Molecular Analyses in the Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Selection of Therapy in non-GIST Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Guideline Objective

1. To identify molecular tests that improve the classification of non-gastrointestinal stromal tumour (non-GIST) soft tissue sarcomas (STS)
2. Identify genetic tests that are of prognostic significance in non-GIST STS
3. Identify genetic tests that inform treatment decisions based on the type of non-GIST STS

Patient Population

For Objective 1: Adult patients (≥18 years) with suspected non-GIST STS 

For Objective 2: Adult patients with non-GIST STS

For Objective 3: Adult patients with non-GIST STS

Intended Guideline Users

Pathologists, general surgeons, orthopedic oncology surgeons, medical oncologists, and other clinicians who are involved in the treatment of the target patients in the province of Ontario.

Research Questions

1. Does genetic testing enable accurate typing of non-GIST STS? Specifically, can it be used to differentiate sarcomas from benign and/or locally aggressive tumours, and does it change management and further improve patient outcomes in adult patients with non-GIST STS?
2. Are there genetic tests that predict patient prognosis (including OS, PFS, local control rate, patient-reported outcomes, etc.) in adult patients with non-GIST STS?
3. Are there genetic tests that identify subgroups of adult patients who would derive greater benefit from specific treatments targeting non-GIST STS?