Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant tumor of bone. It usually occurs in late adolescent children, most commonly about the knee.

Twenty years ago, there were few, if any, survivors of this disease. Now, with modern chemotherapy, the majority of children are completely cured. Therefore, it is critical that the most reliable and functional limb-sparing surgical resection be performed as these children will have many active years of disease-free life.

Because of our close working relationships with many of the pediatric oncologists in the region and the large number of previous patients, we are able to offer both advanced surgical techniques and a supportive environment where new and old patients help each other.

We have treated over 200 patients with osteosarcoma, from all over the region as well as nationally. We are considered one of the leading national centers for the treatment of sarcomas.

Chondrosarcoma

Chondrosarcoma is a malignant bone tumor that arises from cartilage cells and is most common about the hip, pelvis and shoulder. It is typically resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Since the main hope for cure is an exact surgical resection, our extensive experience in pelvic and shoulder surgery is very useful in assuring that these tumors do not recur at their original location.

If the tumor is "low-grade", it can be successfully removed using curettage and cryosurgery, without removing the segment of bone.

Ewing's Sarcoma

Ewing's sarcoma is the second most common tumor of bone in children. Its histology is unique in that "round" cells are seen instead of the "spindle" cells seen with most other sarcomas.

As with osteosarcoma, twenty years ago there were few, if any, survivors of Ewing's sarcoma. Since then, tremendous advances have been made in chemotherapy for Ewing's sarcoma and now many children are cured from this disease.

Depending on the location of the tumor, we will use radiation or surgery to remove the tumor at its original location, in addition to chemotherapy.

Soft Tissue Sarcoma

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Soft-tissue sarcomas are malignant tumors that arise from connective tissues, fat, muscles, nerves or vascular structures. They are more common that bone sarcomas.

If the tumor is small, it can usually be safely removed in its entirety. However, surgery alone for large, high-grade tumors can result in tumor recurrence.

Therefore, for many years, our treatment protocol for large tumors has been to give chemotherapy before performing surgery, some of it directly into the extremity ("Neoadjuvant" chemotherapy). On average, the percentage of tumor found dead at the time of surgery ("tumor necrosis") is about 90%.

This allows for much safer surgery with a very low risk of tumor recurrence and also allows us to to avoid post-operative radiation therapy in nearly half of our patients. Even with large tumors, 95% of our patients have been able to avoid amputation.