Radiation Therapy Before Surgery for Localized, Resectable Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Extremity and Superficial Trunk

This phase II trial investigates the effects of hypofractionated radiation therapy before surgery on wound complications associated with surgery in treating patients with soft tissue sarcoma of the extremity (arms, hands, legs or feet) and superficial trunk that has not spread to other parts of the body (localized) and can be removed by surgery (resectable). Hypofractionated is a shorter radiation therapy treatment length (fewer radiation treatment days) and administers the total radiation dose as larger daily doses, compared to conventionally fractionated therapy.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: I. To report the major acute wound complication rate associated with hypofractionated preoperative radiation therapy, 42.75 Gy in 15 fractions. SECONDARY OBJECTIVES: I. To report the 5-year local failure rate associated with hypofractionated preoperative radiation therapy, 42.75 Gy in 15 fractions. II. To report the 5-year disease-free survival rate associated with hypofractionated preoperative radiation therapy, 42.75 Gy in 15 fractions. III. To report the 5-year overall survival rate associated with hypofractionated preoperative radiation therapy, 42.75 Gy in 15 fractions. IV. To report long-term toxicity rates associated with hypofractionated preoperative radiation therapy, 42.75 Gy in 15 fractions. V. To describe patterns of relapse associated with hypofractionated preoperative radiation therapy, 42.75 Gy in 15 fractions. VI. To describe patient reported outcomes/quality-of-life outcomes with hypofractionated preoperative radiation therapy, 42.75 Gy in 15 fractions. OUTLINE: Patients undergo hypofractionated radiation therapy once daily (QD) (except weekends and holidays) over 3 weeks for a total of 15 fractions. Within 3-6 weeks after completion of radiation therapy, patients undergo surgical resection. After completion of study treatment, patients are followed up at 4-8 weeks, every 3-4 months for years 1-2, and every 6 months for years 3-5.