Medical management of soft tissue sarcomas.

Soft tissue sarcomas are mesenchymal tumors arising from connective tissue elements. They generally are grouped together based on a relatively common biologic behavior. A multimodality team approach, combining the expertise of a radiation oncologist for external beam treatments and a surgical oncologist skilled in the approach to sarcomas, is critical to optimal clinical outcome. Many patients have a poor prognosis, however, because their tumor is inoperable, has metastasized early in the course of disease, or has developed local recurrence despite attempts at local control. This article reviews the activities of single cytotoxic agents and combination chemotherapy regimens for soft tissue sarcomas.