Salvage Therapy and Palliative Care for Metastatic Sarcoma

Abstract

The care of a patient with metastatic disease involves multiple disciplines. One individual must be the designated leader and always be accessible to the patient and/or family. The medical oncologist often utilizes salvage chemotherapy regimens that balance both quality of life and deceleration of the progression of disease. The radiation oncologist plays an important role with the delivery of radiation to painful sites for palliation, and to sites that require greater local control to slow the disease down. When the disease has spread to the spine, the orthopedist or neurosurgeon aids in preventing paralysis or neurologic pain. A mental health professional may be necessary to treat reactive depression in both the patient and any family members and involved caretakers. The primary care physician often knows the patient and family best and may assist in pain control and the general health of all involved. Above all, a member of the healthcare team must manage the patient’s pain. Although it may not be possible to cure the patient with metastatic sarcoma, all efforts should be made to control the patient’s pain and optimize a patient’s function for the remaining duration of their life.