Progresses in musculoskeletal oncology and future perspectives

Sarcomas represent less than 1% of adult cancers and they account for approximately 21% of pediatric malignancies. The heterogeneity of these tumors results in variable responses to generalized therapeutic strategies. In the last four decades, significant advances in the treatment of patients with bone and soft tissue sarcomas have been made. Historically, the prognosis of these patients was poor due to the aggressiveness of tumors and their ability to reach large volume, resulting in substantial deformities and disabilities. Since the advent of chemotherapy (adjuvant and neo-adjuvant protocols), the curves of survival changed dramatically. On the other hand, concurrently advances in surgical management, in imaging and diagnostic techniques, and both local and systemic adjuvant treatments, have determined a significant improvement of limb sparing surgery as successful treatment with a meaningful quality of life.