Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and Fdeoxyglucose positron emission computed tomography/computed tomography findings of alveolar soft part sarcoma with calcification in the thigh: A case report

BACKGROUND Alveolar soft part sarcoma(ASPS)is an extremely rare malignant sarcoma,accounting for less than 1%of all soft-tissue sarcomas.However,limited information is available on multimodal imaging[computed tomography(CT),magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),and positron emission computed tomography/computed tomography(PET/CT)]of ASPS.CASE SUMMARY This study reports a case of a 35-year-old female patient with ASPS of the left thigh with lung metastasis.The patient presented with a 1-year history of a palpable mass in the lower extremity,which exhibited rapid growth for 3 wk.CT,MRI,and F-deoxyglucose PET/CT examinations were performed.CT showed a slightly hypodense or isodense mass with patchy calcifications.On MRI examination,the mass manifested hyperintensity on T1-weighted,T2-weighted,and diffusion-weighted images with some signal voids.PET/CT images demonstrated an intensely hypermetabolic mass in the left thigh and hypermetabolic nodules in lungs.CONCLUSION ASPS should be considered as a possible diagnosis when a slow-growing mass is detected in the soft tissue of the extremities,with hyperintensity and numerous signal voids on T1-weighted,T2-weighted,and diffusion-weighted images and intense F-deoxyglucose uptake on PET/CT.ASPS can have calcifications on CT.

Imaging features of alveolar soft part sarcoma

Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the imaging features of alveolar soft part sarcoma （ASPS）. Methods The imaging features of 11 cases with ASPS were retrospectively analyzed. Results ASPS mainly exhibited an isointense or slightly high signal intensity on Tl-weighted imaging （TlWl）, and a mixed high signal on T2-weighted imaging （T2Wl）. ASPS was partial, with rich tortuous flow voids, or ＂line-like＂ low signal septa. The essence of the mass was heterogeneous enhancement. The 1 H- MRS showed a slight choline peak at 3.2 ppm. Conclusion The well-circumscribed mass and blood voids, combined with ＂line-like＂ low signals play a significant role in diagnosis. The choline peak and the other signs may be auxiliary diagnoses.

Pediatric alveolar soft part sarcoma of the orbit:a case report

Alveolar soft part sarcoma（ASPS）of the orbit is exceedingly rare and little is known regarding its radiologic features.Here,we reviewed the CT and MRI findings of one case of ASPS of the orbit with emphasis on its salient imaging features.

Primary Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma of the Scapula

Alveolar soft-part sarcoma (ASPS) is an uncommon, aggressive soft-tissue neoplasm, occurring in less than 1% of sarcomas. It is typically found in the head and neck tissues in children or in the deep soft tissues of the lower extremities in young adults. This tumor arises primarily within the skeletal muscles or musculofascial planes. Primary involvement of bone is extremely rare. ASPS has poor prognosis with a propensity for recurrence as well as distant metastasis. In this report, we present a 25-year-old male with primary ASPS in the left scapular bone and discuss the histopathological and immunohistochemical features of this sarcoma.

Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Descriptive Study of 232 Cases Collected, over a Period of 10 Years, at the Hospital of Oncology, Department of the Hassan II Hospital FEZ

Soft-tissue sarcomas are uncommon tumors that have traditionally been managed by wide excisional surgery and radiotherapy;the use of chemotherapy has been reserved for advanced disease. Advances in multidisciplinary care have improved the evaluation and care of patients with this disease. Limb-conserving surgical paradigms, superior radiotherapy delivery, and novel adjuvant agents for specific tumors are now available. The objective of this study is to report the epidemiological, clinical, histological, therapeutic and evolutionary characteristics of soft tissue sarcomas at the oncology hospital: Chu Hassan II in FEZ, and to define the factors influencing patient survival. This is a retrospective study of 232 cases of soft tissue sarcoma, collected between January 2010 and June 2020. The eligibility criteria were an age greater than 16 years, and histological evidence of a soft tissue sarcoma excluding gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). Items collected were: epidemiological, clinical, histological, radiological, and therapeutic. These are 232 cases, 120 Men and 112 Women, the mean age was 48.89 years (Extreme = 18 - 76 years). The tumor was localized to the extremities at (58.72%). The predominant histological type was Leiomyosarcoma in 61 cases (26.29%). The tumor stage was localized in (17.67%) of cases, locally advanced in 34.05% and metastatic in 44.08% of patients, all localized cases were treated surgically including (84%) conservative surgery and (16%) radical surgery. Radiation therapy was performed in 32.75% of patients. Chemotherapy was performed in 74.14% of patients. Age and tumor stage are prognostic factors influencing the survival of soft tissue sarcomas.

Indication and surgical approach for reconstruction with endoprosthesis in bone-associated soft tissue sarcomas:Appropriate case management is vital

It is important for surgeons performing sarcoma surgery to know that bone resection and tumor prosthesis applications in soft tissue sarcomas(STS)have unique features in terms of indication,surgical approach and follow-up,in terms of the management of these cases.Some STS are associated with bone and major neurovascular structures.Bone-associated STS are generally relatively large and relatively deep-seated.Additionally,the tendency for metastasis is high.In some cases,the decision about which structures to resect is difficult.These cases are often accompanied by poor oncological and surgical outcomes.Management of cases should be done by a multidisciplinary team in advanced centers specialized in this field.The surgical team must have sufficient knowledge and experience in the field of limb-sparing surgery.Preoperative evaluation and especially good planning of bone and soft tissue reconstruction are vital.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of primary intracranial alveolar soft-part sarcoma: A case report

BACKGROUND Primary intracranial alveolar soft-part sarcoma(PIASPS)is a rare malignancy.We aimed to investigate the clinical profiles and outcomes for PIASPS.CASE SUMMARY We firstly reported five consecutive cases from our institute.Then,the cases from previous studies were pooled and analyzed to delineate the characteristics of this disease.Our cohort included two males and three females.The median age was 21-years-old(range:8-54-years-old).All the patients received surgical treatment.Gross total resection(GTR),radiotherapy,and chemotherapy were administered in 3 patients,4 patients,and 1 patient,respectively.After a median follow-up of 36 mo,tumor progression was noticed in 4 patients;and 3 patients died of the disease.Pooled data(n=14)contained 5 males and 9 females with a median age of 19 years.The log-rank tests showed that GTR(P=0.011)could prolong progression-free survival,and radiotherapy(P<0.001)resulted in longer overall survival.CONCLUSION Patients with PIASPS suffer from poor outcomes.Surgical treatment is the first choice,and GTR should be achieved when the tumor is feasible.Patients with PIASPS benefit from radiotherapy,which should be considered as a part of treatment therapies.

New trends in the surgical management of soft tissue sarcoma: The role of preoperative biopsy

Soft tissue sarcoma(STS)accounts for 1%of all malignant neoplasms in adults.Their diagnosis and management constitute a challenging target.They originate from the mesenchyme,and 50 subtypes with various cytogenetic profiles concerning soft tissue and bones have been recognized.These tumors mainly affect middle-aged adults but may be present at any age.Half of the patients have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis and require systemic therapy.Tumors above 3-5 cm in size must be suspected of potential malignancy.A thorough history,clinical examination and imaging that must precede biopsy are necessary.Modern imaging techniques include ultrasound,computed tomography(CT),new magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),and positron emission tomography/CT.MRI findings may distinguish low-grade from high-grade STS based on a diagnostic score(tumor heterogeneity,intratumoral and peritumoral enhancement).A score≥2 indicates a high-grade lesion,and a score≤1 indicates a lowgrade lesion.For disease staging,abdominal imaging is recommended to detect early abdominal or retroperitoneal metastases.Liquid biopsy by detecting genomic material in serum is a novel diagnostic tool.A preoperative biopsy is necessary for diagnosis,prognosis and optimal planning of surgical intervention.Core needle biopsy is the most indicative and effective.Its correct performance influences surgical management.An unsuccessful biopsy means the dissemination of cancer cells into healthy anatomical structures that ultimately affect resectability and survival.Complete therapeutic excision(R0)with an acceptable resection margin of 1 cm is the method of choice.However,near significant structures,i.e.,vessels,nerves,an R2 resection(macroscopic margin involvement)preserving functionality but having a risk of local recurrence can be an acceptable choice,after informing the patient,to prevent an unavoidable amputation.For borderline resectability of the tumor,neoadjuvant chemo/radiotherapy has a place.Likewise,after surgical excision,adjuvant therapy is indicated,but chemotherapy in nonmetastatic disease is still debatable.The five-year survival rate reaches up to 55%.Reresection is considered after positive or uncertain resection margins.Current strategies are based on novel chemotherapeutic agents,improved radiotherapy applications to limit local side effects and targeted biological therapy or immunotherapy,including vaccines.Young age is a risk factor for distant metastasis within 6 mo following primary tumor resection.Neoadjuvant radiotherapy lasting 5-6 wk and surgical resection are indicated for highgrade STS(grade 2 or 3).Wide surgical excision alone may be acceptable for patients older than 70 years.However,locally advanced disease requires a multidisciplinary task of decision-making for amputation or limb salvage.

Clear cell sarcoma metastasizing to the pancreas

In this editorial based on a case report,we delve into a seldom-seen occurrence of clear cell sarcoma featuring pancreatic metastasis in a 47-year-old male patient.Recognized for its typical tendency to metastasize to the lungs,bones,and brain,clear cell sarcoma rarely extends its reach to the pancreas.Despite the initial absence of discernible abnormalities during the patient's physical examination,the manifestation of abdominal pain prompted further investigation.Subsequent abdominal computed tomography brought to light the presence of a pancreatic tumor,culminating in the definitive diagnosis of clear cell sarcoma with pancreatic metastasis.The successful management of this atypical presentation involved a series of surgical interventions,including distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy.This report not only sheds light on the infrequent manifestation of clear cell sarcoma within the pancreas but also underscores the pivotal role of vigilant postoperative follow-up in addressing this rare sarcoma.The emphasis on postoperative care serves as a crucial aspect of the broader narrative,acknowledging the need for ongoing monitoring and management to ensure a comprehensive and successful treatment trajectory for patients with this unique presentation of clear cell sarcoma.

Undifferentiated high-grade pleomorphic sarcoma of the common bile duct:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma(UPS)is a rare malignant mesenchymal tumor with a poor prognosis.It mainly occurs in the extremities,trunk,head and neck,and retroperitoneum regions.Owing to the lack of specific clinical manifestations and imaging features,UPS diagnosis mainly depends on pathological and immunohistochemical examinations for exclusive diagnosis.Here we report an extremely rare case of high-grade UPS in the common bile duct(CBD).There are limited available data on such cases.CASE SUMMARY A 70-year-old woman was admitted to our department with yellow eyes and urine accompanied by upper abdominal distending pain for 2 wk.Her laboratory data suggested significantly elevated hepatorenal function levels.The imaging data revealed calculous cholecystitis,intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct dilation with extrahepatic bile duct calculi,and a space-occupying lesion at the distal CBD.After endoscopic biliary stenting and symptomatic support therapy,CBD exploration and biopsy were performed.The frozen section indicated malignant spindle cell tumor of the CBD mass,and further radical pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed.Finally,the neoplasm was diagnosed as a high-grade UPS combined with the light-microscopic morphology and immunohistochemical results.CONCLUSION This extremely rare case highlighted the need for increasing physicians'vigilance,reducing the odds of misdiagnosis,and providing appropriate treatment strategies.

Clear cell sarcoma of the pancreas,an unusual cancer with unusual metastatic site or unusual primary site?

Clear cell sarcoma(CCS)is a type of malignant tumor that can arise from tendons and aponeuroses.This malignant proliferation of cells with melanocytic lineage normally occurs in young patients,and it is normally identified in extremities.However,different sites including gastrointestinal organs are also described.Due difficulties in the molecular and histopathology evaluation,the diagnosis is often confused with malignant melanoma.Most cases are treated with surgical resection,but overall,the prognosis is poor.In this editorial,we will discuss a very interesting case of CCS identified in the pancreas.We will discuss the literature and controversies in the management of this type of cancer.Furthermore,we will address molecular strategies to be incorporated in those cases to better understand the primary location of the tumor.Finally,future perspectives of the field and new strategies of treatment will be described.

Adjuvant therapy for orbital non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma:comparison of long-term outcome between radiotherapy and chemotherapy

AIM:To illustrate clinicopathological features of orbital non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma(NRSTS),and to compare the treatment outcome between postoperative radiotherapy(RT) and chemotherapy in a retrospective analysis nearly 20y.METHODS:A retrospective cohort study of 56 patients with orbital NRSTS were reviewed,34 of whom received postoperative RT,and 22 received postoperative chemotherapy.The clinicopathological features,local recurrence,metastases,and survival data were recorded.Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method.RESULTS:During follow-up(111.8mo,ranged 8-233mo) for 56 patients,19 patients of them developed local recurrence,and 7 patients developed distant metastases.Fifteen patients died during follow-up period.Overall survival rates considering the whole study group was 78.57% at 5y,and 72.16% at 10y after the initial diagnosis.Compared with chemotherapy,RT was associated with lower risk of local recurrence [hazard ratio for RT vs chemotherapy,0.263,95% confidence interval(CI),0.095-0.728,P=0.0015];with lower risk of distant metastasis(hazard ratio for RT vs chemotherapy,0.073,95%CI,0.015-0.364,P=0.0014);and with lower risk of death from disease(hazard ratio for RT vs chemotherapy,0.066,95%CI,0.022-0.200,P<0.0001).The 5-year survival rate in RT group was 97.06% compared to 50% in chemotherapy group.CONCLUSION:In patients with orbital NRSTS,postoperative RT provides better control of local recurrence,distant metastasis,and death from disease than chemotherapy.RT is the more preferrable adjuvant therapy compared to chemotherapy possibly.

Alveolar Soft Tissue Sarcoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Soft alveolar sarcoma is a rare tumor (0.5% to 1% of soft-tissue sarcomas) of poor prognosis that often affects the young subject, with a moderate male predominance. The authors present the diagnostic and therapeutic course of a 60-year-old patient from Niger with no particular previous history, consulted for a painless swelling of the right arm evolving for 6 months, in which the diagnosis of alveolar sarcoma of the soft parts of the arm was selected. A monobloc surgical excision decision was made, with the anatomy and function of the limb retained, with the filling of the area resected with cement and fixed by a locked nail. A conventional three-course chemotherapy regimen was instituted. Alveolar sarcoma of the soft tissues is a rare tumor whose imagery remains unclear, but the diagnosis is based on surgical excision with histopathological examination and immunohistochemical analysis.

Current management of pediatric soft tissue sarcomas

Pediatric soft tissue sarcomas are a group of malignant neoplasms arising within embryonic mesenchymal tissues during the process of differentiation into muscle, fascia and fat. The tumors have a biphasic peak for age of incidence. Rhabdomyosarcoma(RMS) is diagnosed more frequently in younger children, whereas adult-type non-RMS soft tissue sarcoma is predominately observed in adolescents. The latter group comprises a variety of rare tumors for which diagnosis can be difficult and typically requires special studies, including immunohistochemistry and molecular genetic analysis. Current management for the majority of pediatric sarcomas is based on the data from large multi-institutional trials, which has led to great improvements in outcomes over recent decades. Although surgery remains the mainstay of treatment, the curative aim cannot be achieved without adjuvant treatment. Pre-treatment staging and risk classification are of prime importance in selecting an effective treatment protocol. Tumor resectability, the response to induction chemotherapy, and radiation generally determine the risk-group, and these factors are functions of tumor site, size and biology. Surgery provides the best choice of local control of small resectable tumors in a favorable site. Radiation therapy is added when surgery leaves residual disease or there is evidence of regional spread. Chemotherapy aims to reduce the risk of relapse and improve overall survival. In addition, upfront chemotherapy reduces the aggressiveness of the required surgery and helps preserve organ function in a number of cases. Long-term survival in low-risk sarcomas is feasible, and the intensity of treatment can be reduced. In high-risk sarcoma, current research is allowing more effective disease control.

The Importance of the Multidisciplinary Approach to Surgical Treatment of Extremity Soft-Tissue Sarcomas

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare neoplasm with frequencies around 1% of all neoplasms. Although it consists of a high heterogeneous group of tumors, surgery is the mean treatment. The STS surgery is still challenging and complex procedure is usually required: this is because STS requires different types of resection and reconstruction due to various tissue-commitments (nerve, arteries, skin and muscle). So, a multidisciplinary team must be prepared for STS approach to obtain the maximum local control and a limited extremity functional impairment. We, here, showing our experience, wish to introduce some technical contrivances in STS surgery, with special reference to tissue reconstruction. This may illustrate the necessity of a multidisciplinary team approach in this surgery.

Incidence, distribution of histological subtypes and primary sites of soft tissue sarcoma in China

Objective: Soft tissue sarcomas(STSs) are rare malignancies deriving from mesenchyme.In this study, we reported the epidemiology of STS in China using population-based cancer registry data.Methods: In 2017, qualified data from 339 cancer registries were included in the national database.All STS cases were retrieved based on the morphological and topographical codes of International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, and were categorized into different histological subtypes and primary sites accordingly.Nationwide new STS cases were estimated using incidence rate of STS and the national population, and were reported for gastrointestinal stromal tumor(GIST) and STSs other than GIST separately by sex and region.Distribution of histological subtypes and primary sites of STS were calculated, as well as primary sites of GIST.Results: Approximately 39,900 new STS cases occurred nationwide in China in 2014, accounting for 1.05% of overall cancer incidence.The crude incidence rate was 2.91/100,000 and generally increased with age.An overall female predilection was found.GIST was the most common histological subtype, followed by nerve sheath tumor and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor,leiomyosarcoma, liposarcoma, and fibrosarcoma.About 67.5% of GIST occurred in stomach while 1.4% were recorded outside the gastrointestinal tract.Connective, subcutaneous and other soft tissues were the most common primary site, of which extremities were the major subsite.Conclusions: The burden of STS is not serious in China relatively.However, due to their histological and topographical complexity, STSs should not be unnoticed, and more basic and clinical studies should focus on STSs.

LAG-3 expression on tumor-infiltrating T cells in soft tissue sarcoma correlates with poor survival

Objective: To elucidate the role and prognostic significance of lymphocyte activation-gene-3(LAG-3) in soft tissue sarcoma(STS).Methods: The expression of LAG-3 in patient and matched normal blood samples was analyzed by flow cytometry. The localization and prognostic values of LAG-3^+ cells in 163 STS patients were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. In addition, the expression of tumor-infiltrating CD3^+ T, CD4^+ T, and CD8^+ T cells and their role in the prognosis of STS were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The effect of LAG-3 blockade was evaluated in an immunocompetent MCA205 fibrosarcoma mouse model.Results: Peripheral CD8^+ and CD4^+ T cells from STS patients expressed higher levels of LAG-3 than those from healthy donors.LAG-3 expression in STS was significantly associated with a poor clinical outcome(P = 0.038) and was correlated with high pathological grade(P < 0.001), advanced tumor stage(P = 0.016). Additionally, LAG-3 expression was highly correlated with CD8^+ T-cell infiltration(r = 0.7034, P < 0.001). LAG-3 was expressed in murine tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and its blockade decreased tumor growth and enhanced secretion of interferon-gamma by CD8^+ and CD4^+ T cells.Conclusions: LAG-3 blockade may be a promising strategy to improve the effects of targeted therapy in STS.

HIGH DOSE IFOSFAMIDE, DOXORUBICIN, DACARBAZINE AND G-CSF FOR PATIENTS WITH METASTATIC OR LOCALLYADVANCED SOFT TISSUE SARCOMA

Objective: A pilot study to test the feasibility and efficacy of high dose IFO and standard dose ADR and DTIC with G-CSF support in treatment of advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS). Methods: 35 patients of no prior chemotherapy with metastatic or locally advanced unresectable STS were treated by this regimen, including 18 rhabdomyosarcomas, 7 malignant fibrous histiocytomas, 2 neurofibrosarcomas, 2 fibrosarcomas, 2 leiomyosarcomas, 2 synoviosarcomas, and 2 malignant hemangiopericytomas. IFO dose was 2 g/m2 on day 1–5 (with mesna uroprotection), ADR 50mg/m2 on day 1 and DTIC 250 mg/m2 on day 1–5. G-CSF (2 μg/kg/d) was administered on day 6 to 15 or until recovery of leukocytes account. The cycles were repeated every 3 weeks. Result: There were five complete responses (CR including pathologic CR) and eleven partial responses for overall 46% objective response rate. Most responses were observed within two cycles. The median survival was 15 months. Following CR, two patients remain disease free at 45 and 28 months, respectively. 6/120 (5%) cycles were complicated by grade IV neutropenia, 46/120 (38%) cycles had grade III neutropenia. No patients had treatment-related deaths. Nonhematologic toxicity consisted predominantly of anorexia and vomiting. No other severe toxicities were seen, especially no severe cardiotoxicity. Conclusion: This regimen is well tolerated and has substantial benefits for patients with advanced soft tissue sarcomas.

Multidisciplinary treatment of soft tissue sarcomas:An update

Standard treatment for soft tissue sarcoma,based on complete surgical resection with or without adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy,has not substantially changed during the last several decades.Nevertheless,recent advances have contributed to considerable improvement in the management of these patients;for example,new magnetic resonance imaging sequences such as diffusionweighted imaging and magnetic resonance imaging radiomics can better assess tumor extension and even estimate its grade.Detection of circulating genetic material(liquid biopsy)and next-generation sequencing are powerful techniques for genetic analysis,which will increase our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms and may reveal potential therapeutic targets.The role of chemotherapy in non-metastatic disease is still controversial,and there is a need to identify patients who really benefit from this treatment.Novel chemotherapeutic regimens have entered clinical praxis and can change the outcome of patients with metastatic disease.Advances in radiotherapy have helped decrease local adverse effects and sustain good local control of the disease.The following report provides an updated view of the diagnosis,treatment,and future perspectives on the management of patients with soft tissue sarcomas.

Primary clear cell sarcoma of soft tissue in the posterior cervical spine invading the medulla oblongata:A case report

BACKGROUND Clear cell sarcoma(CCS)is a rare and highly malignant soft tissue tumor,usually occurring in the deep soft tissues of the distal tendons and aponeurosis of the extremities,especially the feet and knees.CCS originating in the head and neck is extremely rare.The clinical manifestations of CCS in the head and neck are not typical,and the imaging manifestations have certain characteristics,but the diagnosis still depends on pathological examination and genetic testing.CASE SUMMARY A 33-year-old male patient had paroxysmal headache for more than 4 years,accompanied by nausea and vomiting,which could be relieved after rest.Computed tomography angiography showed a left paraspinal soft tissue mass.Contrast-enhanced imaging showed obvious uneven enhancement with adjacent bone lytic destruction.Magnetic resonance imaging examination showed isosignal on T_(1)-weighted images,slightly high signal on T_(2)-weighted images(T_(2)WI),high signal on Tirm fat suppression sequence,significantly high signal on diffusion weighted imaging,and obvious and uneven enhancement.The lesion invaded the anterior medulla oblongata through the left atlantoaxial foramen and compressed the cervical spinal cord on T_(2)WI.Primary CCS of soft tissue was diagnosed by pathology and genetic examination.CONCLUSION CCS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue tumors of the head and neck,and their diagnosis depends on pathological examination and genetic testing.