Distal extremities soft tissue sarcomas: Are they so different from other limb localizations?

J Surg Oncol. 2019 Mar;119(4):479-488. doi: 10.1002/jso.25359. Epub 2019 Jan 4.

Abstract

Background and objectives: Soft tissue sarcoma localization in distal extremities (DESTS) of the limbs (hand/fingers, and foot/toes) is unusual. The literature is scarce about their behavior and this study was designed to assess their epidemiological characteristics, outcomes, and prognosis compared to other limb localizations (OLSTS).

Methods: From 1980 to 2010, adult DESTS and OLSTS in 22 centers were included. Demographics, tumor type, treatment modalities, and latest follow-up status were collected. Primary endpoints were overall survival and local/metastatic recurrence incidences.

Results: Two hundred five DESTS and 3001 OLSTS were included. The patients were younger, with more female and smaller tumors in DESTS. There were more clear cell/epithelioid sarcomas, synovial sarcomas, and myxoid liposarcomas vs more dedifferentiated liposarcomas in OLSTS. DESTS tumors were less irradiated and more often amputated (24.3% vs 3.4%). The five-year survival rate was 78.2% compared to 68.6% in OLSTS and after multivariate analysis, STS localization did not impact survival or local/metastatic recurrence.

Conclusion: Though rare and smaller than other limb localizations, DESTS are to be considered as aggressive. Despite a higher amputation rate, the prognosis remains the same as in OLSTS. Limb sparing vs amputation should be carefully assessed in DESTS, especially if grade 3 or of a poor prognosis histological subtype.

Keywords: distal extremity; limb; outcomes; prognosis factors; soft tissue sarcoma.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Extremities*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / epidemiology
  • Prognosis
  • Sarcoma / mortality
  • Sarcoma / pathology
  • Sarcoma / therapy*