Adjuvant role of radiation in soft tissue sarcoma in adults

Forty-seven patients with soft tissue sarcomas were analyzed retrospectively. Treatment was non-randomized between surgery alone, preoperative radiation of 5,000 rads/5 weeks, postoperative radiation of 6,000 rads/6 weeks following total gross tumor removal, and postoperative radiation (variable dosees) for residual gross or unresectable tumor. Preoperative radiation was not statistically better for local control or survival compared to postoperative radiation after local excision of gross tumor. Wide excision, higher postoperative radiation dosage, and/or enlarged radiation portals perhaps would improve results. Additional adjuvant therapies, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, needs to be investigated.