William Tap, Chief of the Sarcoma Medical Oncology Service
Soft tissue sarcoma is not one illness but actually represents more than 70 subtypes of disease. Since there is no single way to manage it, specialized diagnosis and staging approaches as well as surgical expertise are critical to successful treatment. Some soft tissue sarcoma subtypes are easily cured with surgery alone, for example, while others are eliminated only through surgery in combination with chemotherapy, radiation treatment or both.
Memorial Sloan Kettering’s new informational guide describes our approach to assessing soft tissue sarcoma subtypes and combining surgical techniques with comprehensive follow-up care, and survivorship and rehabilitation services.
It was at Memorial Sloan Kettering that researchers pioneered ways to analyze soft tissue sarcoma subtypes, and today we are leading the Sarcoma Genome Project searching for the genetic markers that reveal tumor aggressiveness and likely response to treatment. Every one of our patients with soft tissue sarcoma receives genetic and molecular sequencing of their tumor.
Surgical Expertise and Treatment Options through Clinical Trials
Currently surgery is the primary approach to soft tissue treatment, and we operate on a large number of people – approximately 600 each year – many of them with sarcomas considered inoperable elsewhere. Reconstruction techniques we developed enable us to repair nerves and blood vessels, as well as transfer muscle and soft tissue, in such a way that we can preserve your ability to keep using that part of the body normally.
Patients also have access to our online predication tool, called a nomogram, which is built on a vast surgical database and can help you and your doctors make important treatment decisions.
If you are newly diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma, we may be able to offer you enrollment in an innovative clinical trial investigating new ways to treat your sarcoma subtype. And if you have already been treated and the tumor has returned, consider speaking to one of our specialists about trials testing new immunotherapy approaches, vaccines, and combinations of existing therapies.
Comments
Preston "Doug" Rogers
Jan 29, 2014 • 4:25 PM
Memorial Sloan Kettering
Jan 29, 2014 • 4:50 PM
In reply to MSKCC is the best hospital. by Preston "Doug" Rogers
Victoria Bielen
Jul 1, 2014 • 12:15 PM
Michael Sheehan
Sep 25, 2014 • 4:29 PM
Memorial Sloan Kettering
Sep 26, 2014 • 12:32 PM
In reply to i have just been told by my by michael sheehan
Michael, thank you for reaching out. Your surgeon or personal physician is in the best position to assess your condition and choose a treatment based on your medical information. However, if you would like to seek a second opinion or consultation from an MSK physician you can contact our Physician Referral Service at 800-525-2225 or go to http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/appointment
You also might be interested in reading about the experience of this MSK patient, who had leiomyosarcoma:
Kashif Raza Khokhar
Jun 30, 2016 • 8:49 AM
Hi, I was diagnosed with Monophasic Synovial Sarcoma with tumor in the left proximal thing flexor compartment two months ago. The tumor measures 10.4 x 7.9 x 9.8 (T x AP x CC). So far, the treatment has not started as yet. I am from Pakistan and currently waiting for the treatment to begin. I need an email address to send my scan reports for the expert advice from your doctors in terms of treatment. Please let me know. Thanks.
Memorial Sloan Kettering
Jun 30, 2016 • 11:32 AM
In reply to Hi, I was diagnosed with… by Kashif Raza Khokhar
Dear Kashif, we are sorry to hear about your diagnosis. MSK’s International Center can arrange for you to have your medical records reviewed by one of our specialists. You may reach out to them directly via email at international@mskcc.org. Learn more about our services for international patients here: https://www.mskcc.org/experience/become-patient/international-patients. Thank you for reaching out to us.
MSKCC is the best hospital. From the doorman, and parking lot attendants to the nurses, healthcare professionals, and doctors there is a positive, genuine concern for the patient. Continuing attempts to make the patient comfortable and reduce his anxiety, are constantly observed. The orientation course at this facility should be mandatory for all health care organizations..