Sarcoma

Why choose UCLA Health for sarcoma cancer care?

Sarcoma is a challenging group of cancers that can originate in bones and connective tissue throughout the body. Our experienced cancer care team specializes in treating sarcoma using groundbreaking research and the latest treatments.

The UCLA Health Sarcoma Program is part of the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC). Our sarcoma oncology center provides the most advanced treatments possible to deliver the best outcomes.

U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center among the top cancer centers in the nation. We offer:

A high-volume sarcoma program: As one of the country's busiest sarcoma programs, our sarcoma specialists treat more than 1,200 patients per year.

Compassionate, collaborative care: We partner with you and your family to customize a sarcoma cancer care plan that fits your needs.

Dedication to discovery: The JCCC's more than 240 researchers and clinicians are passionate about finding new ways to prevent, detect, control and treat cancers, including sarcoma.

Convenient locations: You can receive sarcoma cancer services at one of our many community cancer clinics located across the greater Los Angeles region. UCLA Health is proud to offer leading-edge care, close to home.

Our services

From diagnosis to post-cancer care, UCLA Health's Sarcoma Program offers comprehensive services, including:

Diagnosis

Our accomplished team of sarcoma specialists provide comprehensive diagnostic services, including:

Advanced imaging: Tests that include X-rays and imaging studies, such as CT scans, MRI and positron emission tomography (PET) scans.

Biopsy: Procedure to remove tissue from a tumor to examine it for cancer cells.

Complete blood count (CBC): A blood test to check for low levels of red and white blood cells and platelets.

Spinal tap (lumbar puncture): A test in which a specialist removes cerebral fluid to look for cancerous cells. 

Cancer support

At the Simms/Mann- UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology we use the mind-body connection to promote healing, manage stress and provide coping strategies. Our center offers numerous resources such as counseling, spiritual support and workshops in meditation, nutrition and more.

Sarcomas we treat

Sarcomas can appear in most parts of the body, but they are often found in the arms and legs. While sarcomas are a common type of childhood cancer, they are rare in adults. Types of sarcoma include:

Ewing's sarcoma: A childhood bone cancer found in the chest, hip or shoulder blades.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors: Also called GIST or gastric sarcoma, this cancerous tumor begins in the gastrointestinal tract. GISTs are most often found in the stomach, but can also appear in the colon, esophagus, small intestine and rectum.

Osteosarcoma: A type of sarcoma that starts in the cells that form bone. Osteosarcoma is more prevalent among children and young adults. It can spread to nearby tissues, into the bloodstream and to other parts of the body.

Rhabdomyosarcoma: A rare childhood cancer that begins in the cells that grow into muscles.

Soft tissue sarcoma: A group of 50 cancers of the tissues that connect, support or surround bodily structures and organs, such as muscles, fibrous tissues, nerves, blood vessels and fat.

Treatments we offer

At UCLA Health, we offer the full range of lifesaving sarcoma treatments, including:

Chemotherapy: Drugs used to damage or kill cancerous cells and tissues. Chemotherapy is often combined with other therapies, such as surgery or radiation.

Radiation therapy: This treatment focuses radioactive energy on killing cancerous cells without harming surrounding tissues. Types of radiation therapy we offer include:

• Brachytherapy: A procedure that places radioactive pellets (seeds) into a catheter in the affected tissues.
• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT): An external beam radiation technique that precisely targets cancerous tumors and tissues.
• Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT): A procedure in which radiation is administered during surgery to target microscopic cancer cells or hard-to-remove tumors.

Immunotherapy: Therapies that activate the immune system to attack the cancer.

Surgery: A common treatment for sarcoma. The goal is to completely remove the cancerous tumor.

Clinical trials: Research studies that test the safety and effectiveness of new sarcoma therapies.