[en] Recent histological and molecular evaluation of lipo sarcomas led to the reclassification of this tumors group based on genetic markers. Molecular classification of lipo sarcomas is very important and now is considered to become an integral part of the WHO classification. It is supposed that additional information on molecular features of lipo sarcomas will allow exact sub classification and providing a platform for molecular therapy to be included in the current treatment approach. (author)

[en] Published in summary form only

[en] A single fraction of 800 cGy was used in the treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-associated Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). A total of 74 radiation treatments was given to a total of 31 patients. Of all 74 evaluable treatments, there were 25 objective major responses (6 complete, 19 partial) according to WHO criteria, while 67 treatments resulted in subjective palliation of the main reason to treat (cosmetic discomfort, pain, or oedema). However, it appeared that the duration of these responses was rather short; in 23 of 36 radiation treatments with a follow-up of more than 4 months, progression of the tumour was seen within that time, while the palliative effect outlasted the survival of the patients in only 4 cases. It is concluded that a single dose of 800 cGy is an effective treatment for patients with a predicted survival of only a few months, and it should be determined whether a higher fractionated dose improves duration of responses, especially for patients with a good performance. (author). 18 refs.; 1 tab

[en] Published in summary form only

[en] An analysis of a pilot study of neutron therapy of 70 patients with tissue sarcomas is presented. In a group of 50 patients who had undergone macroscopically or microscopically subtotal surgery, 44 (88 %) are free of recurrence after a mean follow-up period of 13,3 months (range: 4-30 months). In another group of patients who had partial tumour resection or only biopsies with gross tumour left behind, a local tumour control is seen in 8 cases (40 %). Despite these favourable results there is as yet no clinical evidence that neutron irradiation is superior to photon or electron irradiation in the postoperative treatment of soft tissue sarcomas. To clarify this question, an EORTC/RTOG trial is being planned

[en] Much of our knowledge regarding cancer immunotherapy has been derived from sarcoma models. However, translation of preclinical findings to bedside success has been limited in this disease, though several intriguing clinical studies hint at the potential efficacy of this treatment modality. The rarity and heterogeneity of tumors of mesenchymal origin continues to be a challenge from a therapeutic standpoint. Nonetheless, sarcomas remain attractive targets for immunotherapy, as they can be characterized by specific epitopes, either from their mesenchymal origins or specific alterations in gene products. To date, standard vaccine trials have proven disappointing, likely due to mechanisms by which tumors equilibrate with and ultimately escape immune surveillance. More sophisticated approaches will likely require multimodal techniques, both by enhancing immunity, but also geared towards overcoming innate mechanisms of immunosuppression that favor tumorigenesis

No abstract available

[en] Three cases of liposarcoma, showing the important paper of CT in the diagnosis and demonstration of the malignant aspect of the tumor, are presented. (Author)

[en] Soft tissue sarcomas are uncommon tumours of mesenchymal origin, most commonly arising in the extremities. Treatment includes surgical resection in combination with radiotherapy. Resection margins are of paramount importance in surgical treatment of soft tissue sarcomas but unambiguous guidelines for ideal margins of resection are still missing as is an uniform guideline on the use of radiotherapy. The present paper reviews the literature on soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities regarding the required resection margins, the impact of new radiotherapy techniques and the timing of radiotherapy, more particularly if it should be administered before or after surgical resection. This review was started by searching guidelines in different databases (National Guideline Clearinghouse, EBMPracticeNet, TRIP database, NCCN guidelines,…). After refinement of the query, more specific articles were found using MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Used keywords include “soft tissue sarcoma”; “extremities OR limbs”; “radiotherapy”, “surgery”, “margins”, “local recurrence” and “overall survival”. Finally, the articles were selected based on the accessibility of the full text, use of the English language and relevance based on title and abstract. Literature demonstrates positive resection margins to be an important adverse prognostic factor for local recurrence of soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities. Still, no consensus is reached on the definition of what a good margin might be. The evolution of new radiation techniques, especially Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy, resulted in a s healthy surrounding tissues. However, the timing of radiotherapy treatment remains controversial as both preoperative and postoperative radiotherapy are characterised by several advantages and disadvantages.

No abstract available