Working in state-of-the-art laboratories with advanced technology, our team of sarcoma research specialists, subspecialists and even super-subspecialists are unified by one goal: defeating sarcoma.
Basic and translational research
Our researchers are drilling down to the biologic and genetic levels of sarcoma and exploring new drug and treatment options to slow or stop this form of cancer and prevent metastasis (spread). Of particular advantage is their ability to access the Oncology Research Information Exchange Network (ORIEN), a unique tissue banking alliance that integrates “big data” and data sharing across the OSUCCC – James and other medical centers nationwide. We have also used the Avatar program to provide a databank of sequencing of sarcomas, which can be used in the future for collaborative multi-institutional research or potential industry partnerships to see if a novel drug might have efficacy in sarcoma.
Important topics of investigation at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center include, but are not limited to:
- Proton or Photon RT for retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPS)
- Genetic and immunologic characterization of soft tissue sarcomas as part of the ORIEN research network
- Comprehensive genetic and immunologic characterization of soft tissue sarcomas (STS)
- Hypofractionation for extremity soft tissue sarcomas (STS)
- The immune tumor microenvironment in STS
- MDM2 as a biomarker of retroperitoneal liposarcoma recurrence
- The use and application of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in sarcomas
- Proton therapy
- FLASH radiation
- Optical coherence tomography and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for both extremity STS and for RPS
- Deep learning/AI for pathology image classification
- The underlying molecular drivers and genetic determinants of various sarcoma subtypes
- Precision oncology and biologics
- New ways to utilize 3D printing in planning for tumor removal and surgical reconstruction
- Exploring new ways to reconstruct difficult anatomic locations of tumors
- Determining innovative ways to enhance rehabilitation after major limb sparing surgery
- Enrolling patients on chemotherapy protocols/clinical trials
Our sarcoma labs
Collaborating labs
Clinical trials
Ohio State’s Multidisciplinary Sarcoma Program provides unique treatment opportunities for people diagnosed with different subtypes at all stages. That’s because the OSUCCC – James is among only a handful of National Cancer Institute-funded cancer centers nationwide conducting both phase I and phase II clinical trials, which gives individuals a chance to try novel treatments that may not be available anywhere else — or at only a few locations nationwide.
We conduct a full spectrum of clinical trials for treatment, prevention, screening and even palliative care. There are typically more than 20 sarcoma-related studies that are actively recruiting new participants at any time.
Just two recent examples of therapies that were available through an Ohio State clinical trial before their eventual U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval are:
- Avapritinib as a first-line therapy for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)
- Trabectedin, a type of chemotherapy that limits progression and improves survival rates for liposarcomas and leiomyosarcomas
The Clinical Trials Office at the OSUCCC – James works closely with the principal investigator of each clinical trial to ensure compliance with protocol-specific procedures, including those related to data management, submissions and trial safety and monitoring. Our scientists can also receive support through The Ohio State University Clinical and Translational Science Institute, which provides research consultations and helps with funding opportunities, training and career development and research toolkits. Ohio State even hosts an annual bike-riding event, Pelotonia, which has funded millions of dollars in cancer research, and our own team organizes an annual Steps for Sarcoma walk event.
Clinical trial referrals
If you would like to refer an individual for a clinical trial, you can review those that are actively recruiting and explore the inclusion and exclusion criteria, which typically involve variables such as age, gender, sarcoma subtype, stage, other medical conditions and previous treatments.
We also welcome questions about eligibility and available trials. Simply email our sarcoma research coordinators at SarcomaCRCs@osumc.edu.
Active sarcoma clinical trials