Analysis of Clinical and Molecular Factors Impacting Oncologic Outcomes in Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma

Background Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas (UPS) present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Identification of prognostic molecular markers is required for the discovery of novel treatment approaches. The purpose of this study was to correlate clinicopathologic variables, expression of tyrosine kinase receptors, and markers of cell cycle progression and survival with oncologic outcomes. Methods A tissue microarray containing 208 primary UPS samples was analyzed by immunohistochemistry for protein markers and in situ hybridization for microRNA. Staining results were correlated with clinicopathologic features and oncologic outcomes. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to assess associations between expression of protein markers, mi-RNA, and outcome. Results At a median follow-up of 3.9 years (9 years for survivors), 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) was 63 %. Clinical variables associated with improved DSS included age