Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Epidemiologic Trends at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah

Abstract

Objectives:

We aim to enhance the understanding of soft tissue sarcomas (STS) within the Saudi population, guiding better diagnosis, treatment strategies, and healthcare resource allocation for this rare but challenging cancer type.

Methods:

Retrospective data of 160 patients at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (2013-2023) were examined for demographics, anatomical sites, and diagnoses of STS. Statistical analysis in RStudio (R v4.3.1) utilized Fisher's exact and chi-squared tests for categorical variables (p<0.05), while continuous variables were summarized by medians and interquartile range.

Results:

We included patients with STS, evenly split between males and females (median age: 47 years) Significant differences were observed between age groups: younger patients (<50 years) more commonly had rhabdomyosarcoma and synovial sarcoma, while older patients (≥50 years) showed higher rates of dedifferentiated liposarcoma, Kaposi sarcoma, and leiomyosarcoma. Sarcoma locations varied, with the thigh, retroperitoneum, and head and neck being prominent sites. Higher frequencies of Kaposi sarcoma and skin sarcomas were noted in males, and leiomyosarcoma and uterine sarcomas exclusively in females.

Conclusion:

The study highlights significant sex and age disparities in the diagnosis and distribution of STS among Saudi patients. Rhabdomyosarcoma emerges as the most frequent subtype, influenced by factors such as genetic predisposition and advanced diagnostic capabilities. Understanding these demographic variations is crucial for developing targeted treatment strategies tailored to the unique needs of different patient groups. Further research into the underlying biological and environmental factors driving these disparities is essential for advancing sarcoma care and improving patient outcomes in Saudi Arabia.