Sarcoma Pulmonary Metastatic Disease: Still a Chance for Cure

Abstract

Tumors of soft tissue origin are not common but are increasing in incidence. Given the rare and heterogeneous nature of the disease, deciding on an effective treatment approach to the patient can be challenging. Approximately 20-50% of patients with sarcoma will develop metastases to the lung via hematogenous spread. Despite improvements in systemic therapy options for patients with metastatic disease to the lung, surgical resection of metastases is often the preferred option in patients who are safe surgical candidates. Clearance of metastatic disease with surgical resection has been proven to be cost-effective and can improve chances for long term survival. Deciding on who may benefit from surgical resection is best achieved in a multidisciplinary setting.

Keywords: Metastasectomy; Pulmonary metastases; Pulmonary resection; Soft tissue sarcoma; Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).