Benign retroperitoneal tumors (BRT) represent a rare group of heterogeneous diseases. The literature lacks high-quality evidence about the optimal management of BRT, and most of the information... Show moreBenign retroperitoneal tumors (BRT) represent a rare group of heterogeneous diseases. The literature lacks high-quality evidence about the optimal management of BRT, and most of the information available takes the form of case reports or case series. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of current management strategies for adult patients with BRT.A literature search using PubMed indexed articles was conducted and BRT were classified into five different biological subgroups: 1) lipomatous tumors, 2) smooth muscle tumors, 3) peripheral nerve sheath tumors, 4) myofibroblastic tumors, and 5) others. Tumors that are primarily pelvic in origin were excluded.Despite the significant heterogeneity of the disease, several generic considerations have emerged and can be applied to the management of BRT. Specifically, the risk of misdiagnosing a BRT with another pathology such as retroperitoneal sarcoma is notable. When encountered, suspected BRT should therefore be referred to a specialized sarcoma center. Multidisciplinary tumor boards, present at these centers, have a pivotal role in managing BRT. The decision of whether to offer surgery, nonsurgical treatment or a "watch-and-wait" approach should be made after multidisciplinary discussion, depending on tumor histology. Moving forward, collaborative research efforts dedicated to BRT remain crucial in gathering evidence and knowledge to further optimize patient care. (c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd, BASO similar to The Association for Cancer Surgery, and the European Society of Surgical Oncology. All rights reserved. Show less
Background The role of F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (F-18-FDG PET/CT) in the evaluation of retroperitoneal sarcomas is poorly defined. We evaluated the... Show moreBackground The role of F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (F-18-FDG PET/CT) in the evaluation of retroperitoneal sarcomas is poorly defined. We evaluated the correlation of maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) with pathologic tumor grade in the surgical specimen of primary retroperitoneal dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS) and leiomyosarcoma (LMS).Methods Patients with the above histological subtypes in three participating institutions with preoperative F-18-FDG PET/CT scan and histopathological specimen available for review were included. The association between SUVmax and pathological grade was assessed. Correlation between SUVmax and relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were also studied.Results Of the total 58 patients, final pathological subtype was DDLPS in 44 (75.9%) patients and LMS in 14 (24.1%) patients. The mean SUVmax was 8.7 with a median 7.1 (range, 2.2-33.9). The tumors were graded I, II, III in 6 (10.3%), 35 (60.3%), and 17 (29.3%) patients, respectively. There was an association of higher histological grade with higher SUVmax (r(s) = 0.40, p = .002). Increasing SUVmax was associated with worse RFS (p = .003) and OS (p = .003).Conclusion There is a correlation between SUVmax and pathologic tumor grade; increasing SUVmax was associated with worse OS and RFS, providing a preoperative noninvasive surrogate marker of tumor grade and biological behavior. Show less
Background Primary mesenteric soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare and limited evidence is available to inform management. Surgical resection is challenging due to the proximity of vital structures... Show moreBackground Primary mesenteric soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare and limited evidence is available to inform management. Surgical resection is challenging due to the proximity of vital structures and a need to preserve enteric function.Objectives To determine the overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) for patients undergoing primary resection for mesenteric STS.Methods The Trans-Atlantic Australasian Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Working Group (TARPSWG) is an intercontinental collaborative comprising specialist sarcoma centers. Data were collected retrospectively for all patients with mesenteric STS undergoing primary resection between 2000 and 2019.Results Fifty-six cases from 15 institutions were included. The spectrum of pathology was similar to the retroperitoneum, although of a higher grade. R0/R1 resection was achieved in 87%. Median OS was 56 months. OS was significantly shorter in higher-grade tumors (p = .018) and extensive resection (p < .001). No significant association between OS and resection margin or tumor size was detected. Rates of local recurrence (LR) and distant metastases (DM) at 5 years were 60% and 41%, respectively. Liver metastases were common (60%), reflecting portal drainage of the mesentery.Conclusion Primary mesenteric sarcoma is rare, with a modest survival rate. LR and DM are frequent events. Liver metastases are common, highlighting the need for surveillance imaging. Show less