Each year, the Mount Sinai Musculoskeletal Pathology Course convenes experts from around the world to share insights on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal tumors. This September, the 27th Annual Course continues that tradition — with contributions from Dr. James C. Wittig, a world-renowned orthopedic oncologist and one of the original founders of the course.
Dr. Wittig, who recently served as Chairman of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Morristown Medical Center and Medical Director of Orthopaedic Oncology and Sarcoma Surgery at Atlantic Health System, has been instrumental in shaping this educational forum. The course brings together global leaders in orthopaedic surgery, pathology, and oncology to advance the diagnosis and treatment of bone and soft tissue tumors.
While he has often served as Course Director in the past, in 2025, his role is that of a presenter. He will lecture on malignant cartilage tumors and contribute to case-based discussions, ensuring that attendees benefit from his decades of expertise.
This distinction underscores his ongoing dedication: even when not directing the program, Dr. Wittig remains deeply committed to its mission of advancing orthopedic oncology education and collaboration.
Recent U.S. Statistics Highlighting the Burden and Challenges
Recent data from U.S. cancer registries and sarcoma advocacy groups underscore both how rare and how challenging musculoskeletal tumors are to treat:
- It is estimated that in 2025, there will be about 13,520 new cases of soft tissue sarcoma diagnosed in the United States (7,600 in males and 5,920 in females), with approximately 5,420 deaths from soft tissue sarcoma this year.
- For primary bone sarcoma, approximately 3,770 new cases are projected in the U.S. in 2025, with around 2,190 deaths expected.
- When soft tissue cancers are diagnosed at the localized stage (i.e., before spread), survival is much higher — over 80% in many cases; when diagnosed at a metastatic stage, survival drops sharply.
These numbers indicate that while progress has been made, a significant gap in outcomes remains, depending on the stage at diagnosis, and a pressing need for improved diagnosis, pathology evaluation, and multidisciplinary treatment strategies persists.
Dr. Wittig’s Role as Presenter
This year, Dr. Wittig is participating as a presenter, underscoring his continued dedication to medical education and innovation. Although he has often served as Course Director in the past, in 2025 his focus will be on delivering a lecture on malignant cartilage tumors and contributing to interactive “Unknown Case” discussions — sessions designed to sharpen diagnostic reasoning through real-world examples.
“As surgeons and oncologists, our goal is not only to remove tumors but to preserve function and quality of life,” Dr. Wittig noted. “Even in a presenting role, this course provides an important opportunity to strengthen collaboration between pathologists, radiologists, and surgeons — an interdisciplinary approach that is absolutely vital in treating patients with musculoskeletal tumors.”
A Gathering of Global Leaders
Directed by Dr. Wittig, Dr. Ilya Iofin of Mount Sinai, and Dr. Roberto A. Garcia of Hospital for Special Surgery, the course brings together an international faculty of experts in orthopaedics, pathology, radiology, and oncology. Through lectures, case-based discussions, and slide reviews, participants gain hands-on exposure to the most current knowledge in bone and soft tissue pathology.
The three-day program encompasses the full spectrum of musculoskeletal diseases, including benign and malignant bone tumors, soft tissue neoplasms, metabolic bone diseases, infections, and arthritis. The interactive structure ensures that both trainees and seasoned physicians leave with skills they can apply immediately to clinical practice.
The Broader Impact
Medical conferences often serve as catalysts for innovation, but in musculoskeletal pathology, the impact is especially pronounced. With sarcomas and rare bone tumors representing a tiny fraction of all cancers, concentrated expertise is critical. The Mount Sinai Musculoskeletal Pathology Course establishes a pipeline for this expertise, ensuring that knowledge does not remain siloed in major academic centers but reaches the broader medical community. By continuing to lead and lecture at this prestigious event, Dr. James C. Wittig is not only advancing science but also mentoring the next generation of orthopedic oncologists. His dual roles—as surgeon innovator and educator—embody the course’s mission: to elevate patient care through knowledge, collaboration, and precision.
Read the press release.