Participating in clinical trials is the best option for the treatment of children with cancer. Clinical trials are research studies that compare the best treatments available with newer treatments that may work better or have fewer side effects. A number of types of treatments may be used in the care of children with Ewing sarcoma.
Surgery
The doctor may remove the cancer and a portion of the surrounding healthy tissue. This alone, or in combination with radiation therapy, offers an effective treatment for the primary tumor. However, it is not effective for treating metastatic disease.
More information about surgery
Radiation therapy
Ewing sarcoma is very sensitive to radiation, which is why this type of therapy is effective in treating the primary tumor. Radiation is used if the tumor cannot be completely removed.
More information about radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be used before surgery to shrink a tumor so that it can be removed surgically, and will also be used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.
More information about chemotherapy
Reviewed and edited by the CureSearch.org Medical Editorial Board December 2006