The multidisciplinary team at Virgen de la Victoria Hospital evaluates over 500 patients with rare tumours each year. In Málaga, between 40 and 50 cases are diagnosed annually.
The Sarcoma Committee of Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital in Málaga celebrates 25 years of activity. The structure brings together specialists from 11 disciplines who jointly assess each case and agree on the most appropriate diagnosis and treatment, as reported by Diario Sur.
Each year, more than 500 patients pass through the committee. Sarcomas are rare malignant tumours that originate in bones or in the supportive tissues of the body, such as muscles, fat, blood vessels, or nerves. In the province of Málaga, between 40 and 50 cases are diagnosed annually, according to experts.
The five-year survival rate for soft tissue sarcomas is around 65%, according to the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC). This figure rises to 81% when the tumour is localized and drops to 16% when there is distant spread.
The permanent structure of the committee consists of specialists in General Surgery, Radiodiagnosis, Pathological Anatomy, Radiotherapy Oncology, Nuclear Medicine, Traumatology, and Medical Oncology. When the characteristics of a case require it, professionals from Thoracic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Maxillofacial Surgery, and Vascular Surgery are incorporated.
The coordination between specialties allows for addressing the different phases of the disease and, according to the centre, improves diagnostic times and the planning of surgical, pharmacological, and radiotherapeutic treatments. Over these 25 years, the committee has incorporated new clinical areas to adapt care to the evolution of knowledge and available techniques.
On the occasion of the anniversary and World Soft Tissue Sarcoma Day, the hospital held an event last Wednesday 20th September with committee professionals, patients, and families. The meeting served to review the team's trajectory and recognise their work over this quarter of a century.
Isabel Sevilla, a medical oncologist at the centre and a committee member, explained how the group operates.
Our multidisciplinary team is very strong, has been working for a long time, and consists of all the necessary specialties for a committee
Dr. Sevilla emphasised the value of each specialty's contribution.
Each one provides their perspective on the patient, which allows us to decide on treatment and also essential complementary diagnostic techniques to carry out the best treatment and follow-up for those affected
Regarding her role in the committee, Sevilla detailed that she coordinates the presentation of cases and manages each specialist's interventions.
To be able to provide good treatment, a good diagnosis is fundamental
The committee maintains its care activity at Virgen de la Victoria Hospital in Málaga, where cases are presented and evaluated jointly throughout the year.
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