[Results of conservative operations in malignant soft tissue tumors of the extremities]

The data on 157 patients, operated upon for malignant soft tissue tumors of extremities, are reported for the period of 1948--1972 inclusively and followed up for 5 years and longer. It was found that despite greater extent of tumor dissection no significant improvement was noted with regard to the results of surgery. It is essential to search for opportunities of a wider use of the combined methods of treatment for malignant soft tissue tumors. However, at present, the lack of specific chemotherapeutic drugs and elaborated schedules of their application makes it mandatory to further investigate and improve surgical therapy in such patients along with other therapeutic methods.