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Establishment of a Primary Culture of Patient-derived Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Published on: April 11, 2018
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Five-Day Preoperative Radiation Therapy for Patients With High-Risk Soft Tissue Sarcoma: A Nonrandomized Clinical
John Nikitas1,2, Joseph K Kendal3, Ricky R Savjani1
1Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles.
JAMA Network Open
|December 17, 2025
Summary
A 5-day preoperative radiotherapy regimen for soft tissue sarcoma (STS) shows durable local control and acceptable toxicity. This shorter treatment offers a more convenient option for patients compared to the standard 5-week course.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Standard preoperative radiotherapy (RT) for high-risk soft tissue sarcoma (STS) involves a 5-week course, posing logistical challenges for patients.
- Shorter RT regimens may improve patient compliance and reduce treatment burden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term toxic effects and clinical outcomes of a shortened 5-day, dose-equivalent preoperative RT regimen for STS.
- To assess the feasibility and efficacy of an ultrahypofractionated RT approach in STS patients.
Main Methods:
- A Phase 2, single-group nonrandomized trial involving 110 patients with high-risk STS.
- Patients received 30 Gy in 5 fractions of preoperative RT followed by surgery.
- Primary endpoint was 2-year grade 2 or higher radiation toxic effects; secondary endpoints included major wound complications, local failure, and survival.
Main Results:
- At 2 years, 18.9% of evaluable patients experienced grade 2 or higher toxic effects.
- Major wound complications occurred in 30.0% of patients, with delayed wound closure exceeding 6 months in 13.6%.
- Two-year local control was 92.4%, with low rates of bone fractures (2.7%) and amputations (4.5%).
Conclusions:
- Ultrahypofractionated preoperative RT (30 Gy in 5 fractions) demonstrates durable local control and favorable late toxicity rates in STS.
- The regimen appears safe and effective, offering a more convenient alternative to standard fractionation.
- Further randomized trials are needed to compare safety profiles, particularly regarding wound healing duration.
