title: The follow-up of adult soft-tissue sarcomas.
abstract: Soft-tissue sarcomas are a rare and heterogeneous group of diseases with variable biology and pattern of metastases. These characteristics make it challenging to conduct large, randomized studies that could be used to generate evidence-based guidelines for unique subsets. Much of the data summarized here therefore represents standard practice based on the consensus of a group of experienced specialists and retrospective analysis of large databases. A surveillance guideline should be based on known prognostic factors, outcomes in individual subsets, and patterns of recurrence. It has to be practical and relatively cost-effective. The major goals of such an algorithm for soft-tissue sarcomas would be early identification of potentially curable recurrences, identification of therapy-related complications, and patient reassurance.
authors.affiliation: Sarcoma Center, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: Shreyaskumar R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: Gunar K
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Zagars
authors.forename: Peter W T
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Pisters
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000592:standards*; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000592:standards*; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000556:secondary*