Randomized clinical trials in soft tissue sarcoma.

Overview

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare, but potentially lethal, extraskeletal mesenchymal neoplasms. It is estimated that approximately 12,000 cases of STS are reported annually in the United States, with 3,500 STS deaths. Few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted since the previous issue of this publication. The current understanding of STS biology and, hence, ability to provide safe, effective therapy is predicated upon seminal trials performed in the 1980s and 1990s. The authors briefly summarize the trials presented in the previous issue and then critically assess the more recent publications that have addressed the management of STS.