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Treatments for Sarcomas
Sarcomas comprise more than 80 subtypes of rare tumors. Their treatment depends on the location, grade, extent of the disease, and molecular characteristics of the tumor. The treatment strategy is discussed during a specialized multidisciplinary sarcoma case conference.
Why an expert center?
Initial care at a specialized center such as Gustave Roussy improves the quality of treatment and reduces the risk of local recurrence. Each case is discussed within the NETSARC+ referral network.
Localized sarcomas
For localized sarcoma, the goal of treatment is a cure. Depending on the situation, several treatments may be combined.
Surgery
Surgery is the primary treatment for most localized sarcomas. The goal is to completely remove the tumor with adequate margins. Preparation for the procedure is based on specialized imaging and biopsy results. For certain complex locations, care is coordinated with expert partner centers.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy may be recommended before or after surgery to reduce the risk of local recurrence. Thanks to modern techniques, the areas treated with radiation are precisely targeted to best preserve healthy tissue.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is not routinely used for all sarcomas. It may be administered before or after surgery, or serve as the primary treatment for certain subtypes. The drugs used and their role vary depending on the type of sarcoma.
Special Case: Isolated Limb Infusion
For certain locally advanced sarcomas of the arm or leg, isolated limb perfusion may be recommended to reduce the size of the tumor and facilitate conservative treatment.
Advanced or metastatic sarcomas
When the disease has spread to distant sites or cannot be completely removed, treatments are aimed at controlling its progression, relieving symptoms, and maintaining quality of life.
Drug Treatments
Depending on the sarcoma subtype, several approaches may be used: chemotherapy, targeted therapies, treatments directed at specific molecular abnormalities, or innovative treatments available through clinical trials.
Local Treatments
In certain situations, surgery, radiation therapy, or an interventional radiology technique may be recommended to treat a metastasis or control a symptomatic site.
Precision Medicine
Molecular analyses can identify certain abnormalities that are useful in selecting a targeted treatment or determining eligibility for a clinical trial.
Research and Clinical Trials
Research is essential in the field of sarcomas because of their rarity. Gustave Roussy participates in numerous national and international clinical trials evaluating new drugs, combination therapies, and personalized treatment strategies.
Research is essential in sarcomas because they are rare. Gustave Roussy participates in numerous national and international clinical trials evaluating new drugs, combination therapies, and personalized treatment strategies.
Join a clinical trial
Many clinical trials are open to patients with cancer. Participating in a clinical trial provides access to innovative treatments while contributing to the development of new therapies.
Supportive Care
Supportive care accompanies treatment throughout the entire care journey: pain management, nutrition, adapted physical activity, psychological support, social support, and functional rehabilitation.