Articles related to SARCOMA

A medical student’s journey through misdiagnosis and treatment of a rare soft tissue sarcoma reveals critical gaps in patient care and decision-making processes.

Dedifferentiated liposarcoma, a malignancy with significant metastatic potential, requires precise diagnosis through MRI, PET scans, and genetic testing. MDM2 and CDK4 are pivotal markers for distinguishing DDL from other sarcomas.

The recent uncovering of KSHV’s method of commandeering cell metabolism for cancer progression not only highlights a novel therapeutic target but also emphasizes the need for vigilant monitoring in immunocompromised patients, where such viral activations are more likely to precipitate aggressive cancers.

The recent phase 2 study on atezolizumab shows promising results in inducing sustained responses in advanced ASPS patients.

Meaningful advances in sarcoma treatment have been painfully slow. Modern immunotherapy may change that. The article referenced by this editorial reports the results of CMB305 plus atezolizumab or atezolizumab alone in patients with NY-ESO-1–expressing synovial or myxoid round cell liposarcoma. The relevance of this study furthers the data using novel immunotherapeutic strategies, which generate B- and T-cell responses for two rare sarcomas that can serve as a foundation for future trials.

The finding of a soft tissue mass on the trunk or limbs can be the source of anxiety and distress for patients, and a diagnostic challenge for physicians. In most cases the masses are benign. But when the mass is soft tissue sarcoma, the benefit of skilled early detection by the astute primary care clinician is enormous.