Single-center retrospective study of association of growth rate of locally recurrent extremity and truncal soft tissue sarcoma with outcomes

Improved prognostic tools are needed for patients with locally recurrent extremity or truncal soft tissue sarcoma. Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York, NY) identified 253 patients who underwent resection of a locally recurrent extremity or truncal soft tissue sarcoma. High average local recurrent growth rate was associated with greater risk of disease-specific death (> 0.68 cm/month: HR 4.31; p<0.001). Other factors associated with higher incidence of disease-specific death were younger age, R1 or R2 margins, and multifocality. The authors conclude that patients with these factors should be considered for perioperative systemic therapy.