Bone & Soft Tissue Cancers (Sarcomas)

X-ray of cancerous bone tumor, osteosarcoma, destroying the lower thigh bone (femur).

Bone cancer can occur when cancer has spread from a distant site (i.e., breast, prostate, lung) or it can be a cancer which originates in bone (sarcoma). Soft tissue sarcomas are cancers of the supporting tissues of the body. Soft tissue tumors can occur in muscle, fat, nerve, tendon and other tissues that support, surround and protect the organs of the body. While such tumors are common, the majority are benign and those which are malignant are called soft tissue sarcomas. Pediatric bone and soft tissue malignant tumors are common tumors in children. It is also called musculoskeletal sarcoma, which means a cancer of mesenchymal tissues, such as the bone, soft tissues, and connective tissue. This kind of cancer is highly malignant and harmful to children.

Clinical Trials

The sarcoma care team at the University of Minnesota is actively engaged in both national and regional clinical trials for various cancers. Click on the links below to view current lists of clinical trials for the cancers or contact the sarcoma care team program coordinator at 612-273-7810.

Treatment at the University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota is a national and international leader in basic science, clinical research and the development of advances in the treatment of bone and soft tissue tumors.

Sarcoma care team information and how to make an appointment

New Video: A Whole New Life After Osteosarcoma Surgery

Edward Cheng, M.D., orthopaedic surgeon at University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview, presents moving stories of young people's nervousness, courage, and optimism before and after amputation surgery in the treatment of bone cancer. Watch the video.

'Living Life: Cancer Patients Talk About Amputation'

Although the impact of an amputation is profound, this inspiring five-part video is a testament to the human spirit. It clearly demonstrates that the recovery process, both physically and emotionally, is transformational and leads to lives that are flourishing, productive, and joyful. Watch the video.

Interviews with University of Minnesota Physicians and Scientists

The Karen Wyckoff Rein in Sarcoma Foundation has produced a booklet of interviews with Univeristy of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center physicians and scientists who study and treat sarcoma. Read more. (PDF)

Content development for the Bone & Soft Tissue Cancers (Sarcomas) section was supported by the Karen Wyckoff Rein in Sarcoma Fund.