Latest Research on Ewing Sarcoma

Executive Summary

Several research studies have been conducted to seek more information on Ewing sarcoma, related prevention methods, diagnostic process at the initial phase, and best treatments strategies. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is carried out in patients with high doses of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or both to destroy as many tumor cells as possible and prevent the patient’s immune system from rejecting the donated stem cells. Bilateral lung radiation is considered for all patients with diseases that have spread to the lung, even if chemotherapy has removed most metastatic disease signs. Some studies focused on recurrent Ewing sarcoma are studying tumor DNA to look for molecular changes targeted during treatment. It is done using a technology known as next-generation sequencing. Clinical trials are going on to find more acceptable ways of lessening symptoms and side effects of current cancer treatments to improve comfort and quality of life during treatment.

Advancement in Ewing Sarcoma Research

Doctors are learning more about Ewing sarcoma, ways to prevent it, the best way to treat it, and how to give the best care to people diagnosed with this disease. The following research areas may comprise new alternatives for patients with the help of clinical trials. Always talk to the doctor about the best diagnostic and treatment options for you.

• Allogeneic stem cell transplantation – In an ALLO bone marrow/stem cell transplant, the patient is treated with high doses of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or both to destroy as many tumor cells as possible and prevent the patient’s immune system from rejecting the donated stem cells ^​1​. After the high-dose therapy is given, stem cells obtained from a healthy donor, usually a sibling, are infused into the patient’s bloodstream. ALLO stem cell transplants combined with sirolimus (Rapamune) and other drugs have been shown to prevent the growth of Ewing cells in the laboratory.
• Bilateral lung radiation – All-lung radiation therapy can be considered for all patients with diseases that have spread to the lung, even if chemotherapy has removed most metastatic disease signs. During this treatment, radiation therapy is given to both lungs after the patient has completed chemotherapy ^​2​. Autologous bone marrow/stem cell transplant is recommended for some patients but should only be done in a clinical trial.
• Treatment for recurrent disease – Some studies focused on recurrent Ewing sarcoma are studying tumor DNA to look for molecular changes targeted during treatment. This is done using a technology known as next-generation sequencing ^​3​.

Palliative care/supportive care –  Clinical trials are going on to find more acceptable ways of lessening symptoms and side effects of current cancer treatments to improve comfort and quality of life during treatment.

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