The treatment of soft tissue and bone sarcomas is complex and requires the collaboration of various medical disciplines (surgery, oncology, radiation therapy, radiology, etc.). In order to cure sarcoma, surgical, chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments are used.
While some types of sarcoma require chemotherapy before surgery (osteosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma), other types of sarcoma require surgery first. The exact type of treatment depends on the individual tumor type and is determined depending on the patient's age, general condition of the patient, comorbidities but also the tumor location and tumor extent.
As a sarcoma center, we can offer you the entire spectrum of sarcoma diagnostics and therapy from a single source. Our therapy offer also includes the possibility to participate in Clinical Trials.
Surgical Therapy
A sarcoma can only be cured by surgically removing the tumor. The success of an operation depends heavily on the size and location of the tumor. For further treatment, it is crucial that the sarcoma can be removed, if possible, with a sufficiently large safety distance from the surrounding tissue. For sarcomas that are less aggressive and easy to remove, surgical tumor removal alone is often sufficient.
A sarcoma can only be cured by surgically removing the tumor. The success of an operation depends heavily on the size and location of the tumor. For further treatment, it is crucial that the sarcoma can be removed, if possible, with a sufficiently large safety distance from the surrounding tissue. For sarcomas that are less aggressive and easy to remove, surgical tumor removal alone is often sufficient.
Radiotherapy (radiation)
Radiation therapy plays an important role in the treatment of sarcomas alongside surgical and drug therapy. The sarcoma is irradiated with high energy using ionizing radiation. The aim is to destroy the DNA of the tumor cells and thus prevent further tumor growth. The radiation technique can be percutaneous (from the outside) with a linear accelerator or from the inside using brachytherapy. We also offer intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT), in which the tumor region is irradiated directly after tumor removal in collaboration with the surgeon.
The radiation treatments are carried out on the premises of the University Clinic for Radiation Oncology in the Inselspital (except at the IORT). The most modern equipment and all scientifically tested and recognized therapy options are available for the treatment of sarcomas. Through regular communication with the other organ centers and departments of the tumor center, we can guarantee you comprehensive and high-quality care and treatment. Zur Website der Universitätsklinik für Radio-Onkologie
Chemotherapy
Sarcoma can be treated medically with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can be used neoadjuvantly (before surgery), adjuvantly (after surgery), or palliatively (to relieve symptoms). Before surgical tumor removal, chemotherapy aims to shrink the tumor, simplify subsequent surgery and improve the effectiveness of radiation therapy. After surgical tumor removal, chemotherapy aims to kill the residual tumor cells still in the body that are not visible to the eye, and may help reduce the risk of recurrence. Chemotherapy uses substances that target specific cancer cells as closely as possible and kill them or inhibit their growth. Depending on the type of sarcoma, a different chemotherapy drug is used. Further information about chemotherapy can be found on the Site of the Medical Oncology.
