Prognostic factors in synovial sarcoma: a clinicopathologic study of 18 cases

The prognostic factors for synovial sarcoma were analyzed retrospectively in 18 patients. Variables evaluated for their use in predicting survival included the location of the primary tumor, tumor size, local recurrence, completeness of surgical resection, and histologic subtype. Chemotherapy was not evaluated because the patients received various regimens and/or inadequate doses. Tumor size was the most significant prognostic factor, and a diameter of more than 10 cm was associated with a significantly worse prognosis (risk ratio: 5.38) (P = 0.012). We conclude that complete surgical resection of tumors less than 5 cm in maximum diameter may be curative and that adjuvant chemotherapy may not be necessary for such patients, because the value of chemotherapy for synovial sarcoma is still controversial.