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Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Establishment of a Primary Culture of Patient-derived Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Published on: April 11, 2018
Role of new chemotherapy agents in soft tissue sarcoma
1Department of Medical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-2497, USA. margaret.vonmehren@fccc.edu
Abstract:
Medical management of soft tissue sarcomas (STS) has been restricted by the limited availability of active drugs. A plethora of new oncologic agents are now available, many of which have specific therapeutic targets. Gemcitabine and docetaxel is a combination of drugs that have limited single-agent activity. Yondelis, a novel chemotherapeutic that binds DNA and functions partially by inhibiting transcription, is being tested alone and in combination with doxorubicin. Inhibitors of mTOR, a serine/threonine kinase that regulates cell cycle activation and cell growth, are also being tested. Growth factor receptor inhibitors are being evaluated in a variety of sarcomas that have been found to express the targets. In addition, a variety of agents are being assessed in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). Single agents and agents combined with imatinib are being tested in imatinib-refractory and in metastatic GIST. The increased use of targeted agents underscores the need for understanding sarcoma biology.
Insights
New targeted therapies are emerging for soft tissue sarcomas (STS), addressing the limited options in medical management. Research is evaluating novel agents like Yondelis and mTOR inhibitors for various sarcomas and GIST.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Medical management of soft tissue sarcomas (STS) is limited by the availability of effective drugs.
- Recent advancements have introduced numerous novel oncologic agents with specific therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape of emerging medical therapies for soft tissue sarcomas.
- To highlight the development and evaluation of novel chemotherapeutic and targeted agents.
Main Methods:
- Review of ongoing clinical trials and preclinical research for soft tissue sarcomas.
- Assessment of novel agents including Yondelis, mTOR inhibitors, and growth factor receptor inhibitors.
- Evaluation of therapeutic strategies for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), including imatinib-refractory and metastatic cases.
Main Results:
- Gemcitabine and docetaxel show limited single-agent activity.
- Yondelis is under investigation alone and in combination with doxorubicin.
- Targeted agents, including mTOR inhibitors and growth factor receptor inhibitors, are being evaluated across various sarcoma subtypes.
- Several agents are being tested in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), including in combination with imatinib for refractory or metastatic disease.
Conclusions:
- The development of novel targeted agents for STS is rapidly advancing.
- Understanding sarcoma biology is crucial for the effective use of these new targeted therapies.
- Further research is needed to establish the efficacy and safety of these emerging treatments.
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