Visceral angiosarcoma: A nationwide analysis of treatment factors and outcomes

J Surg Oncol. 2022 Jun;125(8):1231-1237. doi: 10.1002/jso.26826. Epub 2022 Mar 2.

Abstract

Background and objectives: Visceral angiosarcoma is rare and aggressive, accounting for 2% of soft tissue sarcomas. Using a national data set, we examine determinants of outcomes for patients presenting with this rare disease.

Methods: The 2004-2015 National Cancer Database was queried for patients with visceral angiosarcoma. Trends in treatment and outcomes were examined. Factors affecting overall survival (OS) were assessed with log-rank and Cox regression.

Results: Eight hundred and ninety-three patients with visceral angiosarcoma were identified (median age 65 years, male [63%], Charlson comorbidity index <1 [86%]). Tumor size was <5 cm in 20.7%, and 34.2% were moderate/high grade. Median OS was 3.8 months (95% CI: 3.4-4.4). By multivariate analysis, increased tumor grade and size, and liver/biliary origin demonstrated worse OS while surgery, radiation, and systemic chemotherapy demonstrated improved OS (all p < 0.001). Survival was similar between patients achieving R0 resection and those with R1/2 resection receiving chemotherapy by Kaplan-Meier analysis.

Conclusions: Visceral angiosarcomas are rare tumors with poor outcomes. Liver/biliary origin, higher tumor grade, and larger tumor size demonstrate worse outcomes. While R0 resection remains the mainstay of treatment, patients with R1/R2 resection have improved survival with addition of chemotherapy. Consideration should be made for multimodal therapy in these patients.

Keywords: multimodal therapy; national cancer database; sarcoma.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Hemangiosarcoma* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Kaplan-Meier Estimate
  • Male
  • Prognosis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sarcoma* / pathology
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms*