Annotations by

Tom Swartz

Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas During Pregnancy

The concurrent diagnosis of sarcoma with pregnancy is extremely rare. Most of the literature is in the form of case reports and literature reviews. With this background, the investigators of this study decided to identify and review experience with sarcomas diagnosed during pregnancy. Using tumor registry records, the investigators identified a total of 14 patients from 1991-2002. The median age of these 14 patients was 27 years (range 15-39). The diagnoses included osteosarcoma (5), Rhabdomyosarcoma (2), Liposarcoma (2), Ewing’s Sarcoma (2), Chondrosarcoma (1), High Grade Sarcoma NOS (1), High Grade Spindle Cell Sarcoma (1). Five were diagnosed during first trimester, one during 3^rd and seven during 2^nd trimester (data unknown in one patient). Only three patients underwent chemotherapy during pregnancy, two during 2nd trimester, and one during 3^rd trimester. One received VAIA for Ewing’s Sarcoma and the other Adriamycin for rhabdomyosarcoma. Both developed intrauterine fetal distress and delivered either spontaneously or via cesarean section with immediate neonatal death. The fetus exposed to VAIA was malformed. Overall fetal loss was documented either as therapeutic decision or complication of therapy in 7 patients, while 5 delivered normal healthy babies and data was not known in 2. Six patients were alive at last follow-up without evidence of disease, 4 had died of sarcoma or complication of treatment, 3 were alive with disease and one was lost to follow-up. The investigators concluded as follows. The prognosis for fetus as well as mother is adversely affected by diagnosis of sarcoma during pregnancy. The administration of chemotherapy, generally considered safe during 2^nd trimester, may result in fetal distress and demise and should be undertaken cautiously. Since long-term survival may be achieved, management should be with a multi-disciplinary approach with involvement of the mother in all decision making.

Second Cancers Common After Childhood Cancer

New analysis of data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program of the National Cancer Institute indicate that children who are treated for soft tissue sarcomas have an increased risk for second cancers. The Program conducted a large study to follow 1,499 children who survived for at least one year after a soft tissue sarcoma diagnosis between 1973 and 2000. The rates of malignancy were compared with those expected in the general population based on gender, race, age and calendar year.  Overall, 27 children developed 28 second primary cancers, compared with the expected 4.5 cases. The most common second malignancies included acute myeloid leukemia, cutaneous melanoma, and cancers of the oral cavity, breast, bone, and soft tissue.  The relative risk was about 12 times higher during the first five years of follow-up, but decreased to 5-times thereafter. Other factors associated with higher risk included treatment since 1985 rather than earlier, age younger than 10 years old, and combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy versus surgery alone. The risk associated with combined therapy was highest for patients with malignancies formed by fibrous tissue. The rate of second cancers in these patients was increased by more than 70-fold

Camp Mak-A-Dream

Camp Mak-A-Dream is operated by Children's Oncology Camp Foundation and is a medically supervised, cost-free camp for children (ages 6-13), teens (ages 14-18) and young adults (ages 19-25) with cancer and their siblings (ages 6-17).  The facility is located approximately 65 miles east of Missoula, Montana.  Camp Mak-A-Dream’s staff and volunteers are dedicated to the welfare and happiness of the kids and young adults, and they are committed to making their stay at camp an escape and fun-filled dream.  The Camp offers a variety of activities including swimming, ropes course, archery, outdoor games, hiking, fishing, crafts, and group cabin chat plus much, much more. In addition, educational workshops and discussions are offered at its Teen Camp and Young Adult Conferences.  The Camp combines the fun of summer camp with expert health care for each of its participants.  Medical personnel are available at all times to provide specialized care for all participants.

American Cancer Society’s Guide to Uterine Sarcoma

This site presents the American Cancer Society’s guide to uterine sarcoma which includes information on it causes, prevention, early detection, diagnosis, staging, treatment options, talking with your doctor and what is new in uterine sarcoma research and treatment.

V2N3 ESUN Copyright © 2005 Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative.