Recent advances in systemic therapy of soft tissue sarcomas

Improvements in surgical techniques, for example reconstructive surgery; and radiation therapy techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy; have made some impact on the functional outcomes of sarcomas with a local biology. Effective local control can be achieved with effective function in the vast majority of patients. The problem of distant metastases, however, continues to plague a large group of patients with this disease. Recent advances in the systemic therapy of sarcomas is highlighted by the rapid development and approval of the molecularly targeted therapy imatinib (Gleevec) for advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Several other agents have been, or are being studied with far less rewarding results. Among these, the more encouraging examples include the nucleoside analog gemcitabine (Gemzar) and gemticibine/docetaxel (Taxotere) in combination, which display some selective activity in sarcomas of gynecologic origin. The marine compound ecteinascidin (ET-743) has been studied in two different schedules (24 and 3 h infusions), demonstrating biological activity worthy of further investigation. Identification of new agents with activity in this diverse group of diseases is extremely important. Identification of specific targets responsible for tumorigenesis and effective inhibition of these targets holds the most promise for future improvement in cure rates. However, until such time, it is equally important to emphasize clinical research attempting to further optimize the use of the standard chemotherapeutic agents, with growth-factor support in appropriately selected patients.