A 12-year-old patient has been referred to you following complete resection with clean margins of a high-grade malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of the shoulder region. The tumor measured approximately 4 cm in greatest dimension. A CT scan of the chest and a bone scan were within normal limits. The patient does not have evidence of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Which of the following treatment approaches would you recommend?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Observation. In this case, the patient has undergone complete resection of the tumor with clean margins and there is no evidence of metastasis or neurofibromatosis type 1. Given these factors, observation is the most appropriate approach as there is no indication for adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Chemotherapy with doxorubicin and ifosfamide (Choice A) is typically reserved for cases with high-risk features such as incomplete resection or metastasis. Radiotherapy (Choice B) may be considered in certain cases, but in this scenario where surgery was curative and there is no evidence of spread, it is not necessary. Chemotherapy plus radiotherapy (Choice C) may be overly aggressive and carry unnecessary risks for a patient who has already had successful surgery. Thus, observation is the most appropriate approach in this situation.