Musculoskeletal Tumors
Musculoskeletal tumor surgery focuses on the removal or treatment of abnormal growths or tumors that affect the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, or other connective tissues in the body. Musculoskeletal cancer is commonly known as bone cancer or bone sarcoma. Tumors of the musculoskeletal system are referred to as bone tumors or soft tissue tumors, depending on what area they primarily affect.
Physicians within the department and the M Health Fairview Cancer Care have established the Musculoskeletal Bone and Soft Tissue Center which cares for more than 400 patients each year.
They maintain the highest level of care and treatment for patients with musculoskeletal tumors by integrating advances in laboratory investigation, clinical research , and education. The program hosts a multidisciplinary treatment team of specialists including orthopedic oncologic surgeons, radiation oncologists, and pediatric & adult medical oncologists.
Musculoskeletal Tumor Faculty
To explore our esteemed musculoskeletal tumor faculty in our department, please click here.
Important Note
Patients coming here to be seen should bring imaging studies as well as the results of other tests that have been done. Otherwise, with advance notice, arrangements could be made to have the tests done here, coordinating them with the appointment. Diagnostic imaging, medical history, biopsy results, and other information may be forwarded to us for review.
The Musculoskeletal Bone & Soft Tissue Center is part of the University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, which has been designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This prestigious designation places the University of Minnesota among the nation's top research institutions specializing in cancer.
Research is supported by the NCI and National Institutes of Health and private funding sources. Members of the team have contributed broadly to both education and scientific publications in the field of cancer.
The long-term objectives of the Musculoskeletal Bone and Soft Tissue Group are to improve the treatment of patients with musculoskeletal tumors through coordinated advances in laboratory research, clinical research, and education. The group also functions as a resource to the medical community and the people of Minnesota by providing the highest quality treatment of musculoskeletal bone and soft tissue tumors.
The Multidisciplinary Bone and Soft Tissue team includes physicians from many subspecialties that are integral to its functions, including orthopedic surgical oncologists from the Department of Orthopedic Surgery. Regular members of the team are:
- Edward Cheng, MD, Orthopedic Surgical Oncologist
- Denis Clohisy, MD, Orthopedic Surgical Oncologist
- Christian M. Ogilvie, MD, Orthopedic Surgical Oncologist
- Kathryn Dusenbery, MD, Radiation Therapy Oncologist
- Sara Alcorn, MD, Radiation Therapy Oncologist
- Stephanie Terazakis, MD, Radiation Therapy Oncologist
- Andrea Espejo-Freire, MD, Adult Oncologist
- Keith Skubitz, MD, Adult Oncologist
- Brenda Weigel, MD, Pediatric Oncologist
- Emily Greengard, MD, Pediatric Oncologist
- Paari Murugan, MD, Anatomic Pathologist
- Emil Racila, MD, Anatomic Pathologist
- Sam Luchsinger, DO, Radiologist
- Shelly Marette, MD, Radiologist
- Takashi Takahashi, MD, Radiologist
Treatment methods
- Multidisciplinary approach
- Custom-tailored to each patient
- Access to national clinical trials
- University of Minnesota Cancer Center Clinical Trials
- Limb preservation surgery
- Reconstruction using bone transplantation or prosthetic replacement
Outcomes
- Established record of care for treating more than 5,000 tumor patients since 1975
- Survivor rates for musculoskeletal cancer patients are among the best compared to other internationally recognized cancer centers
- Maintain a tumor database to evaluate our treatment results
Our physician researchers' ongoing research programs are nationally recognized for a long history of advancing cancer research. Published reports are distributed worldwide and broadly impact the care of cancer patients.
Funding sources
The level of research funding within orthopedic oncology at the University of Minnesota is among the highest in North America. Funding sources reflect the recognition that our researchers are highly respected in their fields. The sources include:
- National Institute of Health
- National Cancer Institute
- American Cancer Society
- Children's Cancer Research Fund
- University of Minnesota Foundation
- University of Minnesota Cancer Center
- University of Minnesota Academic Health Center
- Roby C. Thompson Jr. Endowment Fund
- Karen Wyckoff Sarcoma Research Fund
- Other private funding sources
Clinical research
- Participation and leadership in local and national study groups
- Tracking oncologic outcomes
- Quality of life assessments
- Emphasis on translational research that improves patient care
- Collaborative research with other disciplines
- Education and faculty development
Research laboratory
Our pioneering laboratory research contributions in the following areas:
- Biology of primary and metastatic tumors in adults and children
- Bone histomorphology, molecular biology, transgenic techniques leading to novel therapies
- Develop cutting-edge experimental research models of cancer and cancer-related diseases leading to novel therapies
- Studying how radiation treatment affects cancer
- Causes and neurochemistry of cancer pain
- Osteonecrosis, its natural history, and treatment
Breakthroughs
Recognized track record of innovations such as:
- Limb preservation through advanced reconstruction surgical techniques
- Optimizing surgery with radiation therapy for soft tissue sarcomas
- Quality of life analysis for patients with bone metastases
- Analysis of late effects after children receive chemotherapy
- Basic biology of how bone tumors destroy bone tissue
- Understanding the pathophysiology of cancer-related bone pain
- First experimental model of bone cancer treated with radiation
Clinic Information
Clinics and Surgery Center
909 Fulton St. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Appointments: 612-273-9400
Section Leaders
Edward Y. Cheng, MD
Adult Reconstruction/Tumor Section Leader