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

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 % Non-Hispanic White, 24 % Black, 3 % Hispanic White, 2 % Other). Black representation was greater than national cohorts (24 % vs. 12 %). Histological subtype varied by race/ethnicity (p 1/4 0.007). Adjusting for histology and stage, survival was worse for Black vs. White patients (HR 1.71, 95 % 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.