Treatment approaches for metastatic Ewing's sarcoma: a review of the literature.

The Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT) is an aggressive group of neoplasms that represent approximately 3% of all pediatric malignancies. The overall survival rates in patients with localized disease are approaching 75%. The outcome for the 25% of patients who present with metastatic disease, however, remains poor, with long-term survival rates of less than 30%. This review will explore the natural history of ESFT including clinical presentation, molecular pathology, and high-risk features of the disease. Outcomes of metastatic treatment protocols to date will be examined as well as the rationale for current and future therapies. Nursing considerations in caring for patients with metastatic ESFT will be discussed. A case scenario will be reviewed to highlight treatment and supportive care issues in the management of the disease. Cancer therapy in general is becoming more complex; treatment approaches involve different ways of targeting tumor cells. It is crucial that nurses caring for these patients understand the rationale behind treatment strategies so that appropriate patient education and support may be given.