Management of locoregional recurrence after radical resection of a primary nonmetastatic retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcoma: The Gustave Roussy experience

Background: Despite surgery, many patients experience locoregional recurrence (LR), the optimum treatment of which is still debated.

Methods: All 297 consecutive patients operated for a nonmetastatic primary retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcoma (RPS) between 1994 and 2017 were retrospectively analyzed to report our experience in treating LR.

Results: After a median follow-up of 97 months, 55 patients (19%) developed LR. The first site of recurrence was locoregional in 100% with associated peritoneal metastases in 45% and distant metastases in 5%. After LR treatment, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 71%, 46%, and 33%. Low tumor grade, disease-free interval above 24 months, exclusive LR, and well-differentiated liposarcoma were predictive of better OS. The treatment strategy (best supportive care, chemotherapy radiotherapy, and/or surgery) was not statistically significant. Fourteen patients underwent initial surveillance (strategic delay) for low-grade LR and eventually required treatment in 86% after a median delay of 20 months during which no patient developed distant metastases.

Conclusions: The management of LR in RPS is complex. An initial surveillance may not alter survival in asymptomatic low-grade and slow-growing LR. An LR decision scheme is proposed.