Blog & News
First Approved Treatment for Desmoid Tumors in Europe
SPAGN Board Elections: With gratitude and excitement for what’s ahead We are delighted to announce the re-election of Vandana Gupta and Sorrel Bickley to the SPAGN Board for another four-year term. Their continued commitment, expertise, and leadership are invaluable to our work…
ROGER EXPLORES… Natural therapies: Avoid anything promoted as alternative, rely on science instead
As patient advocates, we do not promote non-standard therapies, yet in practice you probably have encountered cases of cancer patients or their family turning to so-called ‘alternative’ natural therapies. They may be desperate, because standard treatments are not working for them or their loved one. Others may be convinced that only ‘natural’ remedies should be used and reject chemotherapy or other medical therapies because they are not found in nature. Roger Wilson scrutinizes some of the approaches marketed in social media and elsewhere although they are not supported by evidence. He also gives examples of natural compounds that are scientifically tested in cancer treatment.
A view from Brazil: Being part of international networks helps improve sarcoma care
Global cooperation is not an abstract ideal, says Dr. Fernando Campos, medical oncologist from Brazil. He describes the positive impact of international exchange projects on the daily practice of sarcoma care in his country. This is why he hopes that the Sarcoma Awareness Month serve not only to raise awareness, but also to bring us closer together. A reminder of our collective commitment.
Breaking Barriers: A rural sarcoma survivor’s mission to overcome disparities in India
July is Sarcoma Awareness Month – a time to not only spotlight a rare and often misunderstood form of cancer but also to amplify stories of resilience, hope and innovation. San¬¬deep Kumar tells his personal story as a bone sarcoma survivor from rural India that has turned into a story of breaking barriers for others. Knowing firsthand what it means to battle cancer in a small town, he endeavored to mobilize technology and experts to bridge the gap between rural patients and quality healthcare.
How to improve quality of life during and after radiotherapy? Sarcoma practice and research in large university clinics in Toronto and Berlin
The winner of this year’s research grant of the German Sarcoma Foundation, Dr. Siyer Roohani, decided to go to Canada to deepen his sarcoma expertise. A soon-to-be radiation oncology specialist for sarcoma in Germany, he currently works and researches as a clinical scholar at one of the largest sarcoma centres in the world, the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, Canada. In a chat with Voices of Sarcoma, he explains why he totally encourages any young scientist to do a work stay abroad, especially those wanting to specialize in sarcoma.
ROGER EXPLORES… Whole Genome Sequencing: Hopes are high, but limitations (still) a reality
Roger Wilson is an eminent figure in the national and international sarcoma patient advocacy world. Diagnosed in 1999 with a soft tissue sarcoma followed by multiple relapses and operations, Roger is recognized for his knowledge in sarcoma matters. He founded Sarcoma UK, has published many articles, shaped patient-led research and advocacy work, and he is the mastermind behind the concept of Sarcoma Intelligent Specialist Networks (SISN). Roger will share with us from time to time his insights and opinions on sarcoma matters in ROGER EXPLORES… He starts off by examining what’s happening with whole genome sequencing and why it is not the answer to everything, yet! A must read!
An award-winning ‘Manifesto against Sarcomas’: ASARGA campaigns against inequality in sarcoma care in Spain
The winner of this year’s Advocacy in Action Award, ASARGA, is fighting for more equitable access to early diagnosis and better care throughout the country in Spain. The Sarcoma Patient Advocacy Care Group mobilized 3000 supporters for their advocacy initiative to lobby policy makers. Natalia Fernández tells us the story of ASARGA and their efforts to include sarcoma care in Spain’s National Health System Cancer strategy.
Board Elections 2025
SPAGN Board Elections: With gratitude and excitement for what’s ahead We are delighted to announce the re-election of Vandana Gupta and Sorrel Bickley to the SPAGN Board for another four-year term. Their continued commitment, expertise, and leadership are invaluable to our work…
2025 Lifetime Achievement Awards – Honoring Outstanding Contributions
🏅 2025 Lifetime Achievement Awards – Honoring Outstanding Contributions SPAGN is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Awards given during the SPAGN Annual Conference 2025, recognizing their exceptional dedication and lasting impact on the sarcoma community through advocacy,…
Advocacy in Action Award & The “Paola Gonzato Memory Award” 2025
🏆 2025 Advocacy in Action Awards – Recognizing Excellence in Sarcoma Advocacy Projects SPAGN is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Advocacy in Action Awards, presented during the SPAGN Annual Conference 2025. These awards celebrate innovative and impactful advocacy projects…