Overview
Bone and soft tissue sarcomas are malignant tumors that originate from mesenchymal tissues. They are relatively rare in clinical practice and include osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, liposarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, and synovial sarcoma.
Osteosarcoma most commonly affects children and adolescents, typically occurring in the metaphyseal regions of long bones such as the distal femur and proximal tibia. Soft tissue sarcomas can occur at any age and often present as a painless, gradually enlarging mass. The exact causes of these tumors remain unclear. Research suggests possible associations with genetic predisposition (e.g., RB1, TP53 mutations), ionizing radiation exposure, and chronic tissue injury.
Patients with osteosarcoma often experience localized pain, swelling, or limited joint mobility. In advanced cases, pathological fractures or lung metastases may occur. Soft tissue sarcomas are frequently asymptomatic in early stages and are often discovered only when the mass becomes large or compresses surrounding structures.
Treatment Options
Bone and soft tissue sarcomas typically require comprehensive management by a multidisciplinary team, along with long-term follow-up to monitor recurrence and metastasis. Personalized treatment plans play a crucial role in improving survival outcomes and quality of life.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is the preferred option for most resectable cases. The goal is to completely remove the tumor while preserving as much limb and organ function as possible. Postoperative rehabilitation may be needed to help restore mobility and overall quality of life.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is often used preoperatively to shrink tumors or postoperatively to reduce recurrence risk. For patients who are unable to undergo surgery or have tumors in anatomically complex locations, radiotherapy becomes an important alternative. Modern precision radiotherapy techniques can effectively destroy tumor cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
Systemic Therapy
Systemic treatments include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and more. These therapies may be used preoperatively to shrink tumors and improve limb-preservation rates or postoperatively to lower recurrence risk. For advanced or metastatic cases, systemic therapy is the primary treatment, and can be combined with local treatments to prolong survival and relieve symptoms.
Each patient’s treatment plan should be carefully evaluated and designed by a multidisciplinary expert team, with the goal of balancing safety, efficacy, long-term survival, and quality of life.
Why Choose GoBroad?
At GoBroad Healthcare Group (GoBroad), bone and soft tissue sarcoma care is led by top national experts. Professor Yao Yang is one of China’s most experienced specialists in this field and the founder and first Executive Director of the Shanghai Sarcoma Clinical Center (SSCC). He has extensive frontline clinical experience as well as international postdoctoral research training, advancing both the basic and clinical science of sarcoma in China.
Our team is committed to multidisciplinary collaboration—including surgery, medical oncology, pathology, imaging, and radiotherapy—to develop individualized treatment plans that help patients achieve optimal balance between safety and therapeutic benefit.
What You Can Expect at GoBroad
Multidisciplinary Collaborative Care
At GoBroad, sarcoma treatment is carried out by a dedicated multidisciplinary care (MDC) team. Experts from surgery, medical oncology, radiotherapy, pathology, imaging, rehabilitation, and nursing jointly evaluate each case and create personalized, full-cycle treatment plans. This collaborative model ensures scientifically sound treatment and comprehensive patient support throughout every stage of care.
Specialized Surgical Precision
GoBroad brings together highly experienced surgical experts across multiple subspecialties. When treating bone and soft tissue sarcomas, the team prioritizes not only complete tumor removal but also functional preservation—helping patients maintain bone and joint function and improve long-term quality of life.
Personalized Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy plays a vital role in the management of soft tissue sarcomas. Depending on disease characteristics, radiotherapy may be used preoperatively to shrink tumors or postoperatively to reduce recurrence. Our radiotherapy specialists work closely with surgical, pathological, and imaging teams to design tailored radiotherapy plans that maximize efficacy while minimizing side effects.
Access to Advanced Treatment Options
For patients with advanced or refractory disease, GoBroad continuously explores and introduces cutting-edge therapies, including targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and novel local treatment approaches. Through participation in international multicenter clinical trials, we provide patients with early access to innovative drugs and emerging technologies—giving them more opportunities for extended survival and improved quality of life.
Patient Stories
In February 2024, 32-year-old Mr. Ma (pseudonym) visited a local hospital due to abdominal discomfort. A colonoscopy revealed colorectal polyps. At the time, he assumed it was a minor issue, unaware that this would mark the beginning of a life-altering journey. Just two months later, his symptoms worsened significantly: persistent abdominal pain and increasing abdominal girth. On May 9, an enhanced CT scan revealed alarming findings—thickening of the terminal ileum with soft tissue masses, metastases across the diaphragm, peritoneum, and mesentery, and fluid accumulation in the abdominal and pelvic cavities. The diagnosis: advanced malignant tumor with widespread metastases.
During the last week of May 2024, on a recommendation from fellow patients, Mr. Ma traveled to Shanghai GoBroad Cancer Hospital and registered with Professor Yang YAO, leader of the bone and soft tissue sarcoma program at GoBroad Healthcare Group. By then, it had been 21 days since he was diagnosed with stage IV rhabdomyosarcoma with extensive metastasis. Wearing an abdominal drainage bag, he entered the hospital with cautious steps.
Treatment Begins: From Diagnosis to Initial Control
Under Professor Yao's direction, a multidisciplinary team (MDT) was quickly assembled, including Professor Changxing LV (Director of Radiation Oncology) and Dr. Ming GUAN (Director of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors). Based on comprehensive evaluations and thorough discussions with Mr. Ma's family, the team designed a treatment plan combining chemotherapy, peritoneal perfusion, and localized radiotherapy. The goal was to control the disease across eight cycles of treatment.
The chemotherapy regimen was physically demanding. Mr. Ma experienced significant side effects and discomfort, but he persevered and completed every cycle on schedule.
On day 189, follow-up imaging in December 2024 showed remarkable results: the tumor had shrunk significantly. The initial 12-centimeter lesion was no longer visible on scans, indicating preliminary treatment success.
Coordinated Treatment: The Need for Precise Planning
According to Professor Yao, although the current results are encouraging, cancer treatment is a systematic process. Any delay can jeopardize the overall outcome. Tumors may develop resistance, and if not promptly controlled, may progress again. After the ninth chemotherapy session, the MDT continued their coordination, arranging radiotherapy for the retroperitoneal region to maintain therapeutic momentum and systemic control.
The most recent follow-up showed no signs of recurrence or metastasis in the abdominal cavity. Although a solitary lesion was detected in the chest wall, it is currently being addressed under medical guidance.
Current Status: A Life in Gradual Recovery
Mr. Ma's health has improved significantly. His mental state is stable, and his ability to communicate and participate in daily activities has greatly increased. His family recalls their initial despair at the diagnosis and the pessimism of local doctors. However, Mr. Ma never let his emotions waver. Since beginning treatment at GoBroad, his condition has steadily improved, and his outlook has grown more hopeful.
His family shared: "We didn't dare to hope too much at first, but things are getting better every day. The visible changes have restored our confidence."
Mr. Ma's story is a powerful individual example in the realm of cancer treatment. It highlights that timely intervention, strategic planning, and multidisciplinary cooperation are essential. Even in the face of complex disease, personalized precision treatment can bring meaningful progress. We hope that every patient, with the help of a dedicated medical team, can move forward with confidence and strength.
