This information explains the types of treatment your child or young person might have if they have been diagnosed with sarcoma.
Learning about treatment can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Your child’s medical team will explain each step and talk you through the treatment options.
Their treatment plan will depend on:
- the type of sarcoma
- the stage, which means how big the lump is and whether it has spread
- the grade, which means how fast the cancer cells are growing.
The three main types of treatment for sarcoma are:
- surgery
- chemotherapy
- radiotherapy.
Most people have a combination of these treatments. Your child’s team of doctors, called the multidisciplinary team (MDT), will talk through these options. Together, you and the team will decide on the best treatment plan.
If you have any questions, ask your child’s doctor or nurse. They will be happy to explain what’s involved. You can also call our Support Line for advice and guidance.
Surgery
Surgery is one of the main treatments for both soft tissue and bone sarcomas.
The aim of surgery is to remove the whole tumour. The surgeon will remove the lump and will aim to take out an area of normal tissue around it too. This is known as taking a margin. Taking a margin helps to reduce the risk of the tumour coming back.
Your child might also have radiotherapy or chemotherapy before surgery to help shrink the tumour. They may also have radiotherapy after surgery to treat any remaining cancer cells near the area where the tumour was.
Our rehabilitation hub has more information about different types of surgery, how to get ready for surgery, and tips for getting back to everyday life afterwards.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses high-energy X-ray beams to destroy cancer cells.
Your child might have radiotherapy:
- before surgery, to shrink the tumour and make it easier to remove
- after surgery, to kill any remaining cancer cells near the area where the tumour was.
Sometimes, radiotherapy is used on its own if surgery isn’t possible or if the tumour can’t be completely removed. Your child’s doctor will explain if radiotherapy is part of their treatment plan and when it might happen.
Proton beam therapy
Proton beam therapy (PBT) is a form of radiotherapy which uses high-energy proton beams instead of X-ray radiation beams.
Children and young people can often benefit from PBT. Standard radiotherapy can sometimes affect developing organs. This may increase the chances of side effects later on.
PBT is not suitable for everyone and is only available in certain centres. Your child’s team will decide whether to refer them for assessment if they think PBT may be helpful. You can read more about proton beam therapy.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a medicine that kills cancer cells. It can be given as tablets, or direct into the veins.
Chemotherapy is commonly used for bone sarcomas and some types of soft tissue sarcoma.
Your child’s team will explain if chemotherapy is part of their treatment plan and support you with managing any side effects.
It’s normal to have questions about sarcoma treatment. Macmillan Cancer Support have more information about chemotherapy and its side effects for bone sarcoma, and soft tissue sarcoma.
You can also reach out to our friendly Support Line for more advice.
Palliative care
Sometimes treatment focuses on helping your child feel as well as possible, rather than curing the cancer. This is called palliative care.
Palliative care is not the same as end-of-life care. People can have palliative care at any time during treatment, sometimes for many years.
Palliative care helps to manage symptoms such as pain, sickness, or tiredness. It also supports emotional wellbeing and quality of life for your child. This care is usually provided by a specialist palliative care team working closely with your child’s cancer team.
We have more information about palliative care and sarcoma.
Clinical trials for sarcoma
Your child may be invited to take part in a clinical trial. Clinical trials test new ways of diagnosing, treating or caring for people with sarcoma.
Some trials look at new treatments such as immunotherapy or targeted therapy. Others focus on improving care and well-being.
Not everyone will be able to join a trial, but your doctor or nurse can tell you if there are any trials your child may be able to take part in.
Our Clinical Trials Hub has more information about clinical trials and lists all the sarcoma clinical trials happening in the UK.
Genomic testing
Genomic testing, sometimes called genetic testing, looks for changes in genes that might cause health problems.
Your child’s healthcare team should offer genomic testing to see if a genetic change, or mutation, caused their sarcoma. If a genetic change is found, it can help doctors understand the cancer better and decide which treatments might work best.
We have more information about genomic testing.
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Last reviewed February 2026 | Next review due February 2029
All references are available upon request. Please email info@sarcoma.org.uk
