Dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma: current standards of care

Abstract

Dedifferentiated chondrosarcomas are aggressive variants of chondrosarcoma, associated with poor outcomes. Tumor biphasism is the norm. The majority of these tumors are symptomatic at presentation. Radiologically, large soft tissue masses with bony destruction predominate. Treatment protocols of these tumors are not well defined. Surgical resection forms the standard of care for localized disease. (Neo)adjuvant therapies remain controversial as the results from multiple (mainly retrospective) studies remain conflicting. Age at presentation, stage and ability to obtain negative resection margins are important prognostic factors. The overall prognosis is dismal. Newer and novel therapies targeting the complex genetic makeup of these tumors have renewed interest in the adjuvant setting that could hold promise in the near future.