Current Research

Research for EFT is ongoing. The following advances may still be under investigation in clinical trials and may not be approved or available at this time. Always discuss all diagnostic and treatment options with your child's doctor.

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation. In an allogeneic (ALLO) stem cell transplantation (see Treatment), the person is treated with high doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to kill as many tumor cells as possible and to prevent the person's immune system from rejecting the donated stem cells. After the high-dose therapy is given, stem cells obtained from a healthy donor (usually a sibling) are infused into the patient's bloodstream. Allogeneic stem cell transplants combined with sirolimus (Rapamune, Rapamycin) and other drugs have shown to inhibit growth of Ewing cells in the laboratory.

Bilateral lung radiation. The effectiveness of bilateral lung radiation is being examined in patients with metastatic Ewing's sarcoma. In this treatment, radiation therapy is given to both lungs after completion of chemotherapy and, for some patients, autologous (AUTO) stem cell transplant is recommended.

Anti-angiogenic therapy. Anti-angiogenic drugs are a type of targeted therapy that block the formation of the new blood vessels needed for a tumor to grow and spread. Standard chemotherapy is being combined with anti-angiogenic drugs such as bevacizumab (Avastin) to treat patients with recurrent EFT. Another study is looking at combining anti-angiogenic therapy with standard treatment in patients with newly diagnosed metastatic Ewing's sarcoma.

Insulin-like growth factor receptor-1 (IGF-1R) antibodies. The IGFR is an important growth protein for sarcomas. Inhibiting its activity may be an important new way to improve sarcoma treatment. This new class of treatment is being studied in people with recurrent EFT alone or in combination with other drugs such as temsirolimus (Torisel). The IGF-1R antibody is also being combined with standard chemotherapy in people with recurrent EFT.

To find clinical trials specific to your diagnosis, talk with your child’s doctor or search online clinical trial databases now.