Liposarcoma — SCE Medical Oncology MCQ

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HardSarcomaLiposarcomaSCE Medical Oncology

A 60-year-old man with dedifferentiated liposarcoma of the retroperitoneum has progressed on first-line doxorubicin. CDK4 amplification and MDM2 amplification are confirmed. What emerging targeted therapy approach is being investigated for this molecular subtype?

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Correct answer: A — CDK4 inhibitors (e.g. palbociclib, abemaciclib)

Well-differentiated/dedifferentiated liposarcoma is characterised by CDK4 and MDM2 amplification (chromosome 12q13-15). CDK4 inhibitors (palbociclib, abemaciclib) have shown modest activity in phase II trials (e.g. palbociclib in the Phase II Alliance trial showed PFS benefit over placebo). MDM2 inhibitors are also in clinical development. While not yet standard of care, molecular profiling identifying these targets guides clinical trial enrolment and emerging treatment strategies.

Reference: ESMO 2024 Soft Tissue Sarcoma Guidelines; Dickson et al JCO 2016 (palbociclib in WD/DDLPS)