The Molecular Basis of Sarcoma

The sarcoma field is at a crossroads. There have been incredible advances in the identification and characterization of key genetic events associated with sarcoma development. For example, many chromosomal translocation breakpoints have been cloned, and the fusion proteins associated with those breakpoints have been subjected to rigorous molecular analysis. Similarly, there has been an explosion of molecularly targeted agents available for the treatment of patients with cancer. In cases where these targeted agents inhibit a key abnormality in sarcoma, such as activated KIT in gastrointestinal stromal tumor, they have been quite successful. Unfortunately, examples of such success are still limited. Many investigators in the field have hoped that deeper understanding of the molecular basis of sarcoma may lead to new therapeutic opportunities for this varied set of diseases.