Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) clinical practice guidelines on the management of soft tissue tumors 2020 - Secondary publication

Background: These clinical practice guidelines are intended to provide recommendations based on the best evidence obtained to date on key issues in clinical practice to improve the prognosis, diagnostic and therapeutic processes for patients with soft tissue tumors. Methods: The Guidelines Development Committee and Systematic Review Committee were composed of a multidisciplinary team of specialists who play an important role in soft tissue tumor care. Clinical questions (CQs) were determined by choosing key decision-making points based on Algorithms for the diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue tumors. The guidelines were developed according to the “Medical Information Network Distribution Service (Minds) Handbook for Clinical Practice Guideline Development 2014” and “Minds Manual for Clinical Practice Guideline Development 2017.” Recommendation strength was rated on two levels and the strength of evidence was rated on four levels. The recommendations were decided based on agreement by 70% or more voters. Results: Twenty-two CQs were chosen by the Guidelines Development Committee. The Systematic Review Committee reviewed the evidence concerning each CQ, a clinical value judgment was added by experts, and the text of each recommendation was determined. Conclusion: We established 22 CQs and recommendations for key decision-making points in the diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue tumors according to the Minds Clinical Practice Guideline development methods. We hope that these guidelines will assist the decision-making of all medical staff engaged in the treatment and diagnosis of soft tissue tumors, and eventually lead to improved soft tissue tumor care in the country.