title: The importance of a multidisciplinary group in the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas.
abstract: In 1987, a multidisciplinary soft tissue sarcoma (STS) group was established and a treatment protocol was set up. By 1993, there were 193 patients with a diagnosis of STS of the superficial trunk or extremities. 134 patients were referred with primary (stage M0) tumours and treated with curative or palliative intention. Nine amputations were performed. 94 (70%) patients were treated with wide or compartment surgery (n = 62) or marginal surgery combined with postoperative radiotherapy (n = 32). According to the protocol, these patients had received adequate treatment. 18 patients have recurred locally (13%) (median follow-up: 36 months). 12 were salvaged. 33 had metastases. The estimated 3-year survival, local control and disease-free survival rates are 79, 87 and 69%, respectively. These results compare favourably with previously published results from this hospital and from a nationwide study. The improved results emphasise the importance of a multidisciplinary STS group.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Helsinki University Hospital, Finland.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wiklund
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Huuhtanen
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Blomqvist
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tukiainen
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Virolainen
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Virkkunen
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Asko-Seljavaara
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Björkenheim
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Elomaa
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D010348:Patient Care Team; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome