Patients with recurrent, diffuse, or difficult-to-treat TGCT may benefit from a multidisciplinary team–based approach to care.1,5 Providing collaborative care may help improve outcomes, especially for patients with diffuse disease given its high risk of recurrence.1 Find your care-team role below to read about how you may contribute to this team-based approach.*
* This information is not intended to serve as guidelines or a tool for diagnosis and treatment. Rather, it is meant to raise awareness of TGCT in disciplines
that may be involved in caring for patients who have it.
Nurse practitioners and physician assistants who specialize in oncology or orthopedics may have the expertise to provide treatment and long-term care to patients with recurrent, diffuse, or difficult-to-treat TGCT. These advanced practitioners may perform physical examinations, order and evaluate laboratory tests, and provide pre- and posttreatment education.6-8
As medical professionals experienced in treating and managing tumors, oncologists may provide a valued contribution to the long-term management of patients with recurrent, diffuse, or difficult-to-treat TGCT. In addition to surgical resection—the standard of care for TGCT—oncologists may provide options beyond surgery to treat and help manage the disease.9
Download the appropriate guide to aid in your dialogue with new patients who
have TGCT.
As physicians with expertise in the management of joint problems, orthopedic surgeons can play an important role in the
long-term management of patients with recurrent, diffuse, or difficult-to-treat TGCT.10-12 Surgical resection in an open or arthroscopic procedure is the standard of care for TGCT where possible. Diffuse TGCT is often more complex than the localized form and may require multiple surgeries to help manage the disease.13
Download this guide to aid in your dialogue with new patients who have TGCT.
Pain management specialists may use palliative measures to help with the long-term management of patients with recurrent, diffuse, or difficult-to-treat TGCT. Such measures may include pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or steroids.14
Physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists can play an important role in the long-term management of patients with recurrent, diffuse, or difficult-to-treat TGCT. Following surgery, patients may benefit from physical therapy and rehabilitation, including stretching and strength-training exercises. These activities can help patients return to their usual daily and
work-related activities.2,3
Radiologists and pathologists can use imaging and histological assessment to help guide the long-term management of patients with recurrent, diffuse, or difficult-to-treat TGCT.1 Magnetic resonance imaging is the best approach to diagnosing TGCT and planning for follow-up care.13,15-17
You need a holistic approacha “PVNS is not something that’s going to be handled by a single doctor. You need a more holistic approach to guide you to putting together the appropriate team.”
a The impact of TGCT is different for everyone; this information is not meant to be reflective of all patients with TGCT.
The specialized expertise of healthcare professionals in sarcoma centers can help support the potential long-term management needs of patients
with TGCT.1,4,12
National Comprehensive Cancer Network® Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) for Soft Tissue Sarcoma recommend that patients with diffuse TGCT be evaluated and managed by a multidisciplinary team that has experience and expertise in sarcoma.5
Sarcoma Alliance identifies medical centers and hospitals specializing in sarcoma in the United States.
References