Bone Tumors and Sarcoma Treatment in New Jersey

Surgeons at John Theurer Cancer Center are leading experts in performing complex sarcoma surgery. Our orthopedic oncologists specialize in personalized, science-backed treatments. In fact, our world-renown researchers were among the first to demonstrate that immunotherapy can result in durable remissions and potentially prolong life for patients with sarcoma who are resistant to all standard therapy.

Our goal is to treat your bone cancer/sarcoma while taking into account all physical, functional, emotional and quality-of-life aspects of your disease during this challenging time.

Diagnosing Bone Tumors and Sarcoma

Sarcomas are cancers that begin in bone and connective tissue, such as muscle, fat, blood vessels and cartilage. Diagnosing sarcoma requires imaging and biopsy of the tumor. You may have one or more of these tests:

  • Biopsy: If imaging tests suggest you might have a sarcoma, a needle biopsy or surgical biopsy will be performed to remove a small sample of the tumor for testing.
  • Bone Scan: A bone scan is done to identify areas of physical and chemical changes in bone.
  • CT Scan: This scan takes X-rays from different angles to create detailed, cross-section images of the mass and other structures in your body.
  • Molecular Diagnosis: Techniques used to analyze biological markers in the genome and proteome.
  • MRI: This test uses magnets and radio waves to take detailed pictures that reveal the size of the mass, the type of tissue it originated in and whether it has spread to nearby tissues.
  • Positron emission tomography (PET): This scan reveals details about your blood flow, oxygen intake and metabolism of your organs and tissues to reveal any problems at the cellular level.
  • Ultrasound: This test can sometimes show if a lump is a benign, fluid-filled cyst or a solid mass.

Our Research and Clinical Trials

At Hackensack Meridian Health, you may have the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial of new and exciting approaches to stem cell transplant. Our research has a strong focus on reducing the complications of transplant and also lowering the risk of disease recurrence. We are the first in the world to combine checkpoint inhibitors (drugs that inhibit the proteins cancer cells use to evade detection by the immune system) after transplantation, at a time when the immune system has the best opportunity to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.

Patient Stories
Sherman Edmonds
Meet Sherman
"Dr. Patterson listened to all my questions, and although it was really heavy stuff, he was very reassuring. It just made me feel better overall—kind of like wearing old socks with a new pair of shoes. I was just a lot more comfortable with the news knowing Dr. Patterson was on my side.” - Sherman Edmonds, Sicklerville, N.J.
Michael Mancusi
Meet Michael
Dr. Valdis Lelkes was part of a multidisciplinary care team that helped treat a rare cancer diagnosis for Freehold student Michael Mancusi, saving his life and allowing him to enjoy his senior year of high school as much as possible.

Bone Tumors and Sarcoma Treatment Options

We treat sarcomas of every grade and type and are leaders in diagnosing and treating bone tumors and sarcomas and offer a range of treatment options and approaches. Our multidisciplinary sarcoma care team includes orthopedic oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, nurses, social workers, palliative medicine specialists, physical therapists and many others others who work closely together to customize a plan of care that will meet your unique needs.

Patterson and Lelkes Hope Tower physicians
Our Bone Tumor Experts
Dr. Francis Patterson and Dr. Valdis Lelkes bring more than 20 years of experience treating sarcomas of every grade and type and can help you with the first step for a sarcoma evaluation.
Breast cancer specialists at John Theurer Cancer Center
Find a Cancer Care Location
Find a cancer treatment center near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Patient Resources
Yellow cancer ribbon
What Is a Sarcoma?
Learn about sarcoma, a rare cancer affecting connective tissue. Understand diagnosis and treatment options. Get reliable information from Hackensack University Medical Center.
patient receiving radiation therapy
What to Expect From Radiation Therapy
Understanding radiation therapy can help patients prepare and alleviate concerns.
Early Signs of Leukemia in Adults
The Early Signs of Leukemia in Adults
Early Leukemia Signs in Adults: Learn about symptoms like fatigue, fever, and bruising. John Theurer Cancer Center experts offer guidance. Call 800-822-8905.
Doctor comforting patient
Manage Living with Chronic Illness
According to the National Health Council, 133 million Americans live with a chronic illness.