Study finds limited impact of biopsy type on sarcoma surgical outcomes

Although core needle biopsy (CNB) has become the more common biopsy modality for sarcoma diagnosis in most countries, open biopsy (OB) remains more prevalent in the United States and Canada, according to a study that found patients undergoing OB had longer operative times, more tissue excised, and lower rates of primary closure compared to those undergoing CNB.

However, the choice of biopsy type did not have a significant impact on infection rates or long-term oncological outcomes, including local recurrence, at the 1-year follow-up.

Therefore, both biopsy methods are considered viable options for sarcoma diagnosis, and clinicians can choose between them based on patient-specific factors and institutional practices.

The research highlights that CNB has become the predominant biopsy technique in most countries, possibly due to its less invasive nature and shorter operative times. Open biopsy remains a more common choice in the U.S. and Canada, likely reflecting variations in clinical practices.

The findings suggest that while the type of biopsy does impact certain aspects of the surgical procedure, it does not substantially affect infection risk or long-term oncological outcomes. Both biopsy methods appear to be viable options for sarcoma diagnosis, and clinicians can make their choices based on patient-specific factors and institutional preferences.

Reference
Burke ZDC, Lazarides AL, Gundavda MK, et al; PARITY Investigators. Open Versus Core Needle Biopsy in Lower-Extremity Sarcoma: Current Practice Patterns and Patient Outcomes. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2023;105(Suppl 1):57-64. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.22.01259. Epub 2023 Jul 19. PMID: 37466581.