Comprehensive treatment approaches
Early, comprehensive treatment may be necessary when treating ES
ES presents unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment1-3 which often require early, aggressive intervention to potentially improve outcomes and survival.4-8
As with other soft tissue sarcomas, treatments that may be used for ES are classified into two main categories: localized therapies – such as surgical resection or radiotherapy, which targets the tumor at its site of origin – and systemic therapies, which target ES through systemic mechanisms of action (MOAs), addressing disease that may have spread beyond the primary site.9-14
Multiple treatment modalities and a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach are recommended for optimal treatment of soft tissue sarcomas such as ES.1,2,10-12 A clear understanding of these treatment modalities is crucial for advancing care and improving outcomes in this rare malignancy.
Multidisciplinary management
Managing ES as an MDT
Managing soft tissue sarcomas such as ES often involves complex decision-making that benefits from the input of various specialists.1,8 As such, current guidelines strongly advise a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach.9-12
- The MDT typically involves specialists such as surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists.1
The importance of follow-up in ES
Long-term monitoring
Patients with ES may require continuous follow-up due to the tumor’s aggressive nature, high recurrence rates, metastatic potential, possible treatment-related complications, and the possible need for ongoing assessment of therapy response.1,8,10,11
Talking to your patients with ES about monitoring:
- It’s important to be open with patients about long-term expectations and the benefits of ongoing monitoring.17
- It can be critical that patients are educated on possible post-treatment complications and encouraged to report any new or recurrent symptoms promptly.1
- It is helpful to explain the critical importance of attending all scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure the best possible outcome.1
Follow-up appointments can be an opportunity to:10,11
- Assess treatment efficacy.
- Explore symptoms or treatment side effects.
- Assess patients for recurrence or metastasis via imaging studies (may include MRI, CT, PET-CT, or X-ray).
After the start of treatment, consensus guidelines recommend follow-up appointments every 3 to 6 months for 2 to 3 years and then every 6 to 12 months from then on.10,11
After treatment is initiated, current guidelines recommend follow-up every 3 to 6 months for 2 to 3 years and then every 6 to 12 months from then on.10,11
