Patients who are diagnosed with sarcomas in the spine can suffer from chronic pain, reduced mobility and invasive surgery — all of which contribute to psychological distress. This new research will look to provide a holistic understanding of the disease’s mental and physical impact.
Dr Victoria Williamson from the Department of Psychology who is the lead investigator on the project, emphasises the crucial need for this research:
“While we have made advances in the medical treatment of spinal sarcomas, the psychological toll it takes on patients is largely unexplored. Funding from the Bone Cancer Research Trust will allow us to address this gap, aiming to improve not just survival rates, but also quality of life for spinal sarcoma patients.”
Dr Zoe Davison, Head of Research, Support and Information at the Bone Cancer Research Trust, added:
“We are pleased to provide this funding to Dr Williamson and her team, which will allow them to investigate the impact of a spinal sarcoma diagnosis on patient mental health. It is crucial that patients can live full, happy lives and this research is central to promoting wellbeing and addressing the need for targeted advice and support so that more patients can thrive.”
This study will be conducted in collaboration with clinicians at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – home to one of the UK’s five specialist sarcoma centres.
The research will involve patient interviews and questionnaires to learn about their lived experience with spinal sarcoma, providing in-depth insight into how and why they are affected by their illness psychologically.
It is also hoped that the research will help to determine the support needs of spinal sarcoma patients by uncovering how their daily functioning has been impacted by diagnosis and treatment.
The findings from the project will not only enhance medical community’s understanding of spinal sarcomas, but also pave the way for improved mental health support, helping patients to achieve a better quality of life after primary bone cancer.
The University of Bath received a £20,000 grant from the Bone Cancer Research Trust. The project will complete in July 2025 and peer reviewed publication is expected in November 2025.