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Epidemiology of sarcomas

The articles in this series focus on sarcoma epidemiology as well as their association with inherited syndromes. Syndromic cancers represent a powerful source of information as they have always provided invaluable insights into the molecular pathogenesis of neoplastic diseases. In this perspective, animal models represent an extremely helpful tool to further elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying sarcomagenesis.

Exposure to ionizing radiations as a predisposing factor to sarcoma development has understandably been the source of sharp debate to the extent that there exists a strong need to focus on this potential pathogenetic link. It is hoped that this series will not only help in clarifying important aspects of sarcoma biology but also will set the field for further research and scientific debate.

Publication of this thematic series has been supported by funding from the European Union Seventh Framework Programme under grant agreement n°278742 - Eurosarc.

  1. Osteosarcoma is the most common form of bone cancer. Pivotal insight into the genes involved in human osteosarcoma has been provided by the study of rare familial cancer predisposition syndromes. Three kindred...

    Authors: Alvin JM Ng, Anthony J Mutsaers, Emma K Baker and Carl R Walkley
    Citation: Clinical Sarcoma Research 2012 2:19
  2. Sarcomas were one of the first solid cancers to be linked to ionizing radiation exposure. We reviewed the current evidence on this relationship, focusing particularly on the studies that had individual estimat...

    Authors: Amy Berrington de Gonzalez, Alina Kutsenko and Preetha Rajaraman
    Citation: Clinical Sarcoma Research 2012 2:18
  3. Children diagnosed with the hereditary form of retinoblastoma (Rb), a rare eye cancer caused by a germline mutation in the RB1 tumor suppressor gene, have excellent survival, but face an increased risk of bone an...

    Authors: Ruth A Kleinerman, Sara J Schonfeld and Margaret A Tucker
    Citation: Clinical Sarcoma Research 2012 2:15
  4. Sarcomas account for over 20% of all pediatric solid malignant cancers and less than 1% of all adult solid malignant cancers. The vast majority of diagnosed sarcomas will be soft tissue sarcomas, while maligna...

    Authors: Zachary Burningham, Mia Hashibe, Logan Spector and Joshua D Schiffman
    Citation: Clinical Sarcoma Research 2012 2:14