Epithelioid sarcoma: the University of Washington experience.

BACKGROUND: Epithelioid sarcoma is a rare sarcoma with a high local recurrence rate that frequently metastasizes to lymph nodes. We reviewed our experience with adjuvant therapy in patients with this disease.

METHODS: Between 1990 and 2003, we treated 11 patients with epithelioid sarcoma. Patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics were analyzed, and effect of treatment on survival was evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS: Nine men and 2 women were treated. Tumors presented on the trunk, the upper extremities, and the lower extremities. Five patients developed nodal disease. All patients underwent surgery for the primary tumor, and 7 patients had nodal evaluation. Ten patients underwent adjuvant chemotherapy, and 9 underwent radiotherapy. Recurrence developed in 9 patients. Five-year disease-free and overall survival rates were 46% and 65%, respectively. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy did not impact disease-free survival.

CONCLUSIONS: Although surgery remains the primary treatment modality, multi-institutional trials are needed to develop more effective adjuvant therapy for patients with epithelioid sarcoma.