This Sarcoma Clinical Trial Reduces Risk of Relapse by 43%

A glimmer of hope emerged for patients with sarcoma in a recent clinical trial. Researchers funded by Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) achieved a breakthrough in treating two common types of soft tissue sarcoma, reducing the risk of relapse by 43 percent at two years. This immunotherapy treatment could significantly impact future clinical practices. Soft tissue sarcomas are cancers that attack muscles, fat, and connective tissues. Affecting roughly 15,000 Americans annually, they’re considered rare cancers. This rarity presented a challenge—enrolling enough patients for a conclusive trial. However, the trial persevered for six years, overcoming pandemic disruptions. The trial compared two groups: one received standard radiation and surgery, while the other received immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab alongside the standard treatment. The pembrolizumab group saw a significant reduction in relapse risk, offering a potential new weapon against this cancer. This breakthrough is particularly significant because advancements in sarcoma treatment have been stagnant for over 25 years. “This study will change that,” says Dr. David Kirsch, the lead researcher for the trial. It addresses a critical unmet need for these patients. What is sarcoma? Sarcoma is a rare cancer of the body’s soft tissues, such as muscles, fat, nerves, blood vessels, and deep skin...