Management of Metastatic Sarcoma

Approximately 12,310 soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) were diagnosed in 2016. These tumors originate from mesenchymal cells throughout the body and account for less than 1% of all newly diagnosed cancers in adults. STSs comprise a heterogeneous group of tumors, with over 50 different histologic subtypes categorized based on the presumptive tissue of origin, each with varying individual characteristics and varying patterns of behavior. Most commonly, they originate in the extremity followed by the trunk as the second most common site of primary lesions. The likelihood of metastatic spread is highly variable among histologic subtype and primary disease site. Distant hematogenous metastases occur in up to 50% of patients with high-grade sarcomas but in only 5% of patients with low-grade sarcomas. Most metastases occur within 2 years following initial diagnosis. The risk of metastasis is dependent on several prognostic factors, including tumor depth, tumor size, and mitotic rate. The role of surgery in the management of metastatic disease is governed by careful patient selection in the context of a multidisciplinary plan including systemic treatment. Selection of patients for resection of s