Intensive induction chemotherapy (API-AI regimen) followed by conservative surgery in adult patients with locally advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS): Survival is predicted by the histological response

9036 Background: to determine predictive parameters of response and survival after intensive induction chemotherapy (CT) in patients (pts) with locally advanced high grade STS (LASTS). Methods: from 1996 to 2003, 60 pts (37 m, 23 f) received a CT regimen consisting in 2 cycles of doxorubicin (A) (60 mg/m2 d1 and d15), cisplatinum (100 mg/m2 d1) and ifosfamide (I) 5 g/m2 (d2 and d15). GCSF was added after each course (c) for 6 days, cycle repeated every 4 wks. The median age was 43 yrs (18–68) and the median tumor size was 10 cm (4–25). MRI assessments were performed before CT and surgery (planned at day 65) Results: 222 c of CT were administered (median 4 c/pt). The median DI of AI was 87%. Toxicity (T) was mainly haematological with febrile neutropenia, gde 3/4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia observed in 46%, 76% and 36% of pts respectively. Two pts had a renale failure and 1 toxic death was observed. Clinical benefit was observed in 56% of pts while 10% of pts progressed clinically during CT. MRI respo...