Key result
Follow-up strategies for primary extremity soft-tissue sarcomas evaluated across 78 articles showed a wide range of intervals, highlighting the need for evidence-based guidelines.
Why the study?
Follow-up strategies for primary extremity soft-tissue sarcomas in adults required systematic evaluation across published literature.
What are the current follow-up strategies for primary extremity soft-tissue sarcoma in adults?
Systematic Review (n=78)
What are the current follow-up strategies for primary extremity soft-tissue sarcoma in adults?
Current literature and guidelines show a wide variety of follow-up schedules for extremity soft-tissue sarcoma, highlighting the need for evidence-based strategies.
Optimal eSTS follow-up schedules remain undefined; leaves open need for prospective trials to establish evidence-based guidelines.
AIM: Follow-up strategies for primary extremity soft-tissue sarcomas (eSTS) in adults were evaluated in a systematic review of the published literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The published literature was reviewed using PubMed. Of 136,646 studies published between 1985 and 2019, 78 original articles met the inclusion criteria. Articles were selected on the basis of the PRISMA guidelines. The selected articles were then cross-searched to identify further publications. August 1, 2019 was used as the concluding date of publication. RESULTS: A variety of follow-up schedules have been reported in recently published literature. Two official guidelines have been approved by international societies. The guidelines distinguish between high- and low-grade STS, but mention a wide range of follow-up intervals. Established tools of follow-up include computed tomograph, X-rays of the chest, and magnetic resonance imaging of the primary tumor site in addition to clinical observation and physical examination. CONCLUSION: Further research will be needed to establish evidence-based guidelines and schedules for follow-up strategies in patients with eSTS.
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Dammerer et al. (2020) conducted a systematic review in Primary extremity soft-tissue sarcomas (eSTS) (n=78). Follow-up strategies was evaluated on Follow-up schedules and guidelines. Follow-up strategies for primary extremity soft-tissue sarcomas evaluated across 78 articles showed a wide range of intervals, highlighting the need for evidence-based guidelines.
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