Superficial extremity soft tissue sarcoma: an analysis of prognostic factors

Experience with soft tissue sarcoma has suggested that superficial tumors have a favorable prognosis. We evaluated the prognostic features of this subset of sarcoma.

Prospective data on 215 patients presenting to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center with primary extremity superficial soft tissue sarcomas between July 1, 1982 and July 1, 1996 were analyzed. Superficial sarcomas were defined as subcutaneous tumors not invading the investing fascia of the muscle. Analysis was by univariate and multivariate tests for local recurrence, metastasis, and tumor mortality.

Ninety (42%) patients were over 50 years of age, 115 (53%) had high-grade tumors, 53 (25%) had tumors > or = 5 cm, and 18 (8%) had positive margins following definitive resection. Median follow-up was 45 months (range 2 days to 151 months), 31 (14%) patients had local recurrences, 20 (9%) had distant metastases, and 15 (7%) died of disease. Five- and 10-year actuarial disease-specific survivals were 91% and 85%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, age > 50 years predicted local recurrence (RR 5.7; 95% CI, 2.4-13.3; p < 0.0001). High grade (RR 4.2; 95% CI, 1.4-12.7; p < 0.006), and size > or = 5 cm (RR 4.4; 95% CI, 1.8-11; p < 0.002) predicted distant metastases. High grade (RR 7; 95% CI, 1.5-31.4; p < 0.003), size > or = 5 cm (RR 6.9; 95% CI, 2.3-20.8; p < 0.0006), and positive margins (RR 3.8; 95% CI, 1.2-12.4; p < 0.006) predicted tumor mortality.

Primary superficial extremity soft tissue sarcomas have a favorable prognosis. Size and grade of superficial tumors are the strongest factors in predicting survival.