Multimodality treatment of extra-visceral soft tissue sarcomas M0: state of the art and trends

We here outline principles and trends in the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas without distant metastases (M0). Over the last 15 years significant advances have been made in the diagnostic imaging and histological classification of these tumors as well as in their treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has essentially replaced computerized tomography (CT) for the evaluation of the local growth pattern, although the latter is still preferred for the detection of pulmonary metastases. Immunohistochemistry techniques and electron microscopy have improved the histological diagnosis, although the results obtained should always be interpreted in the context of routine light microscopy. Adequate surgical resection and radiotherapy can reduce the incidence of local recurrence, which is still high for head-neck and retroperitoneal sarcomas. Limb-sparing surgery in combination with irradiation and/or intra-arterial or perfusion chemotherapy is considered the treatment of choice in 90% of limb sarcomas, with a local recurrence rate of less than 20%. New radiotherapeutical techniques and anti-neoplastic agents are now under investigation in an attempt to improve local control. There is also a need for a more effective adjuvant chemotherapy. Randomized clinical trials using doxorubicin/ifosfamide and growth factors are now underway.