Pharmacotherapy of sarcoma.

BACKGROUND

Comprising < 1% of adult malignancies and approximately 12% of pediatric malignancies, sarcomas are derived from a variety of connective tissues and exhibit highly variable responsiveness to therapy. The clinical and biologic heterogeneity of the > 50 histologic subtypes of sarcomas often require different therapeutic approaches.

OBJECTIVE

This review describes the use of therapeutic agents in the management of bone and soft-tissue sarcomas.

METHODS

Relevant literature is identified and presented from major conference proceedings, as well as using the PubMed search engine.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Chemotherapy has improved outcomes over the past few decade, particularly in patients with certain bone sarcomas and gastrointestinal stromal tumors; while in the majority of patients, additional strategies are necessary.