Local control of soft tissue sarcoma of the extremity: the experience of a multidisciplinary sarcoma group with...

Data gathered on 62 patients with soft tissue sarcoma of an extremity, treated in entirety by an experienced multidisciplinary sarcoma group, were analysed. With a philosophy of emphasising attainment of histologically negative margins at carefully planned limb sparing surgery, combined with either pre-operative or postoperative radiation therapy, a crude local control rate of 95% (59 of 62 patients) at a minimum of 24 months follow-up was obtained. Of 9 patients with microscopically positive margins after definitive surgery, 8 had undergone maximal resection compatible with preservation of function. One of these 9 failed locally, indicating that radiation therapy is effective in eradicating microscopic disease in this tumour. The excellent local control obtained with limb-sparing surgery in this series justifies early referral of patients with these uncommon cancers to an experienced multidisciplinary unit. 26 patients (42%) failed systemically at a minimum of 24 months follow-up, and 19 (30.6%) died of their disease, confirming the need for effective systemic therapy in soft tissue sarcoma. Tumours greater than 10 cm in diameter had a greater risk of systemic relapse.