Enduring Courage Collection
Enduring Courage wants to spread the message of hope across the world. We are raising funds and promoting awareness to instill faith in humankind and make a difference in the world. Through advocacy work and other activities, our team works tirelessly each day with the same goals in mind: to lend a helping hand.
Here is educational and supportive information for patients and their families
​
https://www.dana-farber.org/for-patients-and-families/for-survivors/
​
https://www.dana-farber.org/for-patients-and-families/caring-for-a-loved-one/
​
https://www.dana-farber.org/for-patients-and-families/caring-for-a-loved-one/
​
https://www.dana-farber.org/for-patients-and-families/cancer-prevention-and-risk-reduction/
​
https://www.dana-farber.org/for-patients-and-families/cancer-prevention-and-risk-reduction/
What is chondrosarcoma?
Chondrosarcoma is a type of sarcoma that affects the bones and joints. It is a rare cancer that accounts for about 20% of bone tumors and is diagnosed in approximately 600 patients each year in the United States.1 Chondrosarcoma typically affects adults between the age of 20 and 60 years old, and it is more common in men. The disease usually starts in the bones of the arms, legs or pelvis, but it can be found in any part of the body that contains cartilage. Sometimes chondrosarcoma grows on an otherwise healthy bone, and sometimes it grows on a benign bone tumor (an enchondroma or osteochondroma).
​
Patients with sarcoma often require a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. We recognize that a team approach is the best way to manage these complicated cases. Our group is dedicated to clinical research to develop cutting-edge treatment strategies for both soft tissue and bone malignancies.
When you come to the Center for Sarcoma and Bone Oncology, you'll meet with members of our team who have expertise in caring for patients with sarcoma.
Patients with sarcoma often require a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. We recognize that a team approach is the best way to manage these complicated cases.
This means pathologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, and other health care professionals who specialize in sarcoma may be involved in decisions about your care.
Our group is also dedicated to clinical research to develop innovative treatment strategies for soft tissue and bone malignancies.
We will work with you to find other support services within Dana-Farber, including nutrition, complementary therapies, spiritual support, financial help, survivorship, and resources for families and young adults.
HOW IS CHONDROSARCOMA TREATED
Complete surgical removal of the tumor, along with a wide margin of healthy tissue, has historically been the preferred treatment of chondrosarcoma. Limb salvage surgery is a common treatment technique, and amputation is only used occasionally for advanced or recurrent disease.
Studies have been done and are underway to measure the effectiveness of intralesional curettage surgery, which is a less aggressive surgery that removes less tissue, on low-grade chondrosarcomas. These studies show that certain low-grade tumors respond well to this type of surgery, which has excellent functional results for patients. The issue of how to best deal with low-grade chondrosarcoma is controversial and is covered in-depth in this article.
Most chondrosarcomas (with the exception of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma) do not respond to chemotherapy or radiation therapy. This makes surgical management crucial in the treatment of chondrosarcoma. In rare situations where the skull is involved, proton radiation therapy may be helpful.
Chemotherapy or radiation therapy is sometimes considered for patients with the recurrent, metastatic or dedifferentiated disease. Unfortunately, these treatments have not been proven to be effective, and there is no standard protocol to follow.
​
More Information
​ https://www.dana-farber.org/for-patients-and-families/care-and-treatment/treatment-centers/
https://www.dana-farber.org/genitourinary-cancer-treatment-center/our-approach/
https://www.dana-farber.org/hodgkin-lymphoma/treatment/
https://www.dana-farber.org/hodgkin-lymphoma/treatment/
​
Enduring Courage Collection
(424)-236-8458
Boston, MA, USA