Ohio State sarcoma experts use unique techniques to treat patients diagnosed with these rare cancers that disproportionately affect young people. Relatively uncommon, sarcomas are generally categorized as conditions of the bones (osteosarcomas) and spine, which affect young patients more frequently, and those that impact the soft tissue, which usually occur in adults in their 40s and older. “Bone sarcoma forms in the bones and causes pain and limitation of movement,” says Joel Mayerson, MD, the director of the sarcoma program at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James). “Soft tissue sarcomas usually are growing masses in our muscles, blood vessels or nerves, and usually don't cause pain.” Click here to learn more about sarcoma, including risks, symptoms and treatment options at The Ohio State University. While the signs of bone and soft tissue sarcomas differ, both groups include symptoms that are alarming and consistent. “[Pain from bone osteosarcomas] can be like a dull, constant toothache that never goes away,” Mayerson says. “With soft tissue sarcomas, patients feel growing masses somewhere in their bodies, and they say, ‘What's this?’” Both types of sarcoma are diagnosed in similar ways, with imaging followed by biopsies. When cancer is found, Ohio State’s multidisciplinary sarcoma team immediately begins working with patients to develop personalized treatment plans. “We have a diverse group of specialists, including medical oncologists and radiation oncologists, that really open up the options for treatment and make sure that people get the most optimal care for their cancers,” Mayerson says. Click here to learn more about comprehensive cancer care at The Ohio State University. While newly-approved and established treatments are major components of sarcoma care, many Ohio State patients also have access to the next generation of therapies through clinical trials. As an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, the OSUCCC – James combines research and care at its facilities, where patients partner with study teams to help develop new and improved treatments for sarcoma and many other types of cancer. “We have clinical trials that involve chemotherapy to give people options that may not yet be on the market, and we also have potential proton therapies that can help minimize radiation when possible,” Mayerson says. “We also have surgical trials that allow us to optimize patients’ care and minimize the amount of tissue we have to take out.” Click here to learn more about cancer research at the OSUCCC – James.