Chemotherapy for Sarcoma

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Chemotherapy is a way to treat cancer using drugs that travel through the bloodstream. Sometimes sarcoma chemotherapy is recommended as a main treatment. Other times, a patient will have it in addition to surgery.

It is especially useful for metastatic sarcoma, which is late stage sarcoma that has spread beyond its original location. Chemotherapy is also used to shrink sarcoma tumors. It is used to help manage pain and other symptoms, too.

Sarcoma Care Tailored to You

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Chemotherapy Treatment Options

The treatment a physician recommends depends on the subtype and type of sarcoma a person has. The physician also considers the stage and other factors, like a patient’s overall health. When it’s used along with surgery, chemotherapy for sarcoma can help reduce the risk of the cancer coming back. It’s also used to make sure the tumor is completely gone. Chemotherapy may be given before or after the procedure.

How Chemotherapy is Used to Treat Sarcoma

Different types of sarcoma respond better to chemotherapy than others and also respond to different kinds of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy for soft tissue sarcoma generally uses a combination of several anti-cancer drugs.

Many sarcoma chemotherapy medicines are given into a vein through an intravenous (IV) line. Some people can take chemotherapy tablets by mouth to treat their sarcoma.

Your Fred Hutch team will talk with you about which chemotherapies we recommend for you. This includes how you’ll receive them, your treatment schedule and what to expect. We’ll answer your questions and any concerns you have. You are always at the center of everything we do.

Dr. Lara Davis
Dr. Lara Davis is a medical oncologist who solely specializes in caring for patients with sarcoma. She holds the Anderson Family Endowed Chair in Sarcoma.

Why Choose Fred Hutch for Chemotherapy for Sarcoma

At Fred Hutch, our experts offer multidisciplinary, team-based soft tissue sarcoma treatment and bone cancer treatment.

We offer the full spectrum of sarcoma care from treatment to survivorship supported by nationally and internationally recognized research to define the future of sarcoma care.

Chemotherapy for Sarcoma FAQ

It’s normal to wonder about side effects from treatment, like hair loss or nausea from chemotherapy. Possible side effects depend on the type of medication you’re receiving. The amount you need to take and how long you are in treatment matters, too.

If you are concerned, it might help to know that many of today’s treatments are more targeted to cancer cells, so they don’t cause as many side effects as standard chemotherapy. Before you begin treatment, we will talk with you about what to expect, based on your treatment plan.

During your treatment, we want you to tell us about any side effects you are having. If you have questions or concerns between appointments, you can call or email us. We will make sure you know how to reach care providers at Fred Hutch after hours, if that is when you need us.

We have many ways to help you feel better, such as:

  • Antibiotics, vaccines and antiviral drugs to prevent or treat infections
  • Transfusions, steroids and medicines that help the immune system treat low levels of blood cells (low blood counts) which can help with issues like tiredness or shortness of breath
  • Nutrition care and medicines to help with digestive problems
  • Conventional and integrative therapies for pain

Find out more about coping with side effects.