Los Angeles-Area Sarcoma and Musculoskeletal Tumor Program

City of Hope^® is dedicated to providing holistic care for sarcoma and musculoskeletal tumor patients.

A National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, City of Hope Cancer Center Duarte spans clinical care, research, academics and training. We offer a comprehensive, compassionate patient-centered approach from diagnosis and treatment to rehabilitation and social and psychological support.

For the past 19 years, City of Hope has been named as one of the nation's best hospitals for cancer in U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings. For 2025-26, these rankings placed City of Hope among the top 10 in the nation for the fourth consecutive year.

Our leading musculoskeletal cancer program in California is a regional referral center for child and adult patients.

Sarcomas are unique in their types and where they affect the body, which means they require a personalized plan to achieve the best clinical outcomes and improve quality of life. At City of Hope, our multidisciplinary team of medical experts from the fields of surgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology, pathology, rehabilitation, and supportive care medicine works together to review each individual case and determine the most effective treatment.

Our physicians are active members of collaborations and cooperative groups, including the Children’s Oncology Group. Additionally, our team participates in clinical trials focused on detecting, treating and preventing sarcomas. This commitment to research ensures that our patients have access to the most advanced and promising cancer therapies available, including novel solutions for limb salvage and expertise in complex retroperitoneal sarcoma surgery.

In addition to our Duarte cancer center, we have more than 30 clinical network locations throughout the Los Angeles and Southern California region. We are committed to continuity of care that supports you at every stage of your sarcoma diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

Our sarcoma experts are skilled in diagnosing and treating a wide range of pediatric and adult conditions, including:

• Angiosarcoma
• Chordoma
• Desmoid fibromatosis
• Ewing sarcoma
• Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs)
• Leiomyosarcoma
• Liposarcoma
• Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor
• Myxofibrosarcoma
• Osteosarcoma
• Rhabdomyosarcoma
• Synovial sarcoma
• Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma
• Uterine sarcoma

We also provide expert treatment for many other soft tissue and bone diseases, including benign conditions such as schwannoma, lipoma and bone cysts.

City of Hope’s high-volume sarcoma program is home to an experienced team of experts with more than 2,400 sarcoma patient encounters each year. Our expertise includes:

• Advanced imaging biopsies analyzed by world-class pathologists who specialize in sarcoma for a more accurate diagnosis to guide your care.
• Complex reconstruction to help restore movement whenever possible, including the use of 3D printed implants when possible.
• Medical therapy tailored to your sarcoma type, including gene therapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy options.
• Minimally invasive surgical techniques, which reduce discomfort, blood loss and recovery time, and prioritize preserving healthy tissue during tumor removal.
• Innovative limb-sparing surgeries, such as bone transport for the reconstruction of bone after tumor resection, which can successfully preserve range of motion and quality of life.
• National leadership in using expandable implants that grow with the patient and eliminate the need for additional surgeries.
• Leading-edge radiation therapy, helical TomoTherapy^® and brachytherapy, utilizing advanced imaging technology to maximize cancer-fighting dosage effectiveness while minimizing normal tissue exposure.
• Complex surgery for retroperitoneal sarcoma (liposarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, etc.) for both primary and recurrent disease that balances aggressive tumor removal with preservation of function and quality of life.
• A comprehensive rehabilitation program designed to help restore motion and function after treatment.
• A unique, specialized program for adolescent and young adult patients dealing with sarcoma.
• Access to a team of supportive care experts dedicated to enhancing quality of life during and after cancer treatment.
• Scientists who specialize in sarcoma research, who are at the forefront of drug research and clinical trials.
• A vast collection of resources for patients, including contacts with the Sarcoma Foundation of America and the Sarcoma Alliance.

Our physicians have earned the title of "America's Top Doctors" from Castle Connolly, reflecting their exceptional expertise. Actively engaged in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, our sarcoma experts contribute to setting evidence-based best practices for detecting, evaluating and treating sarcomas nationwide.