Sarcoma Surgical Oncology Program

Our approach to comprehensive sarcoma care

Our team develops a personalized treatment plan with each patient through our unmatched expertise in the surgical treatment of sarcomas. We take the time to understand your goals and support you through every phase of care.

Nationally and internationally recognized sarcoma surgery expertise

The Cancer Institute runs one of the few programs in the world dedicated to sarcoma research, diagnosis, and treatment. We care for a high volume of patients, many of whom seek our expertise for complex or rare sarcomas.

Comprehensive surgical care

Our surgeons bring extensive experience across disciplines to provide the full spectrum of treatment approaches for sarcomas. We collaborate with other surgical specialists to provide the best possible care, including:

• Surgical oncologists to remove tumors arising in the abdomen, pelvic, retroperitoneum, chest, trunk, extremities, breast, head and neck, or skin
• Orthopedic oncologists to address tumors close to bones or joints
• Thoracic surgeons to treat sarcomas that spread to the lungs or abdominal region
• Plastic surgeons to help restore form and function after sarcoma surgery

Because of this team approach, we are able to perform complex multi-organ or multi-team operations to treat advanced or metastatic sarcoma.

Minimally invasive techniques

When appropriate, minimally invasive procedures may be used to diagnose or treat sarcomas, often resulting in less pain and shorter recovery times. Our team has expertise in:

• Laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery for sarcomas arising in the abdomen, pelvis, retroperitoneum, and chest
• Image-guided ablation techniques using heat or cold to destroy tumor tissue

Advanced approaches to limb-sparing surgery

We use the latest technology and techniques to treat sarcomas affecting the limbs while avoiding amputation. These approaches may include:

• Allografts (donor tissue) or autografts (patient’s own tissue) to replace bone or soft tissue
• Nerve pathway mapping and nerve reconstruction
• Blood vessel reconstruction to maintain circulation
• Preoperative radiation therapy to shrink tumors when a wide surgical removal is not possible

Pioneering radiation therapies

Our radiation oncologists offer therapies to treat sarcoma while protecting healthy tissue. Options may include:

• Photon radiotherapy using most modern techniques, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy, volumetric modulated arc therapy, and stereotactic body radiotherapy
• Proton beam radiotherapy for precise radiation with less exposure to surrounding tissue
• Integrated chemoradiation approaches for certain high-risk tumors
• Electron radiotherapy for superficial or cutaneous lesions
• Brachytherapy, a form of targeted internal radiation at or near the tumor site
• Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) delivered during surgery

Research-driven innovation

Our physician-scientists are leaders in sarcoma research and innovative surgical techniques. We continue to develop new approaches to sarcoma treatment, including combined use of targeted radiation therapy, minimally invasive surgery, and new chemotherapy agents. Eligible patients may have access to clinical trials and emerging treatments as part of their care.

Comprehensive support throughout treatment and recovery

We support patients before, during, and after treatment with access to rehabilitation services, physical therapy, and mental health support when needed. After treatment, your care team helps coordinate follow-up care and recovery services to support healing and quality of life.