Call for improved design and reporting in soft tissue sarcoma studies: A systematic review and meta-analysis of chemotherapy and survival outcomes in resectable STS

J Surg Oncol. 2019 Jun;119(7):824-835. doi: 10.1002/jso.25401. Epub 2019 Feb 8.

Abstract

New evidence and systemic therapies demand an updated analysis of chemotherapy for soft tissue sarcoma. We completed a meta-analysis of chemotherapy in localized STS, assessing OS, PFS, and local and distant recurrence (local recurrence-free survival [LRFS] and distant recurrence-free survival [DRFS]). Ten studies, totaling 3157 patients, were included. A pooled analysis for 5-year OS, progression-free survival, LRFS, and DRFS showed no benefit of chemotherapy over locoregional therapy alone for all-comers or site-specific STS. We make recommendations to improve outcome reporting and quality indices.

Keywords: chemotherapy; localized; resectable; soft tissue sarcoma.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Humans
  • Neoadjuvant Therapy
  • Progression-Free Survival
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / methods
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / standards
  • Sarcoma / drug therapy*
  • Sarcoma / mortality
  • Sarcoma / surgery
  • Survival Rate