image: Figure 1: (A, B) Axial and coronal sections of MRI showing a well-encapsulated, heterogeneous lesion measuring approximately 12 × 7.5 × 6 cm, originating from the belly of the sartorius muscle. (C) Intra-op image of the lesion. (D) Excised specimen.
Credit: Copyright: © 2025 Sultana and Sailaja. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
“Adult fibrosarcoma is a rare and highly aggressive malignancy requiring precise diagnosis and multimodal treatment.”
BUFFALO, NY — September 9, 2025 — A new case report was published in Volume 12 of Oncoscience on September 4, 2025, titled “Adult fibrosarcoma: From clinical challenges to cutting-edge innovations.”
In this case report, Reshmi Sultana from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bibinagar, India, and Suryadevara Sailaja from the Alluri Sitaramaraju Academy of Medical Sciences, Eluru, India, describe the clinical management of a young woman diagnosed with adult fibrosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of soft tissue cancer. The report highlights how early diagnosis, complete surgical removal, and tailored postoperative care are essential for improving outcomes in patients with this type of tumor. The findings reflect the ongoing need for better treatment options for rare cancers that usually have poor long-term survival.
Adult fibrosarcoma is an uncommon cancer that affects the connective tissue, mostly in the limbs, trunk, or head and neck region. In this case, a 30-year-old woman presented with a gradually enlarging swelling in her upper right thigh. Clinical examination and imaging confirmed the presence of a well-defined tumor. A biopsy suggested a spindle cell neoplasm, and after surgical excision, the mass was diagnosed as Grade 2 adult fibrosarcoma. Postoperative external beam radiation therapy was also administered to help prevent recurrence.
While surgery is the primary approach for treating adult fibrosarcoma, this type of cancer is known for its tendency to return and for being resistant to chemotherapy. The case report highlights how new advances in molecular research are uncovering specific genetic alterations, including NTRK3 gene fusions and chromosome 12q amplifications. These discoveries are helping identify patients who may respond to targeted therapies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, offering new options for better disease control.
The study also presents insights into how adult fibrosarcoma disrupts the body’s normal functions by interfering with immune and hormonal systems. The tumor releases chemical signals that influence brain function, hormone production, and immune cell behavior, creating a biological environment that helps the cancer grow. These findings point to the potential benefit of therapies that address not only the tumor itself but also the environment it creates within the body.
“Chemotherapy and immunotherapy play complementary roles in disease management, with emerging strategies targeting matrix metalloproteinases and tumor microenvironment interactions to enhance chemosensitivity and overcome drug resistance.”
Advanced imaging techniques, including MRI and PET-CT, were vital in confirming the diagnosis and guiding surgical planning. The case also relied on immunohistochemistry to distinguish fibrosarcoma from other types of soft tissue tumors. This highlights the importance of accurate pathological analysis in determining the best course of treatment.
This case contributes to increasing the knowledge about adult fibrosarcoma and underscores the complexity of diagnosing and treating rare cancers. As scientific understanding continues to evolve, personalized treatment strategies may offer a path to better outcomes for patients affected by this aggressive disease.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18632/oncoscience.624
Correspondence to: Reshmi Sultana – reshmi.sultana.94@gmail.com
Keywords: cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, thigh swelling, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, aggressive tumor
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Journal
Oncoscience
Method of Research
Case study
Subject of Research
People
Article Title
Adult fibrosarcoma: From clinical challenges to cutting-edge innovations
Article Publication Date
4-Sep-2025
COI Statement
Authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.