Ewing’s sarcoma treatment
The treatment for Ewing’s sarcoma may involve surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. You may receive one or more of these treatments depending on where your sarcoma is, how big it is and your age and general health.
Surgery
Surgery, to remove the tumour from the bone, is the most common treatment for Ewing’s sarcoma. Where possible, the surgeon will offer limb-sparing surgery. This means the surgeon removes the part of the bone where the cancer is growing and replaces it with either a prosthesis or a bone graft.
Sometimes, limb-sparing surgery may not be able to remove the entire tumour. The whole limb may then need to be removed (amputated). After amputation, most people can be fitted with an artificial limb (prosthesis), which helps with regaining independence and mobility, if a leg is affected.
Losing a limb is a distressing experience and you will be given the opportunity to discuss this and prepare for the surgery.
Your surgeon will discuss the different types of surgery with you, and you will be given the chance to ask any questions you may have. They will also be able to give you information on support groups and services that will be able to help your recovery and rehabilitation.
Talking about your feelings before and after surgery may help. You may wish to talk to a friend or relative about your feelings or you may prefer to talk to a counsellor.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy (treatment with anti-cancer drugs) is an important treatment for patients with Ewing’s sarcoma.
A course of chemotherapy is usually given before surgery (neo-adjuvant treatment) to make the tumour smaller and easier to remove. Another course will be given after surgery to kill off any cancer cells that might remain in the area where the sarcoma was.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is often very effective in the treatment of Ewing’s sarcoma.
It is usually used as the main form of treatment when the position of tumour means surgery is not possible. It may be given before surgery to shrink the tumour or after surgery to kill off any cancer cells that might remain in the area where the sarcoma was. It can also be helpful for relieving pain caused by tumours.
If radiotherapy will form part of your treatment plan, the doctors and nurses treating you will explain and answer any questions you may have about the treatment, its benefits and side effects.