Doctors are working to learn more about EFT, ways to prevent it, how to best treat it, and how to provide the best care to people diagnosed with this disease. The following areas of research may include new options for patients through clinical trials. Always talk with your child’s doctor about the diagnostic and treatment options best for your child.

New chemotherapy. Researchers are evaluating the use of vincristine (Vincasar PFS), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar), and topotecan (Hycamtin) in addition to standard chemotherapy for patients with newly diagnosed, localized EFT.

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation. In an allogeneic (ALLO) stem cell transplantation (see Treatment [2]), 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) and other drugs have been 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 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.

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).

Supportive care. Clinical trials are underway to find better ways of reducing symptoms and side effects of current EFT treatments, in order to improve patients’ comfort and quality of life. Learn more about common statistical terms used in cancer research [3].

To find clinical trials specific to your diagnosis, talk with your child’s doctor or search online clinical trial databases now [4].