Outcomes of treatment for malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors: Different clinical features associated with neurofibromatosis type 1

Purpose Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are a rare subtype of sarcoma that occur spontaneously or in association with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1). This study aimed to clinically differentiate these types of MPNSTs. Materials and Methods The study reviewed 95 patients diagnosed with and treated for MPNST at Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, Korea over a 27-year period. The clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, and treatment outcomes of sporadic MPNST (sMPNST) and NF-1 associated MPNST (NF-MPNST) cases were compared. Results Patients with NF-MPNST had a significantly lower median age (32 years vs. 45 years for sMPNST, p=0.012), significantly larger median tumor size (8.2 cm vs. 5.0 cm for sMPNST, p < 0.001), and significantly larger numbers of imaging studies and surgeries (p=0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively). The 10-year overall survival (OS) rate of the patients with MPNST was 52±6%. Among the patients with localized MPNST, patients with NF-MPNST had a significantly lower 10-year OS rate (45±11% vs. 60±8% for sMPNST, p=0.046). Univariate analysis revealed the resection margin, pathology grade, and metastasis to be significant factors affecting the OS (p=0.001, p=0.020, and p < 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis of the patients with localized MPNST identified R2 resection and G1 as significant prognostic factors for OS. Conclusion NF-MPNST has different clinical features from sMPNST and requires more careful management. Further study will be needed to develop specific management plans for NF-MPNST.