Racial and ethnic variation in presentation and outcomes of high-grade soft tissue sarcoma at a Southeastern United States comprehensive cancer center.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: High-grade soft tissue sarcoma is rare and associated with poor prognosis. This study examines racial and ethnic variation in presentation and outcomes at a Southeastern US cancer center. METHODS: Among an institutional cohort of patients seen between January 2016-December 2021, racial and ethnic differences were evaluated using chi-squared tests, Kaplan Meier curves, and Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: There were 295 patients (71 â€‹% Non-Hispanic White, 24 â€‹% Black, 3 â€‹% Hispanic White, 2 â€‹% Other). Black representation was greater than national cohorts (24 â€‹% vs. 12 â€‹%). Histological subtype varied by race/ethnicity (p â€‹= â€‹0.007). Adjusting for histology and stage, survival was worse for Black vs. White patients (HR 1.71, 95 â€‹% CI 1.07-2.76) and those with metastatic disease (5.47, 3.54-8.44). In non-metastatic patients, survival differences for Black vs. White patients were attenuated by receipt of multi-modal treatment (1.53, 0.82-2.88). CONCLUSION: Observed racial disparities in survival of high-grade sarcoma may be addressed by early, multidisciplinary management.