Sarcoma

Margaret von Mehren, MD, is Chief of the Division of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, and leads clinical studies to help advance therapeutic options for patients with sarcoma.
Margaret von Mehren, MD, is Chief of the Division of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, and leads clinical studies to help advance therapeutic options for patients with sarcoma.

Sarcoma is a rare form of cancer, so it is natural to have many questions after receiving it as a diagnosis. At Fox Chase Cancer Center, we have provided a comprehensive approach to cancer diagnosis, treatment and support for more than 100 years, and we are one of the few cancer centers in the nation offering a multidisciplinary approach to researching and treating sarcoma.

Our sarcoma specialists provide expert guidance, so you can make informed decisions about your care and what is best for you and your family. We draw upon the nationally renowned experience of our multidisciplinary medical team to tailor a treatment plan that is unique to you. The sarcoma physician team regularly reviews new or challenging cases in depth to reach consensus on treatment options and strategies, and through this coordinated approach, provides thorough and personalized care to our patients (as well as access to innovative therapies and clinical trials).

At Fox Chase, we take enormous pride in providing world-class care for our patients with sarcoma. Your dedicated team not only includes physicians, surgeons, researchers and nurses, but also nurse navigators, social workers and other specialized staff to provide emotional support and coping strategies.

“Our patients want to be empowered and play a major role in getting better. We act as their partners and build upon their energy and enthusiasm to be a crucial part of their own care and treatment.”
Krisha Howell, MD, Radiation Oncologist and Sarcoma Specialist

Why Choose Fox Chase for Sarcoma Treatment?

  • Fox Chase has received the highest designation from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a Comprehensive Cancer Center, an elite center recognized for excellence in cancer treatment, research, prevention and education. Our sarcoma patients receive sophisticated care with a wide range of state-of-the-art treatment options.
  • Fox Chase physicians conduct numerous clinical trials for sarcoma, giving you access to emerging and innovative therapies that may not be available anywhere else. The results of studies conducted by Fox Chase doctors have been crucial in advancing the understanding of sarcoma diagnosis and treatment around the world, particularly for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) (a soft tissue sarcoma that begins in the digestive tract or stomach).
  • Physicians on our sarcoma care team have been recognized as Philadelphia magazine Top Doctors™ for excellence in surgical oncology, medical oncology, orthopedic surgery, thoracic surgery, plastic surgery, and otolaryngology.
  • Fox Chase physicians and investigators have received numerous awards and honors, including Nobel Prizes in medicine and chemistry. They are at the forefront of developing new treatments that can improve a patient’s chances of recovering from cancer or having a better quality of life.
  • We provide a full spectrum of sarcoma care — from detection through survivorship. Our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to providing exceptional care to both you and your family, including state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatment, vigilant follow-up care after recovery, referrals to community resources and support, and much more.
  • We provide next-business-day appointments with our sarcoma specialists. You do not have to wait weeks or months for an appointment, diagnosis or second opinion.
  • Studies show that patients who begin treatment at a hospital that specializes in cancer, like Fox Chase, have a better chance of survival.
“The Fox Chase experience is just phenomenal. We are a sarcoma center of excellence with world experts working as a team to treat these types of rare tumors. Fox Chase is the first place that sarcoma patients should come for consultation and care.”
Jeffrey Farma, MD, FACS, Surgical Oncologist and Chief, Division of General Surgery