title: New drugs in sarcomas.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Adult sarcomas are rare tumors characterized, in general, by their poor prognosis and the paucity of effective treatments. However, the deeper understanding of their underlying molecular pathology, signaling pathways and key effectors has permitted the development of a number of drugs able to inhibit important processes in sarcoma pathogenesis. Some of these novel compounds have been assessed in clinical trials with successful results.
  
  
  METHODS
  The latest reported trials are comprehensively reviewed. Thus, the Phase III studies with pazopanib, regorafenib, muramyl tripeptide (MTP) and ridaforolimus are extensively discussed as well as the biological rationale for the use of these compounds. In addition, the most promising drugs that still are in earlier stages of development such as CDK4 and MDM2 inhibitors, cediranib, eribulin and crizotinib are also discussed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is crucial for the correct identification of active drugs in sarcomas that new clinical trials are focused on specific subtypes and/or molecular alterations. The results of these studies should improve the prognosis of the patients affected by sarcoma in forthcoming years.
authors.affiliation: The Royal Marsden Hospital, Sarcoma Unit , Fulham Road SW3 6JJ, London , UK +44 20 7808 2200 ; +44 20 7808 2113 ; juan.martin@rmh.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: Juan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Martin-Liberal
authors.forename: Charlotte
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Benson
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Judson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D015195:Drug Design; D006801:Humans; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents