5-Day Hypofractionated Radiotherapy before Surgery for the Treatment of Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Arms, Legs, or Trunk
This phase II trial tests the safety, side effects, and effectiveness of 5-day hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) prior to surgery (preoperative) in treating patients with soft tissue sarcoma of the arms, legs, or the main part of the body including the chest, abdomen and pelvis (trunk). Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays, particles, or radioactive seeds to kill tumor cells and shrink tumors. HFRT delivers higher doses of radiation therapy over a shorter period of time (5 days) and may kill more tumor cells and have fewer side effects. HFRT has been studied in many small trials which showed similar cancer outcomes to the standard 5-week course of radiation therapy. Based on findings from these trials, current guidelines recommend HFRT for patients unable to receive the standard radiation therapy schedule. However, HFRT has not been compared head-to-head in a clinical trial to the standard 5-week course. Giving preoperative 5-day HFRT may be as safe, tolerable, and/or effective as the standard 5-week radiation treatment in patients with soft tissue sarcoma of the arms, legs or trunk.