Radiation-Associated Sarcomas: An Update on Clinical, Histologic, and Molecular Features

Abstract

Approximately half of all cancer patients receive radiation therapy as part of their oncologic treatment. Radiation-associated sarcomas occur in fewer than 1% of patients who receive radiation therapy but account for up to 5% of all sarcomas. As the use of radiation has increased in the past few decades and overall oncologic outcomes are improving, the incidence of radiation-associated sarcomas is also expected to increase. Historically, radiation-associated sarcomas have been associated with poor outcomes but recent data suggest the prognosis is improving. Distinguishing the sarcoma from the primary malignancy is a major diagnostic criterion.

Keywords: Immunohistochemistry; Molecular genetics; Radiation; Radiation-associated; Sarcoma; Secondary malignancy; Soft tissue; Tumor.