Genomic characteristics of soft tissue sarcomas

Abstract

Studies on the molecular mechanisms behind soft tissue sarcoma development have disclosed that these malignancies are as genetically heterogeneous as they are clinically and morphologically diverse. Much of the genetic information on soft tissue sarcomas is still limited to the genomic level, as detected by chromosome banding analysis or comparative genomic hybridization. Based on the results of such studies, soft tissue sarcomas may be broadly dichotomized into one group, accounting for approximately 20% of the cases, characterized by specific balanced translocations, and one group typically showing massive chromosomal rearrangements leading to recurrent, but non-specific, structural and numerical rearrangements. As summarized in this review, the genomic characterization of soft tissue sarcomas has not only provided cell biologists with decisive information on the parts of the genome that may harbor genes that are essential for tumor development but also given the clinicians involved in the management of these patients a valuable diagnostic tool.