Management of soft tissue sarcomas of the extremity in adults

Concepts of the current management of soft tissue sarcomas (STS) of the extremities in adults are presented. The role of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy as well as the combination of these modalities are reviewed. The addition of radiation therapy to less than radical surgery has resulted in higher rates of limb preservation and acceptable local control. A multidisciplinary approach will help achieve optimal functional results with less morbidity. Treatment of systemic disease is poor with current methods. Innovative uses of existing systemic modalities or new modalities will be important to improve results in the management of these difficult tumors.