Evaluation of Chest CT Versus Chest X-Ray for Lung Surveillance After Curative-Intent Resection of High-Risk Truncal-Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcoma

This phase III trial compares chest computed tomography (CT) to chest x-ray (CXR) for lung surveillance after curative-intent resection of high-risk truncal-extremity soft tissue sarcoma. Currently, complete oncologic resection (with or without radiation therapy) is the standard of care for most high-risk soft tissue sarcoma that has not spread to other parts of the body (localized). However, despite curative-intent resection, 20-40% of patients will develop cancer that has spread from where it first started (primary site) to other places in the body (distant metastases), with the lungs being the most common site. Thus, lung surveillance is important for detection of lung metastases in order to facilitate timely treatment. Although there is general agreement about the usefulness of postoperative surveillance, consensus is lacking regarding the optimal modality for lung surveillance after curative-intent resection for high-risk soft tissue sarcoma. Current National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommend chest imaging with CT or CXR every 3-6 months for 2-3 years, then every 6 months for the next two years, and then annually after that for high-risk tumors. Data from across the United States and internationally indicate that there is considerable variation in clinical practice with regards to the use of CXR versus CT chest for lung surveillance. The information gained from this trial may allow researchers to determine the effectiveness of varying imaging modalities needed for optimal surveillance for patients with extremity or truncal soft tissue sarcoma.