Comprehensive Care for Children and Young Adults with Tumors of the Bone and Soft Tissues
The Sarcoma Program at Cincinnati Children’s is a national leader in providing advanced therapies for children with tumors of the bone and soft tissues. Some of our patients have newly diagnosed sarcomas, while others come to Cincinnati Children’s seeking novel therapies for recurrent, rare or treatment-resistant sarcomas. Our team treats all forms of sarcoma, with patients ranging in age from infancy well into young adulthood.
Why Choose Us
Expert Team, Multidisciplinary Approach
Our physicians specialize in treating sarcomas and care for a large number of sarcoma patients. Their deep knowledge and experience give patients an unparalleled level of care. Our team is a part of the national Children's Oncology Group Sarcoma Committee, and bring this timely expertise to the care of our patients.
Caring for a child or young adult with musculoskeletal tumors requires a team approach. Our program includes experts from many different areas of specialization who collaborate with one another to ensure patients receive the best possible care.
Cutting-Edge Radiation Therapy
We offer proton therapy, one of the most precise and advanced forms of radiation therapy available in the world today. This specialized technology destroys cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues and organs. The Proton Therapy Center at Cincinnati Children’s is one of only a few centers in the US owned by a children’s hospital. Cincinnati Children’s is the only proton center with a dedicated research gantry to support the development of safer radiation treatment.
Limb-Sparing and Reconstructive Surgical Expertise.
Orthopaedic surgeon Joel Sorger, MD, utilizes advanced techniques in limb-sparing surgery and limb reconstruction. His expertise is one reason that amputations are rarely used as part of sarcoma treatment plan at Cincinnati Children’s.
Our pediatric orthopaedic and plastic surgeons also offer unique reconstructive surgery options to preserve function and restore the appearance of tissue that has been affected by sarcoma or sarcoma therapy.
Novel Surgical Procedures
Pediatric surgeon Roshni Dasgupta, MD, MPH, provides cutting-edge surgeries specifically for patients with sarcoma. These include sentinel lymph node biopsies, which help doctors accurately stage cancer, and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), which delivers chemotherapy directly to cancer cells in the abdomen.
Access to Advanced Therapies
Patients with recurrent or treatment-resistant sarcoma may be able to receive novel therapy protocols through our core membership in the Children’s Oncology Group Pediatric Early Phase Clinical Trials Network and the Sarcoma Alliance for Research Through Collaboration.
Advanced Genetic Testing for Tumors
When a tumor does not respond to treatment or returns after treatment, we offer extensive genetic profiling. This helps us identify which therapy to use next, based on the tumor’s genetic profile, and match patients with the best available anti-cancer drugs.
Second Opinions for Patients with High-Risk Cancers
Cincinnati Children’s welcomes patients for second opinions about their cancers for children of all ages, including infants and adolescents, and young adults (up to age 39). Second opinions help you understand all of the available treatment options and help you make a more informed decision about which therapy is best. Many people seek out an initial second opinion to validate the treatments offered by their current care team. Others look for second opinions when a cancer hasn’t responded well to initial treatment or has returned after treatment.
Specialized Rehabilitation Services
Our Pediatric Cancer Rehabilitation Specialty Program was the first inpatient pediatric program in the world to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). We offer a full range of inpatient rehabilitations services, which allows our physicians to monitor each patient’s progress on an ongoing basis. Our program provides customized therapy based on each child’s specific needs and goals.
Young Adult Cancer Center
Young adults (ages 15-39), who have been diagnosed with a pediatric cancer, have unique needs because they respond differently to cancer therapy than young children and older adults. They also have different physical side effects and emotional needs. Our sarcoma team has the expertise to address these unique needs. The team is a part of our nationally recognized Young Adult Cancer Center, which focuses on treating and curing young adults diagnosed with a pediatric cancer.
Cancer Survivorship Center
Cancer and cancer treatment can create health problems later in life. Our Cancer Survivorship Center offers long-term follow up to detect and treat problems early. The team also provides sarcoma survivors with the education and resources they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
