From the Research
Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment for primary liver sarcoma and offers the best chance for long-term survival, with a 5-year overall survival rate of 47.9% for localized disease, as reported in the most recent study 1. The prognosis for primary liver sarcoma is generally poor, with 5-year survival rates ranging from 15-30%, largely due to late diagnosis and the aggressive nature of these tumors.
- The most common types of primary liver sarcoma include angiosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, and undifferentiated sarcoma.
- Diagnosis typically requires imaging studies such as CT scans or MRI, followed by biopsy for definitive confirmation.
- Treatment generally involves surgical resection when possible, as this offers the best chance for long-term survival.
- For unresectable tumors, a multimodal approach including chemotherapy regimens (such as doxorubicin and ifosfamide), radiation therapy, and targeted therapies may be employed.
- Early detection and complete surgical resection with negative margins provide the best outcomes.
- Patients should be managed by a multidisciplinary team including hepatobiliary surgeons, oncologists, and interventional radiologists to determine the optimal treatment strategy based on tumor type, size, location, and patient factors.
- Histology, degree of differentiation, and R0 resection are positive prognostic factors, as mentioned in previous studies 2, 3, 4.
- Liver transplantation is not a recommended treatment option for primary liver sarcoma due to high recurrence rates and poor survival outcomes, as reported in a study from 2006 5.