This is accomplished in an interdisciplinary tumor conference where opinions from pathologists, radiologists and surgeons are considered. Usually, all studies necessary to stage the tumor are performed in a single day. This includes MRI, CT scans, X-rays and bone scans. In addition, a fine needle biopsy can be performed on the same visit to obtain a histopathalogic diagnosis, so that treatment planning can begin without delay. The treatment of musculoskeletal neoplasms is based on an interdisciplinary approach.
Treatment usually involves the combination of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
Since the interaction of these disciplines is critical, the Program team meets weekly to discuss the program's patients. The Sarcoma Program is currently pursuing such new treatment options as angiogenesis inhibitors, metastatic bone cancer inhibitors, and immunotherapy. Angiogenesis is one of the ways that sarcomas grow and spread. New drugs inhibit MMP function, and we are researching how these drugs may work with sarcomas. When cancer spreads to bone, it activates proteins to resorb bone so the tumor can grow.