Dr. Jason Yustein, M.D., Ph.D., a member of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation Board and Scientific Program Committee, at Emory University School of Medicine, Georgia, shares insights into Ewing sarcoma, a rare type of childhood cancer. Discover the symptoms, treatment options, and advances in research that are helping improve outcomes for kids battling this disease.
What is Ewing Sarcoma?
Ewing sarcoma is a rare type of bone cancer most commonly diagnosed in children and adolescents aged 10 to 20. It is the second most common pediatric bone cancer, following osteosarcoma. This aggressive cancer often begins in the long bones of the body, such as the hip, thigh, shin, ribs, or arm. However, it can also form in the soft tissues around the bones.
Ewing sarcoma can metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body, including the lungs, other bones, soft tissues, or bone marrow. Unfortunately, metastatic Ewing sarcoma is harder to treat, and about 25% of children are diagnosed after the cancer has already spread, leading to lower survival rates.
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Signs and Symptoms
Recognizing the symptoms of Ewing sarcoma early can lead to faster diagnosis and treatment. Common signs include:
- Swelling near the affected bone, often accompanied by persistent pain
- Sudden or unexplained bone fractures, even from minor bumps
- Breathing pain or difficulty, especially if the tumor affects the ribs
- A noticeable limp if the tumor impacts a leg or hip bone
Read more about Lilly’s story, one of the youngest Ewing sarcoma patients.
How is this Cancer Type Diagnosed?
To confirm a diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma, pediatric oncologists perform a biopsy, where a sample of the tumor is analyzed under a microscope. Additional imaging tests are used to determine the extent of the disease, including:
- X-rays and MRIs to assess the tumor area
- CT scans of the chest to check for spread to the lungs
- Bone scans to identify cancer in other bones
- Bone marrow biopsies to detect cancer in the blood or marrow
These tests allow doctors to fully understand the stage of the cancer and plan the most effective treatment.
Treatment Options for Ewing Sarcoma
Treating Ewing sarcoma typically involves a combination of high-dose chemotherapy, surgery, and sometimes radiation therapy. Each child’s treatment plan is tailored to their specific case.
Unfortunately, treatment can be challenging. High-dose chemotherapy often causes severe side effects, and surgeries can be debilitating. Despite these efforts, survival rates remain lower compared to many other pediatric cancers.
Advances in Research
Ongoing research is critical to improving outcomes for patients. Scientists are studying the genetics and biology to develop better, more targeted treatments. Key areas of research include:
- Genetic sequencing to understand the mutations driving this cancer
- Investigating the role of the EWS-FLI1 protein, which is present in most Ewing sarcoma tumors
- Developing targeted therapies, such as PARP inhibitors, which block specific proteins that help tumors grow
These innovative approaches are paving the way for more effective and less toxic treatments.
Help Kids with Ewing Sarcoma
Research holds the key to finding better treatments and improving survival rates for children. Your support can make a difference.
Donate today and help fund life-saving research to give kids with cancer a brighter future. Together, we can fight childhood cancer.
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Research Outcomes: Fighting Cancer & Helping Survivors
