Indication for neoadjuvant chemotherapy in adult patients with high-risk soft-tissue sarcomas

9578 Background: To determine the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for local tumour control and overall survival in patients with high-risk soft-tissue sarcomas (tumour size ≥ 5 cm, G II/III, extracompartimental and deep localisation) we have analyzed the clinical outcome in 25 patients. Methods: Patients with high-risk soft-tissue sarcomas were treated with four cycles of etoposide 125 mg/m2/day 1+4, ifosfamide 1500 mg/m2/day 1–4 and doxorubicin 50 mg/m2/day 1 (EIA regimen) followed by definitive surgery with or without postoperative radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy. 21 patients received chemotherapy in a combined neoadjuvant/adjuvant clinical setting; eighteen of them completed adjuvant chemotherapy. Four patients received chemotherapy in an adjuvant setting only. Results: The objective response rate of neoadjuvant chemotherapy assessable in 21 patients was 43%. Including NED (n = 7) and partial remissions (n = 3), the radiographic response rate was 47.6% with additional 42.9% stable diseases (n = 9). Surgery was performed in two patients before completing the four neoadjuvant chemotherapy cycles because of disease progression. Median overall survival for all patients from the time of first diagnosis was 21.6+ months [range: 8 - 50] and from the start of treatment 20.5+ months [range: 8 - 49]; median progression-free survival after start of treatment was 18.6+ months [range: 1 - 49]. After completion of chemotherapy, R0-resection could be performed in 13 of 21 patients (60%). At completion of entire treatment, 21 of 25 patients (84%) had NED after R0- and R1-resection. Two patients showed no disease progression after R2-resection and are alive with disease (AWD) 21 and 18 months after start of treatment. Two patients died of disease (DOD) ten and eight months after first diagnosis due to metastases. Conclusions: The high proportion of R0-resections supports the idea of a tumour downstaging after neoadjuvant treatment. Our data support the hypothesis that neoadjuvant chemotherapy might be beneficial as an integral part in the treatment strategy of high-risk soft-tissue sarcoma patients. No significant financial relationships to disclose.