Gender Differences in Soft Tissue and Bone Sarcoma: A Narrative Review

Simple Summary This review focusing on gender differences in the incidence of soft tissue and bone sarcomas. Sarcomas are rare cancers arising from mesenchymal tissues, which are different from the epithelial tissues and originate from the embryonic mesodermal layer. These cancers can be classified into bone or soft tissue sarcomas. Most sarcomas occur without known causes; however, certain genetic syndromes and environmental factors are known to be associated with these malignancies. Studies have indicated a male predominance in sarcoma incidence, which is also seen in other cancers like colorectal and lung cancers. Notably, childhood sarcomas exhibit significant gender differences, with a stronger association with the male sex, particularly in soft tissue sarcomas. The biological reasons for these sex differences are not well understood, and this review seeks to shed light on these underlying factors to aid in prevention and treatment strategies.Abstract Sarcomas, uncommon malignancies, stem from mesenchymal tissues, distinct from epithelial tissues, originating in the embryonic mesodermal layer. These sarcomas have been categorized as either bone or soft tissue sarcomas, depending on their originating tissue. The majority of sarcomas occur sporadically with their etiology being unknown, but there are several, well-established genetic predisposition syndromes and some environmental exposures associated with specific sarcomas. Recently, many studies have shown that sarcomas, in analogy with colorectal, skin, head and neck, esophageal, lung, and liver carcinomas, also have a male sex predilection. Significant gender differences have already been observed in childhood sarcomas. Among the tumors strongly associated with the male sex, childhood sarcomas have been identified as being particularly sensitive to the biological differences between the sexes, with special regard to soft tissue sarcomas. As the biological mechanisms underlying the sex differences in the incidence of soft tissue sarcomas remain largely unexplored, this review aims to highlight the factors underlying these differences to inform prevention and treatment.