Evaluation of Treatment Modalities and Oncologic Outcomes in Hand Soft Tissue Sarcomas-A Systematic Review of the

W Rodrigo Calmet Rocca1, Rayna S Kuthiala2, Marcos R Gonzalez2,3

  • 1Facultad de Medicina Alberto Hurtado, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15102, Peru.

Cancers
|October 16, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Hand soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare and challenging. Despite good survival, early referral and tailored treatments are crucial for managing local recurrence and metastases in these challenging hand tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Surgical Pathology
  • Orthopedic Oncology

Background:

  • Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) of the hand are rare, comprising only 2% of all STS.
  • Their small size and often benign appearance contribute to delayed diagnosis and unplanned excisions.
  • Hand STS present unique challenges in clinical presentation, histology, and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and characterize the clinical presentation of hand STS.
  • To analyze histology, treatment modalities, and oncological outcomes for hand STS.
  • To identify factors influencing outcomes and inform treatment strategies for hand STS.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of PubMed and Embase databases following PRISMA guidelines.
  • Inclusion of studies with at least 10 patients and data on treatment and outcomes.
  • Data extraction included demographics, tumor features, treatments, and survival metrics.

Main Results:

  • Eighteen studies with 570 patients were analyzed.
  • Epithelioid and synovial sarcomas were most common; 56.8% of tumors were deep-seated.
  • Local recurrence occurred in 20%, with 5-year overall survival at 80%.

Conclusions:

  • Hand STS are difficult to manage due to rarity, small size, and frequent unplanned excisions.
  • While survival rates are favorable, local recurrence and metastases remain significant concerns.
  • Specialized center referral and individualized treatment are vital for optimal hand STS management.

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