About Us
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Trust your care to our dedicated sarcoma experts. For more information, connect with a cancer care specialist at 888-662-8252.
The UCLA Sarcoma Program provides innovative multidisciplinary treatment for adults and children with sarcoma at any stage of the disease. UCLA is one of the three busiest sarcoma centers in the nation. On an annual basis we evaluate over 1000 patients with sarcoma, over 500 of which undergo surgery at UCLA. At UCLA, a patient’s plan of care is decided by our weekly sarcoma tumor board involving physicians specializing in sarcoma from surgical oncology, orthopedic oncology, gynecologic oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, pediatric oncology, pathology and radiology. This group of 15-20 physicians formulate and coordinate optimal treatment strategies for individual patients.
History of UCLA’s Sarcoma Program
In 1975 the limb salvage program for extremity sarcomas at UCLA was started by Fred Eilber, surgical oncology, and Todd Grant, orthopaedic surgery. In 1980 Jeff Eckardt, orthopaedic oncology, returned from his fellowship at the Mayo Clinic and he along with Fred Eilber built the multidisciplinary program into what it is today. The group was formalized in 1990 with weekly meetings to review the pathology, the radiology and the treatment plans and/or results. Medical oncologists, thoracic oncologists, pediatric oncologists, plastic surgeons, gynecologic oncologists and social support personal along with additional pathology and radiology support were added. This tumor board provides a service to the patients by providing a comprehensive consultation service unlike any other. Working together the patients get the best care that can be provided. Now a new generation of surgical, orthopaedic, pediatric and medical oncology leaders has emerged including Fritz Eilber, Susan Bukata, Nick Bernthal, Noah Federman, Arun Singh and Bartosz Chmielowski, and they will continue to direct and drive the clinical and research arms of this unique patient oriented multidisciplinary program.