The NZ Standards of Service Provision for Sarcoma patients were developed by the NZ Sarcoma working group and published by the Ministry of Health (MOH) in 2013. Although not formally enacted by the MOH we aimed to determine the impact of these published standards and referral pathways on disease-specific survival of patients with soft-tissue sarcoma in NZ.

The Middlemore Musculoskeletal Tumour Unit database was searched. Patients referred for treatment in our centre with a diagnosis of soft tissue sarcoma in the five-year period before (n=115) and after (n=155) were included. We excluded patients with bone sarcomas and retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas.

The rate of referral after inappropriate treatment reduced after implementation of the Standards (24% vs 12%, p=0.010). The number of patients referred with tumours larger than 50mm decreased (74.8% vs 72.3%, p=0.021) and fewer had metastases at diagnosis (11.3% vs 3.2%, p=0.017). Mortality was lower in the group after introduction of the Standards (45% vs 30%, p=0.017). The estimated disease-specific survival curve between the two groups shows a trend towards increased survival in the post-standards group, although not reaching statistical significance. Local recurrence rate and metastasis rate after definitive treatment were similar between the two groups. Patients had a shorter duration of symptoms before referral in the post-Standards group although this was not statistically significant.

Since implementation of the Standards, patients have been referred more promptly, with fewer inappropriate treatments. The time to mortality curve indicates a trend towards improved disease-specific survival. We conclude that the pathway for investigation and referral for this condition has become clearer, supporting the ongoing use of the Sarcoma Standards, and that these should be formally implemented by the MOH.

STS are rare malignant tumours of mesenchymal origin giving a wide array of histological types and behaviour. Common sites of involvement include the extremities which are of most relevance to orthopaedic surgeons. Like almost all other malignancies, STS become more common with increasing age with median age of 65 years.

All patients aged 65 and over with STS of the extremities referred to the NZ Tumour Registry at Middlemore Hospital between 1967 and 2010 were included in the study. Data collected include baseline demographics (age, sex), diagnosis, site, time of referral, definitive treatment, adjuvant therapy, surgical margins (if applicable), local recurrence, survival, and cause of death. Each patient was staged according to AJCC (1997, 5th edition) and Enneking's staging systems. Primary outcomes were measured in terms of 5-year survival alongside with cause of death.

A total of 116 patients. 21 upper extremities, 95 lower extremities. Average age of 74 with a 1.2:1 female to male ratio.

Stage 1 disease was uncommon, accounting for only 5 cases (4%). 3 patients died within 5 years (1 due to metastatic disease and 2 from non-sarcoma related disease). 2 patients were still alive in 2010 with 1 of them surviving >5yrs.

Stage 2 disease was found in 41 patients (35%). Common histologies included malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH), liposarcomas, or leiomyosarcomas (LMS). 44% (n=18) had greater than 5-year survival. 20% (n=8) died within 5 years succumbing to metastatic disease. 11 were under 5-yr follow up.

Stage 3 disease was found in 48 patients (41%). MFH was by far the most common diagnosis accounting for 63% of patients. 5-year survival 25% (n=12). 5-year mortality 56% (n=27) mainly from advanced disease and metastases. Rest (n=9) are still within 5-yr follow up. Distant metastases at presentation were seen in about 10% of all patients (12 cases) with the most common site of involvement being the lung. 9/13 died of metastatic disease within 5 yrs while others are still within the 5 yr follow up period.

STS are most commonly observed in the elderly and prognosis depends on several factors. Management should ideally be carried in a specialised centre with early referral and combined multidisciplinary approach to optimise patient outcome.