Bone Cancer
University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center Provides Leading-Edge Expertise for Patients with Bone Cancer
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with bone cancer, we know the anxiety you must feel, and we can help. Bone cancer, cancers that develop first or solely in the bones, are relatively uncommon, with only an estimated 3,000 new cases in the U.S. each year. However, UH Seidman Cancer Center’s highly skilled physicians and cancer specialists are experts at diagnosing and treating bone cancer. Using a combination of surgery with chemotherapy and radiation, they can adapt bone cancer treatment to each patient’s individual needs.
Part of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
UH Seidman Cancer Center is part of the National Cancer Institute-designated Case Comprehensive Cancer Center at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, one of an elite group of 41 comprehensive cancer centers nationwide. UH Seidman Cancer Center is a nationally recognized cancer program with expertise for both routine and very complex care for cancer that may have advanced to stage III or IV.
Treatment Options
We offer leading-edge treatments earlier than most other cancer centers and our advanced technology is integrated into a comprehensive cancer care treatment plan for each patient.
With bone cancer, it is important to have the biopsy done at the same place you expect to receive treatment. The specialized surgeon in bone cancer, will know the margins (where the cancer stops and starts) and can be very effective with the removal of the cells. Some of the advanced treatments our experts provide are:
- Limb sparing surgery: Saving the affected limb is always the priority, especially in children. Limb-sparing surgery is performed with a full array of reconstructive options for bone sarcomas as needed, including large metallic reconstruction, high-performance surgical prosthetics and bone and soft tissue transplantation. Under the best circumstances, sarcoma patients treated with limb-sparing surgery techniques can return to nearly normal daily activities.
- Combining chemotherapy and/or radiation before or after the surgery to shrink the tumor
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapies with chemotherapy to directly attack the specific tumor
- Access to the latest approached in treating bone cancer, including clinical trials
Multidisciplinary Approach
At UH Seidman Cancer Center, our patients benefit from a team approach to bone cancer care. Every single patient has the resources of an entire team of national experts to guide treatment decisions. Our case by case review process, called a tumor board review, ensures that all realistic treatment options are considered. As part of this multidisciplinary approach, the following specialists may be involved in the care and treatment of bone cancer patients:
- Genetic counselors
- Medical geneticists
- Medical oncologists
- Nurse navigators
- Nurse practitioners
- Pathologists
- Radiation oncologists
- Radiologists
- Social workers
- Surgical oncologists
Cancer Clinical Trials
UH Seidman Cancer Center has many available clinical trials for patients with cancer, including:
- Studying best dose and side effects of a cancer drug. It is for people with solid tumors that have not gotten better with treatment and have normal liver function or abnormal liver function. Learn more.
- Studying how chemo works and its safety and side effects in those with solid tumors who also have liver problems. Learn more.