Complete soft tissue sarcoma resection is a viable treatment option for select elderly patients

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Geriatric Medicine

Background:

• Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) resection in elderly patients presents challenges due to comorbidities and disease progression.
• Evaluating surgical outcomes in elderly patients with STS is crucial for treatment planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the outcomes of elderly patients (age >or=65 years) undergoing complete macroscopic resection for primary soft tissue sarcoma.
• To identify prognostic factors influencing survival and recurrence in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• Prospectively collected data from 1996-2007 at a single institution.
• Inclusion criteria: primary STS, age >or=65 years, complete macroscopic resection (n = 325).
• Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors.

Main Results:

• Median age was 72 years; 55.1% had comorbidities (ASA score >or=3).
• Common site: extremity (57.1%); common histology: undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (60.4%); 71.2% were high grade.
• Median survival was 96 months; 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) was 63%. Age >or=75, larger tumor size, and high grade were adverse prognostic factors.

Conclusions:

• Carefully selected elderly patients can safely undergo extensive STS resections.
• Surgical resection is indicated and remains the most effective method for STS control in the elderly.
• Further research into more effective therapies for STS in older adults is warranted.