Wound complication rates lower in sarcoma patients at academic centers

Lower rates of wound complication after preoperative radiation therapy in patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS) were found when it was performed at an experienced sarcoma center compared to in community cancer centers, according to a study.

In this study, 204 patients with STS received preoperative RT plus chemotherapy followed by limb-sparing resection, with 150 of these patients receiving treatment at an academic sarcoma center.

Overall, 28.3% of patients experienced wound complications. Tumor location and radiation delivered at a community hospital were significant predictors for wound complications.

The postoperative incidence of wound complication was 21% and 39% when the preoperative RT was performed at an academic cancer center and a community cancer center, respectively.

On multivariate analysis, tumor location and RT at a community cancer center remained significant in correlation with postoperative wound complications.

Reference
Ellison C, King DM, Neilson JC, et al. Preoperative Radiation Performed at a Nonsarcoma Center May Lead to Increased Wound Complications Following Resection in Patients With Soft Tissue Sarcomas. Am J Clin Oncol. 2021;doi: 10.1097/COC.0000000000000870. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34753886.