Rare neoplasm of genito-urinary tract. Genito-urinary sarcomas: chemotherapy

Abstract

Purpose of review: The purpose of this article was to describe the systemic therapy of genito-urinary sarcomas.

Recent findings: High rate of distant metastasis and high mortality rate has brought interest into the development of new therapeutic approaches. Various modules of chemotherapy were sampled in sarcoma treatment, although clinical response is still unsatisfactory. Chemotherapy in sarcomas can be used as neoadjuvant or adjuvant to the surgery. There is no consensus on the current role of adjuvant chemotherapy. Study results are conflicting; therefore, conclusions drawn from the studies are uncertain. In general, the adjuvant chemotherapy is not standard treatment in adult-type sarcomas. In addition, chemotherapy for advanced and metastatic sarcoma disease, as well as second-line chemotherapy, was discussed.

Summary: The best treatment for sarcomas in case of organ-confined disease and in selected cases of locally advanced disease seems to be surgery followed by chemotherapy. In case of metastasis stage of sarcoma, preoperative chemotherapy with surgery of residual masses should be considered as first-line treatment followed by postoperative chemotherapy. The treatment of patient with highly advanced disease and/or unresectable metastases should be individualized (chemotherapy, radiotherapy and best supportive care).