Activity Levels among Filipino Sarcoma Patients

Objectives. Osteosarcoma and soft tissue sarcomas are the most common sarcomas in the Philippines, often resulting in disability and decreased productivity. We sought to answer the following question: Are Filipino sarcoma survivors able to return to baseline and/or sports activities after treatment?Methodology. Post-treatment patients with sarcomas of the extremities with a follow-up period of at least one year were included in this retrospective, multi-center study. Outcome measures included the modified Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS, 1993) score and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score.Results. Fifty-eight patients with extremity sarcomas were followed for an average of 4.5 years. Osteosarcoma was the most common diagnosis, with most at Enneking Stage IIB. MSTS scores among limb salvage surgery patients (LSS) were significantly higher compared to amputees (79% ± 9 vs. 51% ± 9, p = 0.000057). Baseline activity post-LSS was higher (7.1 ± 1.3) compared to amputees (5.8 ± 0.9). At one year post-surgery, overall activity for both groups decreased (4.0 ± 0.65 for LSS, 4.1 ± 0.6 for amputees), then increased at their latest follow-up (6.9 ± 1.4 for LSS, 4.9 ± 0.86 for amputees). Analysis of UCLA scores showed no interaction with the type of surgery performed (p = 0.7).Conclusion. This is the first report comparing physical activity levels among Filipino sarcoma patients. Returning to baseline and high-impact activities is possible after sarcoma treatment, which may improve quality of life.