Sarcomas, once considered rare, now affect between 4,000 and 5,000 new cases annually in France. Care is coordinated through a network of 22 specialized centers, including AP-HM, which has developed specific expertise in bone and pediatric sarcomas.
Multidisciplinary treatment involving surgeons, oncologists, and other specialists has reduced recurrence rates and improved patient survival. At AP-HM, cases are evaluated in Multidisciplinary Consultation Meetings (RCP).
Interventions for sarcomas of the musculoskeletal system can be mutilating, requiring complex reconstructions and long recovery periods. Bone sarcomas, rarer (800 cases/year), predominantly affect young patients.
Pelvic bone sarcomas are particularly complex and aggressive. Surgeries are technically challenging, can last over 12 hours, and often require multiple specialized teams.
Two complementary innovations have been developed: custom 3D cutting guides for precise tumor resection and the fabrication of custom titanium implants using 3D printing for reconstruction.
The cutting guide technique has been used at AP-HM for nearly 10 years, and the 3D implant technique for about 5 years. Surgeons regularly come to Marseille to train in these procedures.
Dr. Romain Léonard, an orthopedic surgeon in Reunion Island, and Dr. Jean-Camille Mattei recently collaborated on a delicate surgery, highlighting the commitment of professionals and new technologies in improving patients' post-operative lives.
