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Sarcoma Research

As Georgia’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University involvement in sarcoma research sets us apart from other healthcare organizations in the region.

Researching Sarcoma Developing Novel Therapies at Winship

Because of the complexity and rarity of sarcomas, not to mention the sheer number of them (there are more than 150), sarcoma research can be challenging.

But each year, progress is being made in our understanding of the mechanisms of cancer development and recurrence as well as in the development of novel drugs, offering new treatment therapies for adult and pediatric patients alike.

Winship’s Advances in Sarcoma Treatment

Next-generation sequencing allows our care teams to identify treatable targets for sarcoma patients. Molecular profiling has become a new standard of care for patients with many types of cancer and is a cornerstone of making more precise and personalized treatment plans. Molecular profiling and next-generation sequencing is available for all cancer patients at Winship. Using these testing platforms, physicians are able to determine whether a patient is a candidate for FDA-approved targeted therapies, immunotherapy or clinical trials. The overarching goal is to provide therapies to patients based on a thorough understanding of the genomic characteristics of their tumor.

Diagnosing sarcoma in its early stages is still a crucial area of focus. Liquid biopsies provide a minimally invasive option using a simple blood sample to detect traces of a cancer’s DNA. While it is mostly used for breast, colon and lung cancers, this is an ever-evolving field of research and it will likely one day be available for all cancers, including sarcoma.

Sarcoma Clinical Trials

If you have advanced sarcoma, or one that is not responding to standard treatments, you may be eligible to participate in a sarcoma clinical trial. Clinical trials provide patients access to new drugs and therapies that are being developed to treat sarcoma.

Participating in Sarcoma Research

As a research center, our physicians will make every effort to match you with a clinical trial that targets your unique cancer. It’s best if you enroll from the beginning, so let your doctor know on your first visit if you’re interested in learning more about a clinical trial. Most clinical trials are supplemental, meaning you’ll still receive the standard therapy in addition to any treatment being studied.

Support for Clinical Trial Participation

Winship conducts sarcoma research at the following locations:

We welcome trial participants from all over Georgia and beyond. Talk with your doctor about whether you are eligible to participate in a clinical trial. Our supportive oncology team can assist you with services, such as finding affordable accommodations near Winship for the duration of your clinical trial.