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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
A Mouse Model of Incompletely Resected Soft Tissue Sarcoma for Testing (Neo)adjuvant Therapies
Published on: July 28, 2020
Adult soft tissue sarcomas: conventional therapies and molecularly targeted approaches
Simone Mocellin1, Carlo R Rossi, Alba Brandes
1Surgery Branch, Department of Oncological and Surgical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padua, Italy. mocellins@hotmail.com
Abstract:
The therapeutic approach to soft tissue sarcomas (STS) has evolved over the past two decades based on the results from randomized controlled trials, which are guiding physicians in the treatment decision-making process. Despite significant improvements in the control of local disease, a significant number of patients ultimately die of recurrent/metastatic disease following radical surgery due to a lack of effective adjuvant treatments. In addition, the characteristic chemoresistance of STS has compromised the therapeutic value of conventional antineoplastic agents in cases of unresectable advanced/metastatic disease. Therefore, novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to improve the prognosis of patients with STS. Recent advances in STS biology are paving the way to the development of molecularly targeted therapeutic strategies, the efficacy of which relies not only on the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development/progression but also on the personalization of the therapeutic regimen according to the molecular features of individual tumours. In this work, we review the state-of-the-art of conventional treatments for STS and summarize the most promising findings in the development of molecularly targeted therapeutic approaches.
Insights
Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) treatments improved, but recurrence remains a challenge. Novel molecularly targeted therapies are needed to overcome chemoresistance and improve patient outcomes for advanced STS.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) treatment has evolved with randomized controlled trials guiding clinical decisions.
- Despite advances in local disease control, a significant number of patients experience recurrence or metastasis due to limited effective adjuvant therapies.
- Chemoresistance in STS compromises conventional treatments for advanced or metastatic disease, highlighting the need for new strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current conventional treatments for soft tissue sarcomas.
- To summarize emerging molecularly targeted therapeutic strategies for STS.
- To discuss the role of molecular mechanisms and personalized medicine in improving STS prognosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of randomized controlled trials and clinical data on STS treatment.
- Analysis of recent advances in STS molecular biology.
- Synthesis of findings on novel molecularly targeted therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- Conventional treatments have improved local control but not overall survival due to recurrence and chemoresistance.
- Molecularly targeted therapies show promise, leveraging knowledge of cancer biology.
- Personalization of treatment based on individual tumor molecular features is key.
Conclusions:
- Novel therapeutic strategies targeting STS molecular mechanisms are crucial for improving patient prognosis.
- Molecularly targeted therapies offer a promising avenue beyond conventional treatments.
- Personalized medicine approaches are essential for optimizing STS treatment efficacy.
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