Sarcoma
Sarcomas are uncommon cancers that develop in the body’s connective tissues, including bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, nerves, blood vessels and lymph vessels. This group of cancers is quite rare, and each one is unique, requiring expert detection, treatment and rehabilitation for successful treatment.
About 4,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with bone sarcomas each year, while about 13,000 are diagnosed with soft tissue sarcomas.
Sarcoma symptoms may not be noticeable in the early stages of the disease and depend on the cancer subtype. When signs do occur, they may include a lump under the skin, bone pain and weight loss.
If sarcoma is suspected, the care team may perform a physical exam and order tests such as imaging exams and a surgical biopsy. During this process, the care team may assign a stage to the disease.
Sarcomas are typically divided into two main types, bone cancer and soft tissue sarcoma, depending on the tissue type affected.
Following a diagnosis, the care team will work with the patient to develop a sarcoma treatment plan tailored to the subtype, stage and location of the cancer. Surgery is the most common treatment, but the treatment plan may also include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and/or targeted therapy.
City of Hope is a nationally recognized leader in researching and treating sarcomas. Our clinicians and researchers collaborate extensively to develop and evaluate new therapies for better survival and quality-of-life outcomes.
City of Hope patients automatically gain access to an unparalleled array of support services. We aim to assist you and your family as you navigate each challenge along your sarcoma treatment journey.
Our Sarcoma Expertise
With our specialized therapy protocols and an extensive program of clinical trials, newly diagnosed or relapsed sarcoma patients can find a treatment regimen tailored to their needs, designed to provide them with the best chance for survival.
Our Program Highlights
The multidisciplinary staff at City of Hope pursues an integrated approach to treating sarcomas by combining the latest research findings with outstanding patient care. This includes using advanced technologies and specialized techniques such as:
- Minimally invasive sarcoma surgical approaches that reduce discomfort, blood loss and recovery time
- Innovative limb-sparing surgeries — such as bone transport for the reconstruction of bone after tumor resection — that can preserve patients' range of motion and quality of life
- Expandable limb implants that can "grow" with the patient, eliminating the need for additional surgeries
- Bone transport to correct bone defects or limb-length discrepancies
- Highly precise radiation therapy delivery that uses advanced imaging technology to guide radiation dose and focus, increasing its cancer-fighting effectiveness while minimizing exposure in normal tissues
- Individually customized chemotherapy and targeted therapy regimens, including isolated-limb delivery that may be more effective against cancer and less toxic to the patient
- Comprehensive rehabilitation program to help restore motion and function after treatment
- An adolescent and young adults program to address the concerns of sarcoma patients, who are typically diagnosed at a younger age
Additionally, City of Hope patients have access to our extensive team of supportive care experts, who will help you and your caregivers achieve and maintain a better quality of life during and after your cancer treatment.
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 minimally invasive surgeries and sarcoma therapies are recognized internationally.
Our leadership in research and innovation continually enhances our ability to provide novel and differentiated approaches to cancer care.
