, however, in actuality, many more variables ultimately inform reconstructive decision making, especially regarding extremity soft tissue sarcoma (eSTS) defects. The purpose of this study was to describe eSTS patients who will most optimally benefit from an advanced method of reconstruction (defined as a pedicled regional flap or free flap) and to create a simple risk assessment scale that can be employed in clinical practice. A single-institution retrospective cohort study examined patients undergoing resection of soft tissue sarcoma affecting the upper or lower extremities between 2016 and 2021. We categorized patients who required a pedicled or free flap as having had advanced reconstruction, and all other techniques were considered simple reconstruction. A regression was used to create a risk scale to guide reconstructive decision-making. The following variables were identified as independent predictors of complications and used to create our risk scale: lower extremity tumor location, preoperative radiotherapy, tumor bed excision, male sex, hypertension, and tumor volume. Intermediate and high-risk patients reconstructed using simple techniques had significantly greater overall complication rates compared to those reconstructed with advanced techniques. Major complications were significantly greater in low-risk patients reconstructed with advanced techniques. To minimize postoperative wound complications, low-risk patients should receive simple methods of reconstruction, whereas high-risk patients should be reconstructed using advanced techniques.

SP28. When To Skip The Ladder And Take The Elevator: Complex Reconstructions May Yield A More Reliable Outcome When Reconstructing Defects After Resection Of Soft Tissue Sarcomas Located In The Thigh

SP28. When To Skip The Ladder And Take The Elevator: Complex Reconstructions May Yield A More Reliable Outcome When Reconstructing Defects After Resection Of Soft Tissue Sarcomas Located In The Thigh

ASO Visual Abstract: High Community-Level Social Vulnerability is Associated with Worse Recurrence-Free Survival Following Resection of Extremity and Truncal Soft-Tissue Sarcoma.

ASO Visual Abstract: High Community-Level Social Vulnerability is Associated with Worse Recurrence-Free Survival Following Resection of Extremity and Truncal Soft-Tissue Sarcoma.

Multimodality therapy and innovative surgical techniques for successful resection and reconstruction of a rare and aggressive pleomorphic liposarcoma

Managing rare thoracic liposarcomas, accounting for < 1% of soft tissue sarcomas, demands tailored strategies. We explore effective approaches, considering tumor attributes and innovative techniques, and compare NCCN-guided therapies and surgeries. Using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, we identified studies on thoracic liposarcomas. Data synthesis summarized findings, acknowledging rarity's evidence limitations. This study reports a successful resection of a rare thoracic soft tissue sarcoma. Overcoming challenges through innovative techniques like hyperthermic pleural lavage and Gore-Tex® reconstruction, it underscores neoadjuvant therapies and surgical precision. Thoracic liposarcoma management demands tailored multidisciplinary approaches. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgery, and adjuvant therapies are fundamental. Surgical ingenuity, like extrapleural pneumonectomy and novel reconstructions, ensures thorough tumor removal with minimal complications. Hyperthermic pleural lavage and Gore-Tex® offer promising refinements. Successful outcomes highlight potential for improved prognoses. Further research will optimize strategies for this rare, aggressive cancer.

CORR Insights®: Do Patients Treated With an Unplanned Resection for Small Superficial Soft Tissue Sarcomas Have Worse Long-term Survival Than Those Initially Treated With an Oncologic Resection?

CORR Insights®: Do Patients Treated With an Unplanned Resection for Small Superficial Soft Tissue Sarcomas Have Worse Long-term Survival Than Those Initially Treated With an Oncologic Resection?