What do we know about survivorship after treatment for extremity sarcoma? A systematic review

The varied presentations and treatments of extremity bone and soft tissue sarcoma mean that the issues faced by survivors are diverse and complex. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate what is known about this topic with a view to identifying areas for further research or service development.

This was a review of the English language literature identified from Medline and Ovid and hand searches published between January 2000 and September 2012. Results were compiled according to physical, psychological and social domains of survivorship.

Of 182 studies identified, 22 met the inclusion criteria. There is a wide range of outcome measures used and a need for more objective measures. Unsurprisingly, survivors of extremity sarcoma typically demonstrate lower levels of physical functioning than healthy controls. In addition, survivors demonstrate a substantial psychological morbidity.

Services for survivors of extremity sarcoma should include rehabilitation and psychological support, sexual health services, expert pain management, and support to return to work.