Musculoskeletal cancer develops in bones, muscles or nerves. Musculoskeletal tumor types include osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, chondrosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and soft tissue sarcomas.
Sarcomas develop in the body’s connective tissues and are most common in the muscles, tendons, fat, nerves, cartilage and bones. Musculoskeletal cancers can be especially aggressive and fast-growing. Our specialists and clinicians collaborate efficiently on the best treatment for each patient.
Children with musculoskeletal cancers and their families can find an expedited diagnosis and rapid treatment that begins in hours or days, not weeks. Our musculoskeletal tumor team has pioneered state-of-the-art procedures that target cancer while minimizing side effects.
At City of Hope, your child has access to innovative clinical trials, researchers and physicians who are nationally recognized experts in developing novel methods for preventing, detecting and treating soft tissue sarcoma and bone cancer.
A unique benefit of City of Hope is that we treat young children, adolescents and young adults, ensuring a continuum of care through the years for this special group of patients.
Our Program Highlights:
- Minimally invasive surgery removes tumors while preserving healthy tissue
- Radiation therapy, including ultra-precise helical TomoTherapy and brachytherapy
- Pioneering drug research and clinical trials
- Advanced chemotherapy
- Expandable implants that can “grow” with the patient
Pediatric musculoskeletal cancer and sarcoma care is provided by a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, rehabilitation experts, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and child life specialists who work together to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients. And our researchers are actively developing tomorrow’s treatments today, and our musculoskeletal investigators are collaborating with other scientists in other disciplines to develop promising new treatments.
City of Hope is one of the few facilities designated a comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute.
Our developments in the areas of breakthrough cancer drugs, bone marrow transplants and CAR T cell therapy are recognized internationally.
Our leadership in research and innovation continually enhances our ability to provide novel and differentiated approaches to cancer care.
J. Dominic Femino, M.D., is chief of the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery and associate director of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Program.
