Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2025
10:35
Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Gynecologic Cancer
Published on: April 17, 2012
18.2K
Radiation Therapy for Retroperitoneal Sarcomas: A Strass-Ful Situation
Ahsan S Farooqi1, B Ashleigh Guadagnolo1,2, Devarati Mitra1
1Unit 97, Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Current Oncology (Toronto, Ont.)
|January 20, 2023
Summary
Locoregional recurrence (LRR) is a major concern in retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPS). The EORTC STRASS study found preoperative radiotherapy did not improve abdominal recurrence-free survival compared to surgery alone for RPS.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Locoregional recurrence (LRR) is the primary cause of mortality in retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPS).
- The efficacy of radiation therapy (RT) for RPS remains controversial, unlike its established role in superficial soft tissue sarcomas (STS).
- Historical use of RT in RPS was based on extrapolation from STS data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and contextualize the evidence on the role of radiation therapy in managing retroperitoneal sarcomas.
- To critically evaluate the findings of the EORTC STRASS study regarding preoperative RT for RPS.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on radiation therapy for retroperitoneal sarcomas.
- Analysis of results from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) STRASS study.
Main Results:
- The EORTC STRASS study found no statistically significant difference in abdominal recurrence-free survival between preoperative RT plus surgery and surgery alone for RPS.
- Subset analyses and limitations within the STRASS study complicate the interpretation of its findings.
Conclusions:
- The role of radiation therapy in managing retroperitoneal sarcomas requires further investigation.
- Current evidence, including the STRASS study, challenges the routine use of preoperative RT for RPS, necessitating careful consideration of treatment strategies.
