Dr. Martin-Broto on the Current First-Line Treatment of Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Javier Martin-Broto, MD, PhD, medical oncologist, the University Hospital, leader, Villalba General Hospital, discusses the current treatment landscape in the first-line setting for soft tissue sarcomas.

The first-line treatment for patients with soft tissue sarcomas remains doxorubicin alone or in combination with ifosfamide (Ifex), and dacarbazine can be added for patients with leiomyosarcoma, Martin-Broto says. Though new treatments have emerged for the second line and beyond, an unmet need remains in the first-line setting, Martin-Broto explains.

A few targeted therapies have been developed for some soft tissue sarcomas; however, due to the vast number of subtypes of sarcoma, current targeted therapies may only be applicable for around 15% of all patients with soft tissue sarcomas, Martin-Broto continues.

Investigators are evaluating targeted therapies or synergistic combinations with chemotherapy to provide other first-line treatment options for more patients with soft tissue sarcoma, Martin-Broto adds. Correlative studies and prospective trials are required to deliver meaningful improvement to the first-line standard of care in soft tissue sarcoma, Martin-Broto concludes.