The Bone Cancer Research Trust in partnership with Sarcoma UK, sponsored and participated in a Chondrosarcoma Symposium at the University of Oxford, bringing together leading surgeons, clinicians, and researchers from across the UK and overseas to strengthen collaboration and shape the future of chondrosarcoma research.
Treatment options for chondrosarcoma patients have changed very little, for many years, and unlike many other cancers, chondrosarcoma does not respond well to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. This has made progress particularly difficult and has left patients with limited options, especially when the disease is advanced or cannot be removed surgically
A common theme at this symposium was the eagerness of the researchers to unite the chondrosarcoma research community and align them to a common goal, to maximise the efficacy of their research. This symposium provided a vital forum to share knowledge and experiences and encourage multidisciplinary researchers with a wide range of unique skills to address the most pressing challenges in chondrosarcoma research, including improving understanding of disease biology, identifying new therapeutic opportunities, and discussing research priorities moving forward.
To make sure that those with lived experience of chondrosarcoma also had a voice in these discussions, two members of our Patient and Public Involvement Panel (PPIP) attended and actively participated in the discussions, providing their point of view into a key session dedicated to patents’ priorities.
Dr Zoe Davison, Head of Research at the Bone Cancer Research Trust, said:
Chondrosarcoma presents unique scientific and clinical challenges, and tackling these requires collective effort.Through this collaborative approach with the University of Oxford, Sarcoma UK, surgeons, clinicians, researchers, and patients, we create opportunities to connect ideas, share experiences, and build the foundations for meaningful, collaborative research that can truly benefit patients.
Danielle King, a member of the Bone Cancer Research Trust’s PPIP and chondrosarcoma patient, attended the symposium and added:
I just wanted to thank you for being included in the Chondrosarcoma Workshop in Oxford. I have been a patient for 9 years and to feel the passion and dedication by everyone in the room was absolutely incredible. This is why I love being a member of PPIP. It gives us patients a chance to connect with medical professionals and researchers that we wouldn't be able to meet. To see what is being done for chondrosarcoma is exciting and to have our voices heard and a chance to be involved is worth so much. I look forward to many more events and opportunities to have our voices heard as patients.
The day reflected the shared commitment of Bone Cancer Research Trust and Sarcoma UK to foster collaboration and accelerate progress. Attendees will continue working together to identify opportunities for joint projects that would not be possible in isolation.
Contributing to this kind of symposium aligns with the Bone Cancer Research Trust’s wider Research Strategy, reflecting its commitment to supporting cutting-edge research into bone cancer, with chondrosarcoma identified as a priority. Insights and connections formed at the meeting will play a key role in shaping future research initiatives aimed at improving understanding, treatment, and outcomes for people affected by chondrosarcoma.