Seoul National University Cancer Hospital
Musculoskeletal Tumor Center: A National Leader in Sarcoma Care
Unparalleled Experience and Expertise
Sarcoma refers to rare malignant tumors that arise from the musculoskeletal system, including bone and soft tissue. Due to their low incidence and wide histological diversity, accumulating sufficient clinical experience in sarcoma treatment is inherently challenging.
Seoul National University Cancer Hospital’s Musculoskeletal Tumor Center has been a pioneer in the treatment of sarcomas in Korea, having specialized in the management of sarcomas of the limbs and pelvis since the early 1980s. With the highest patient volume in the nation, our center has accumulated a level of clinical expertise that is unmatched by any other institution.
This long-standing experience enables precise diagnosis and optimal treatment strategies. Many patients who underwent surgery for osteosarcoma before the age of 10 continue to return for long-term follow-up well into adulthood—a testament to the center's dedication and continuity of care.
We also provide comprehensive care for benign musculoskeletal tumors and borderline lesions such as giant cell tumors and fibromatosis. Notably, our center is the only institution in Korea that publicly discloses treatment outcomes for sarcoma in the SNUH Annual Quality Report.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration Among Top Specialists
Sarcoma care requires a multidisciplinary approach involving seamless collaboration among various specialties. Our center brings together experts in orthopedic surgery, medical oncology, radiology, radiation oncology, pathology, nuclear medicine, and pediatrics, ensuring that each patient receives a highly individualized treatment plan.
Regular multidisciplinary tumor board meetings are held to discuss diagnostic findings and formulate optimal therapeutic strategies, enhancing both efficiency and quality of care.
State-of-the-Art Surgery, Diagnosis, and Long-Term Care
Complete surgical resection of the tumor is essential in sarcoma treatment. At our center, we aim to maximize limb function by minimizing damage to normal tissue, thereby reducing the need for amputation. We have developed a wide range of limb-sparing surgical techniques, including joint-preserving procedures, and have established ourselves as a global leader in functional limb reconstruction.
We also conduct lifelong follow-up to monitor functional outcomes of the reconstructed limbs and ensure long-term survivorship.
Given the diversity of sarcoma subtypes and prognoses, accurate diagnosis is critical. Our center uniquely offers next-generation sequencing (NGS) specifically tailored for sarcoma, improving diagnostic precision and personalized treatment planning.
Our clinical team is actively engaged in academic research, publishing extensively in top-tier international journals and playing a leading role in global sarcoma conferences.
Preserving Quality of Life in Bone Metastasis
In addition to primary sarcomas, we treat bone metastases arising from cancers such as lung and breast cancer. As cancer patients live longer, managing bone metastases—which often cause severe pain, immobility, and impaired quality of life—has become increasingly important.
Our center provides aggressive, function-preserving treatment options for metastatic bone tumors through surgical interventions and coordinated multidisciplinary care, helping patients maintain mobility and comfort.
At the Musculoskeletal Tumor Center of Seoul National University Cancer Hospital, we are committed to delivering world-class, patient-centered care and advancing the field of sarcoma treatment through continuous innovation and academic leadership.