Molecular pathology in the diagnosis and classification of soft tissue sarcomas

Abstract

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a diverse group of malignancies originating from mesenchymal tissues. The accurate diagnosis and classification of these tumors are critical for determining appropriate treatment strategies and prognostic outcomes. Molecular pathology has emerged as a pivotal tool in enhancing the diagnostic precision of STS, complementing traditional histopathological methods. This paper reviews the molecular techniques used in the diagnosis and classification of soft tissue sarcomas, including cytogenetic analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and next-generation sequencing (NGS). It also discusses the implications of molecular findings in the context of personalized medicine.