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The Approach to Bone Cancer and Sarcoma Treatment at RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center

When you or your child are diagnosed with bone cancer — or sarcoma — we’re here to provide support every step of the way.

As one of the busiest sarcoma cancer centers in Illinois, Rush has cared for thousands of people of all ages with bone cancer and other musculoskeletal cancers. This expertise allows us to tailor treatment to your specific situation and needs.

While treatment is unique to each patient, our overall goal is to treat your cancer while preserving the use of your limb as much as possible. And our nationally renowned team of orthopedic oncologists has helped pioneer advanced treatments to do just that.

What Is Bone Cancer?

Bone cancer refers to tumors that start in the bones and can damage healthy tissue as they grow.

There are different types of bone cancer. They can include:

• Primary bone cancer (or bone sarcomas): This cancer starts in the bone and stays there. It most often affects the thigh bone, shin bone or upper arm, and it can often be cured.
• Sarcomas: These are cancers that develop in the body’s connective tissues, like bone, muscle, fat and blood vessels. Sarcomas can happen anywhere in the body.
• Bone metastases: Sometimes, cancer can spread to the bones from other parts of the body, like the breast, lung, kidney or thyroid. This is called bone metastasis.

Types of Bone Cancer

There are several types of primary bone cancers, each affecting different types of bone cells. The most common include:

• Osteosarcoma, which develops in the bone-forming cells. It often occurs in teenagers and young adults, usually in the long bones of the arms and legs.
• Ewing sarcoma, which mainly affects children and young adults. It typically forms in the bones of the pelvis, legs or ribs but can also develop in soft tissue.
• Chondrosarcoma, a cancer that starts in cartilage cells. It’s more common in adults and tends to develop in the bones of the pelvis, upper legs and shoulders.
• Chordoma, a rare, slow-growing bone cancer that develops in the spine or skull base, usually in adults between 40 and 70.

Diagnosing Bone Cancer

If your doctor suspects you have bone cancer, getting tested quickly is important. At RUSH MD Anderson, our specialists work to diagnose your cancer as soon as possible.

First, you’ll be referred to orthopedic surgery, where doctors will evaluate your symptoms and any previous test results you may have. Within about a week, your team will schedule diagnostic tests, which usually will include an X-ray to check for abnormal changes in the bone. If needed, an MRI is done next to get a clearer view of the bone and surrounding tissue.

Afterward, you will need a biopsy to confirm your diagnosis. This involves taking a small sample of the affected bone to examine for cancer cells. Your biopsy may be done by an orthopedic surgeon or an interventional radiologist.

Stages of Bone Cancer

Once your diagnosis is confirmed, your providers may order additional tests, such as CT scans, bone scans and PET scans, to determine the stage of your bone cancer. These tests will allow your providers to see if your cancer has spread.

Bone cancer is typically staged from 1 to 4. If your bone cancer is stage 1 or 2, this means the cancer is still in the bone, while stage 3 or 4 means it has spread to other areas.

Knowing the stage of your cancer helps doctors decide the most effective treatment plan and whether to involve other specialists in your care.

Treatments for Bone Cancer at RUSH MD Anderson

Our specialists are leaders in bone cancer and sarcoma, focusing on saving limbs affected by cancer with the most advanced treatments and compassionate care.

We also use new technology, such as 3D printing and custom-made surgical implants, to help safely and accurately remove tumors and restore function.

Other innovative treatment options we offer include:

• Nano-coated cancer device. This new technology helps prevent infections after surgery. This device is used during limb-saving surgeries to reduce the risk of infection, which can be a serious complication in large operations.
• 3D-printed implants. We use 3D printing to create implants with surfaces designed for long-term durability. These implants are printed with special features to encourage bone and tissue growth, which helps the implant stay in place over time.
• 3D printed surgical tools. Our specialists can design custom-made guides that are 3D printed to help surgeons make precise bone cuts during surgery. These tools ensure that we remove all of the cancerous tissue while keeping the healthy bone intact.
• Growing prosthesis for children. This innovative prosthesis helps children with bone cancer who are too young for standard implants. The prosthesis grows with them, ensuring that their leg lengths stay even as they grow.
• Pelvic reconstruction for bone metastases. This is a unique procedure in which radiology and surgery work together to repair the pelvis if you have bone metastasis. This treatment can also help restore your mobility quickly.

What to Expect During and After Treatment for Bone Cancer

We understand that every person with bone cancer is unique. Your team of experts will create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Specialists like orthopedic surgeons, oncologists, radiologists and pathologists will work together to ensure you receive some of the best possible care.

Your treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation, surgery or a combination of these. If surgery is needed, your care team will focus on removing the cancer while preserving as much bone and function as possible. Recovery can take a few months, depending on the type of procedure.

After treatment, you will most likely be able to return to daily activities like walking, working or low-impact exercises, such as biking or swimming. While high-impact activities may not be recommended, there are still many ways to stay active. Our goal is to help you heal and maintain a good quality of life.

Second Opinion ÍÑÒÂÖ±²¥ for Bone Cancer

A second opinion can help you explore your options, so you can feel confident in your care plan. At RUSH MD Anderson, we specialize in advanced treatments designed to preserve your limbs whenever possible, and other centers may have different approaches.

If you’re interested in a second opinion at RUSH MD Anderson, call us at (312) CANCER-1 and request an appointment. Be sure to bring any records from your previous doctors, including test results, treatment plans and any other information that could help us understand your case.