The French Netsarc group compared the outcomes of retroperitoneal sarcoma surgery, in reference in France, compared to those outside of a specialist centre, publishing their results in the Annals of Surgical Oncology.

They found that much higher volumes of cases were being performed in the specialist centre, with better adherence to the standard of care, and a much higher rate of clear margins. Moreover, the overall survival at 2 years was 87% vs. 70% (p < 0.001), in this rare and challenging group of patients.

Performing an analysis of all of the factors associated with improved survival, surgery at a specialist centre was identified as an independent factor associated with survival and reduced risk of death.

This paper adds to the evidence supporting sarcoma surgery in specialist centres and performed by experts in the field.