Pharmacotherapy of sarcoma

Abstract

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.

Keywords::

• docetaxel
• doxorubicin
• Ewing family of tumors
• gastrointestinal stromal tumor
• gemcitabine
• ifosfamide
• osteosarcoma
• sarcoma