Emerging treatments for sarcoma: from 2024 onward

Abstract

Introduction: Sarcomas are a rare and diverse group of mesenchymal-origin solid tumors, constituting only 1% of adult malignancies and classified into soft tissue and bone sarcomas. For localized diseases, surgery and radiotherapy remain the cornerstone treatments. However, systemic options for advanced stages are limited, with an overall survival of approximately 20 months. There is an urgent need to refine clinical trial designs and evaluate novel therapies to improve patient outcomes. Areas covered: This review summarizes recent advancements in sarcoma clinical trials, highlighting promising therapies that may reshape treatment paradigms. It also examines insights from comprehensive genomic profiling studies, which are paving the way for next-generation therapeutic approaches. Expert Opinion: The heterogeneity and rarity of sarcomas present substantial challenges to the development and regulatory approval of effective therapies. Recent progress in the field has introduced innovative approaches, including novel chemotherapeutic agents, targeted therapies, and immunotherapeutics. However, despite these advancements, significant hurdles persist. While these strategies have demonstrated some success, the overall improvements in survival have often been modest, irrespective of the therapeutic modality. This underscores critical concerns regarding the true cost–benefit balance and the potential for adverse effects, particularly when evaluated over extended follow-up periods.