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Chordoma Resources
A variety of resources is available to those who have been diagnosed with chordoma and their families. Click here for a list of chordoma resources. |
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Chordoma is a rare malignant bone tumor. A group of cells known as the notochord come together during the fourth through six weeks of fetal development. The notochord serves as the base for the development of the spinal cord. As the spinal cord forms, the notochord disappears, except for parts that form part of the discs between the vertebrae. Chordomas form from parts of the notochord that don’t break down as they should. Over time these leftover cells can change and become malignant. Harris Center researchers are studying these changes to develop new therapies for chordoma. Chordoma primarily spreads by local invasion, but it does have the potential to spread to the lungs, bone and liver. The symptoms are similar to those caused by other disorders and chordoma grows very slowly, so patients may have symptoms for more than a year before seeking treatment. How is Chordoma Diagnosed? Abnormalities are usually evident during a neurological examination, but imaging studies are needed. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the most useful test. In addition, Computer Tomography (CT) study may be done to rule out spread of chordoma to other areas of the body. To make the final diagnosis, a biopsy is usually required. Because Chordoma develops close to vital structures in the central nervous system, treatment is complex and can be difficult, but the prognosis is not always grim. In a recent study, Harris Center clinicians achieved a five-year continuous disease-free survival rate of 62.5% with primary sacral chordoma. Chordoma Surgery The primary treatment for chordoma is the complete surgical removal of the tumor. To ensure the best outcome and prevent its spread, the surgeon must remove the tumor and a margin of normal tissue around it. The results of the first surgery largely determine the patient’s prognosis and it is important that an experienced team perform the procedure. Radiation Therapy for Chordoma Pre and/or postoperative radiation therapy has improved local control of chordoma. It can also slow the growth of the tumor if it has been incompletely resected or if it has recurred. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy has not proved effective in the past, but there are a number of clinical trials with new agents currently underway. |
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