Leiomyosarcoma of the somatic soft tissues

Leiomyosarcomas of the somatic soft tissues are tumors of smooth muscle origin that occur in the extremities. These lesions are commonly high-grade tumors that carry a poor prognosis. Recommended treatment often includes wide excision and chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Sixty-five patients were followed for a mean of 4.1 years. The mean maximum tumor diameter was 7 cm, and approximately 70% of all patients had tumors deep to fascia. Including all stages of disease, the overall 1-, 2-, and 5-year survival rates were 91%, 87%, and 68%, respectively. Mitotic rate and tumor depth were significant predictors of development of recurrent disease and metastatic disease. Tumor size was another predictor of recurrent disease. The mitotic rate and AJCC stage were also important predictors of overall survival. Patients with deep lesions, histologic grade 3 disease/higher mitotic rates, and advanced stage of disease had a poorer prognosis and thus were more likely to undergo adjuvant chemotherapy. Future clinical studies may help determine if knowledge of these predictors can help guide treatment and improve clinical outcomes.