Alveolar soft part sarcoma, usually shortened to ASPS, is a very rare cancer of the soft tissues. This page gives a general overview taken from the way the original campaign site explained it. It is not medical advice, and anyone with questions about a diagnosis should speak to a specialist.
How rare is it?
Sarcomas as a group are uncommon and account for roughly 1 percent of all cancers. ASPS is a small fraction of those sarcomas, again about 1 percent according to the archived text, which called it “the 1 percent of the 1 percent”. It is seen mostly in adolescents and young adults.
How does it behave?
The archived explanation described ASPS as a slow-growing tumour. It is known for building its own network of blood vessels, which links the tumour to the body’s circulation. Through those vessels, tumour cells can enter the bloodstream and travel to other organs. The lungs and the brain were mentioned in the source, although spread can occur elsewhere.
Why is treatment difficult?
Conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy tend to be of limited use against ASPS, and surgery is often the first option when the tumour can be removed. Because the disease is so rare, there are few clinical trials, and researchers have been testing newer drug classes, including immunotherapies, in small studies. Results reported at the time were described as promising, but they were early and should be seen in that light.
Where to learn more
The original page pointed readers to reference sites such as a sarcoma-focused information service, an organisation dedicated to ASPS research, an encyclopaedia entry and general medical information sites. A paediatric or sarcoma oncologist is the best source for specific questions.
Return to the overview of the campaign, or read the news coverage summary.