[Primary chemotherapy in soft tissue sarcomas considered inoperable]

Fourteen adult patients with inoperable soft tissue sarcoma (with metastases in 4 cases) received chemotherapy as primary treatment. Nine cases were treated by CYVADIC (cyclophosphamide, vincristin, doxorubicin, DTIC) and five cases by DECAV (DTIC, cyclophosphamide, cis-platinum, doxorubicin, vindesine). An objective response was obtained in 7 cases (1 complete remission and 6 regressions greater than 50%) and stabilization in 4 cases. Seven patients became operable after 2 to 6 courses of chemotherapy and a complete resection could be performed in 6 cases. The duration of the response was 2 to 39 months. Toxicity with both combinations was acceptable. We conclude that chemotherapy can provide initial tumor reduction and permit subsequently less radical surgery.