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Low-Grade Fibromyxoid Sarcoma and Related Subtypes: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis of 773 Cases

  • University of Amsterdam
  • Amsterdam UMC
  • Department of Pathology
  • Amsterdam institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases
  • Universiteit van Amsterdam, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine
  • Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine
  • Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine
  • University of Amsterdam
  • Amsterdam Movement Sciences
  • Rehabilitation & Development
  • Cancer center Amsterdam
  • Department of Pathology
  • Amsterdam Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases
  • Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

Background: Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (LGFMS) is a rare malignant fibroblastic tumor that often appears deceptively benign. Accurate diagnosis is challenging due to its variable morphology and low mitotic activity. This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of LGFMS and its subtypes. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed and Embase up to September 2025 identified 273 studies, complemented by four institutional cases from Amsterdam UMC. Individual patient data were pooled to analyze clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, treatment modalities, and outcomes. Results: In total, 773 patients were included, with a median age of 35 years and equal gender distribution. Tumors were predominantly deep-seated (80%), most commonly located in the thigh or pelvis. MUC4 positivity (96%) and FUS-CREB3L2 fusion (47%) were the most consistent diagnostic markers. Surgery was the mainstay of treatment (98%), with R0 resection achieved in 36% of cases and R1 in 15%. Adjuvant therapies, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, were rarely used and showed limited efficacy. After a median follow-up of 3.0 years, 19% developed local recurrence and 21% developed metastases. R0 resections were associated with significantly better recurrence-free survival than R1 resection (p < 0.05). Conclusions: LGFMS exhibits indolent histology but potential for late recurrence and metastasis, warranting prolonged radiological follow-up and multicenter studies to evaluate adjuvant strategies.

Original languageEnglish
Article number364
JournalCancers
Volume18
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2026

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Keywords

  • low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma
  • MUC4
  • recurrence
  • soft tissue sarcoma
  • systematic review

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