HEPATIC METASTASES FROM SOFT-TISSUE SARCOMA

Objective Hepatic metastases from soft-tissue sarcoma are evaluated to define treatment and its limitations. Methods From 981 adult patients with diagnoses of soft-tissue sarcoma, 65 patients with hepatic metas tases were studied. Results An intra-abdominal primary site was presen t in 61 of 65 patients, with 85% high-grade leiomyosarcoma. Hepatic re section was performed in 14 patients (22%). All patients have had recu rrences after hepatic resection-11 of 14 in the liver-with a median su rvival of 30 months. Chemotherapy resulted in partial response in thre e patients and no complete responses. Survival is not influenced by gr ade, type, primary site, disease-free interval, chemotherapy, or hepat ic resection. Conclusions The uncommon response to conventional chemot herapy does not support its use in the treatment of hepatic metastases from soft-tissue sarcoma. Extent of disease limits the application an d success of hepatic resection for soft-tissue sarcoma, and anything l ess than complete resection is not indicated.