Sarcoma Insight Podcast

In Episode 38, we discussed reconstructive options for the lower extremity. Similar considerations exist for the upper extremity. The upper extremity, although not used for weight bearing and ambulation, is very important for human activities of daily living. In this episode we discuss the challenges and considerations for reconstructing tumors of the upper extremity. Payne CE, Hofer SO, Zhong T,...

The Plastic Surgeon is a key member of the Sarcoma care team with expertise in complex reconstruction. This episode reviews the past, present and future techniques for plastic surgery reconstruction in sarcoma patients with Dr. Dana Bregman. . Thomas B et al. The Therapeutic Role of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in the Interdisciplinary Treatment of Soft-Tissue Sarcomas in Germany-Cross-Secti...

Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcomas are one of the most common sarcomas. This class of tumors are aggressive with a risk of local recurrence and distant metastasis. We discuss the presentation, diagnostic challenges, and management of these sarcomas. Bennett C, Bharadwaj S, Arndt A, Chawla A. A systematic review of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma of the chest wall. Chin Clin Oncol. 2023 Dec...

For many years amputation was the mainstay for surgical interventions for patients with sarcoma. As our knowledge regarding sarcomas grew in concert with improved medical therapies, intervention and technology, Other options developed. In this episode we review the options for intervention of tumors of the lower extremity with a focus on the femur. Jyoti, Nitish Jagdish; Kishor, Kamal; Kapoor, Lov...

July is Sarcoma awareness month!! A diagnosis of sarcoma can have a lasting impact on patients and families. For those who have been diagnosed and their families, there are resources and groups dedicated to educate, support and raise awareness. In this episode we highlight the MIBagents! A nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a better community and support for patients with pediatric osteo...

Synovial chondromatosis is a benign process that results in the formation of numerous loose bodies within a joint. This can lead to significant functional limitations as well as pain. In this episode, we discuss its pathogenesis, diagnosis and management options. Habusta SF, Mabrouk A, Tuck JA. Synovial Chondromatosis. 2023 Apr 22. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publis...

Following a brief break, there is no better time for a brief review and catch up. During this episode we go over some commonly used terminology and processes along the sarcoma timeline with the new addition to our team, and host Dr. Sarah Ballatori Find out More about our Doctors: Dr. Izuchukwu Ibe: www.linkedin.com/in/izuchukwu-ibe-a073537a/ Dr. Sarah Ballatori: https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/pr...

Artificial intelligence continues to gain popularity as society identifies its uses and benefits. AI has shown promise despite being in the early phases of implementation in sarcoma care. For this episode we discuss Artificial intelligence, its present and the future in sarcoma care. Bozzo A, Tsui JMG, Bhatnagar S, Forsberg J. Deep Learning and Multimodal Artificial Intelligence in Orthopaedic Sur...

Musculoskeletal oncology (or Orthopaedic Oncology) is the field that is focused on diagnosing and treating cancers or tumors that affect bone and soft tissue. This requires a complex understanding of surgical, medical, radiologic and pathologic principles with a goal of ensuring optimal patient outcomes, and preserving function as well as quality of life. Along with the above, musculoskeletal onco...

There are multiple team members who all play an important role in providing coordinated multidisciplinary care for the betterment of patients with sarcomas and tumors. A pathologist is a key member of the team with an extremely important role. Pathologic analysis remains the standard for diagnosis and tumor analysis. We discuss the role of the pathologist in tumor diagnosis with Dr. Obeidin Farres...

July is Sarcoma awareness month! Sarcoma Strong remains an amazing resource and a way to be involved in the fight against Sarcoma. For the 2024 Sarcoma awareness month, we have Dr. DiCaprio, founder of Sarcoma Strong as our guest. Sarcoma Strong continues to evolve and grow providing a community and fighting sarcoma by supporting sarcoma research. We discuss the continued evolution of Sarcoma Stro...

Giant cell tumor of tendon sheath as well as tenosynovial giant cell tumors are similar appearing tumors on imaging and pathology that occur in different parts of the body. TGCT occurs within joints particularly the knee and the tendon sheath variant occurs along the tendons of the hands and feet. Treatment options vary depending on the location and presentation, in this episode we discuss the two...

Giant Cell Tumors of bone are common bone tumors. They can cause pain and present with a mass. They can be isolated to one bone or affect multiple bones. They can also metastasize to the lungs. Treatment for Giant Cell Tumor of Bone can be Surgical or Medical. We discuss the presentation, clinical findings and options for intervention. Hartmann W, Harder D, Baumhoer D. Giant Cell-Rich Tumors of Bo...

A continuation of our series featuring Sarcoma stories with Janet Panoch. Janet's Daughter was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at the age of 12 and going through the process with her daughter inspired Janet to do more for sarcoma patients. She obtained a PhD and has worked since then to help and educate other families going through a sarcoma diagnosis. We discuss her amazing journey from diagnosis to...

Chordomas are malignant tumors that affect the spine. They can be large, locally invasive and aggressive. In this episode we discuss The diagnosis, treatment and management *** Daniel M. Sciubba, Jennifer J. Cheng, Rory J. Petteys, Kristy L. Weber, Deborah A. Frassica, Ziya L. Gokaslan. Chordoma of the Sacrum and Vertebral Bodies. 708 -717 Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. N...

Tumors of the spine can be difficult to identify, diagnose and treat. These tumors are defined as primary or secondary(malignant). In this episode we will discuss the secondary or malignant spine tumors. Dr. Aoude shares his diagnostic as well as treatment algorithms for patients with metastatic spine tumors. Ciftdemir M, Kaya M, Selcuk E, Yalniz E. Tumors of the spine. World J Orthop. 2016 Feb 18...

Tumors of the spine can be difficult to identify, diagnose and treat. These tumors are defined as primary or secondary(malignant). In this episode we will discuss with Spine oncologist, Dr. Ahmed Aoude regarding the primary spine tumors. Primary as well as malignant, their evaluation, diagnosis and treatment. Ciftdemir M, Kaya M, Selcuk E, Yalniz E. Tumors of the spine. World J Orthop. 2016 Feb 18...

Peripheral Nerves are vital to the function of the human body. Nerves and the sheath that lines them can become neoplastic leading to the formation of tumors. In the previous episode we discussed the benign tumors that arise from peripheral nerves, this episode will focus on the malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST). These tumors are associated with a high local recurrence rate and can...

Peripheral Nerves are vital to the function of the human body. Nerves and the sheath that lines them can become neoplastic leading to the formation of tumors. This episode will focus on the common benign nerve sheath tumors, Schwannomas and Neurofibromas. WE discuss their diagnosis, treatment and management Rodriguez, F.J., Folpe, A.L., Giannini, C. et al. Pathology of peripheral nerve sheath tumo...

The rarity and uniqueness of each individuals case make research in orthopaedic oncology and sarcoma challenging. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Registry (MsTR) is taking this on, led by Dr. Benjamin Miller and program manager Atusa Moreno. The MsTr is an orthopaedic oncological diagnosis-based registry developed in partnership with the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS). The goal of the registry is...

Happy New Year from the Sarcoma Insight Family! Episode recorded: 11/13/2022 Metastatic bone disease are a big cause of pain, morbidity and mortality for patients. The tumor is able to hijack normal bone metabolism and weaken the bone. In this episode we discuss the mechanisms of metastatic disease, diagnosis, management and treatment with Dr. Cory Couch of the Mayo clinic Links Rougraff BT, Kneis...

Myxofibrosarcomas are often high grade malignant tumors that can be problematic to treat. They are locally aggressive and associated with a high risk of recurrence. In this episode we discuss the diagnostic and treatment dilemmas as well as the management for patients with myxofibrosarcoma. Links Castronovo C, Arrese JE, Quatresooz P, Nikkels AF. Myxofibrosarcoma: a diagnostic pitfall. Rare Tumors...

Myxomas are benign soft tissue tumors filled with gelatinous material. They can be painful and occur in many different parts of the body. In this episode we discuss the common presentation, treatment, management and follow up after a diagnosis with Myxoma. We also discuss the differential diagnosis for myxoma which includes malignant tumors that should be ruled out when making the diagnosis. Aksha...

Tune in for the second installment of our series, featuring Sarcoma patients/ survivors and their stories: with Brandi Benson. An Ewing sarcoma survivor, Entrepreneur, veteran, author and much more. We discuss her amazing journey from diagnosis to present. We have Brandi's mother with us for the episode and discuss the role and effect of the Sarcoma diagnosis on members of the family. https://bran...

Synovial Sarcomas are rare malignant tumors of soft tissue. Unlike most soft tissue sarcomas they are more likely to affect younger individuals. This tumor type is unique because of a common chromosomal translocation and mutation. They also have a high predilection of metastasis to lung and to the lymph nodes. Links & Article(s) Gazendam AM, Popovic S, Munir S, Parasu N, Wilson D, Ghert M. Synovia...