Experimental approaches to treatment of soft tissue sarcoma.
The experimental approaches described in this article represent potential new approaches for targeted therapy. Thus far, none of the preclinical data have demonstrated a cure for sarcomas; however, the antitumor effects of many of these new agents seem to be enhanced when the agents are combined with chemotherapeutic agents. The combination of novel therapeutics with conventional chemotherapy may be the most effective strategy in terms of maximization of tumor killing and minimization of toxicity and the risk of drug resistance. Not only are new drugs being developed for treatment of sarcomas but new ways of delivering drugs are also being investigated. The angiogenic, or metronomic, schedule of drug delivery may be preferable to conventional schedules in achieving optimal tumor inhibition. In addition, isolated limb perfusion is a unique approach to delivery of drugs, such as TNF and melphalan, for sarcomas and melanomas [137, 138]. The advantages of this method of drug delivery include the ability to administer therapeutic agents in high concentrations to a specific region of the body without systemic toxicity. Further advances in the understanding of the biology of sarcomas along with novel approaches to delivery of drugs are crucial to the development of new and effective therapies.
Hwang
Rosa F
RF
Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Box 444, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Hunt
Kelly K
KK
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D035703:Therapies, Investigational / Q000379:methods; D014178:Translocation, Genetic
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents