Sarcoma overview
You are at the center of everything we do at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. Here, we surround you with a team of specialists who work together closely to provide expertly targeted, complete care and compassionate support throughout your treatment and beyond.
Fred Hutch has been a leader in sarcoma care for more than 40 years, providing world-class services to thousands of people with sarcoma and related conditions.
We guide you every step of the way, combining our deep clinical expertise in soft tissue sarcoma and bone cancer with a commitment to meet your unique needs. Along with treating your cancer, we do all we can to help make you whole after this life-altering experience.
Following the merger of long-time partners, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, the organization was renamed to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. We are an independent, nonprofit organization that also serves as UW Medicine's cancer program.
Why choose Fred Hutch for sarcoma treatment?
- True team care
Sarcoma is a rare cancer that is often hard to diagnose and treat. So it’s critical that you’re seen at a multidisciplinary cancer center where sarcoma specialists collaborate to determine the best treatment approach for you. Our internationally recognized experts form the only multidisciplinary sarcoma team in the Pacific Northwest. Physical therapists, dietitians and other professionals are also here to support your recovery. - Experienced sarcoma specialists
Every year we treat more people with sarcoma than any other cancer center in the region. People come from around the western U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and farther to see Fred Hutch surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists who focus exclusively on treating sarcoma. - Comprehensive sarcoma treatment
Our doctors treat all types of sarcoma and provide the most advanced sarcoma treatments available. Based on the unique characteristics of your tumor, your team may recommend surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, proton therapy or another form of radiation therapy, all available at Fred Hutch. - Sarcoma clinical trials
Our objective is to bring you the treatments of tomorrow today. We unite the leading researchers and cancer specialists of Fred Hutch and UW Medicine so you can take part in soft tissue sarcoma and bone cancer clinical studies not available anywhere else. - Where you’re treated first matters most
Treatment at a multidisciplinary cancer center, like Fred Hutch, leads to better outcomes. Research has also shown that the first treatment you receive for cancer is by far the most important. Patients who begin treatment at Fred Hutch often have better outcomes than those who started treatment elsewhere. - A national leader in cancer care
Fred Hutch is the leading cancer treatment center in the region and among the top nationally, according to U.S. News & World Report. - NCI comprehensive cancer center
We are a comprehensive cancer center, the highest designation awarded by the National Cancer Institute. This reflects our scientific leadership and the depth and breadth of our research to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.
Facts
In recent years, doctors have gained a better understanding of sarcoma growth patterns, the risks of sarcoma spreading and the most effective treatment options. As a result, survival following treatment for sarcoma has improved tremendously. Fred Hutch offers comprehensive treatment from a team of experts who specialize in soft tissue sarcomas and bone cancers.
Treatment
Sarcoma is often hard to treat, so it’s important to receive care at a specialized center with sarcoma expertise.
Fred Hutch experts offer comprehensive, team-based soft tissue sarcoma treatment as well as bone cancer treatment, including advanced therapies and new options available only through clinical studies.
In most cases, you have time to consider your options and get a second opinion — even a third opinion — before deciding what kind of treatment is right for you. A diagnosis of cancer can feel overwhelming. We have an experienced, compassionate team ready to help.
Noncancerous conditions
Our orthopedic oncology team also treats patients who have noncancerous (benign) bone and soft tissue tumors. These physicians offer all treatment types, with specialized expertise in surgical management of noncancerous tumors and complex limb reconstruction.
Providers
At Fred Hutch, you receive care from a team of providers with extensive experience in your disease. Your team includes physicians, a patient care coordinator, a registered nurse, an advanced practice provider and others, based on your needs. You also have access to experts like nutritionists, social workers, acupuncturists, psychiatrists and more who specialize in supporting people with cancer or blood disorders.
Clinical trials
Fred Hutch was formed, in part, to bring promising new treatments to patients faster. For sarcoma patients, this means more treatment options than you might find elsewhere, including the chance to participate in one of many ongoing clinical trials conducted at Fred Hutch and UW Medicine.
Resources
There are many resources online for learning about your disease, as well as organizations that provide community and support for your cancer diagnosis. Health educators at the Fred Hutch Patient and Family Resource Center have compiled a list of trusted sources to help you get started.
Sarcoma surveillance
We understand that surveillance and supportive care is equally important as cancer treatment for our patients. Our Sarcoma Surveillance Clinic offers monitoring for patients who have completed their sarcoma treatment. This includes routine follow-up exams and scan review, which is important in order to detect possible early signs or sarcoma recurrence or metastatic disease.