Retroperitoneal sarcomas: a reappraisal of treatment

Retroperitoneal sarcoma, regardless of the histopathologic grade of malignancy, has a high incidence of local recurrence that is usually fatal. Surgical resection is mandatory and resectability may be improved by a midline transabdominal approach. However, even with total tumor excision, recurrence is high. A preliminary study, combining resection and preoperative adriamycin, found to be effective for established disease, suggests potentially improved prognosis. Further clinical trials employing combined with adjuvant chemotherapy are warranted.