Chordoma Foundation


For Newly Diagnosed Patients

Hearing that you have, or may have, chordoma can be an overwhelming experience. You are confronted with a flood of new information, questions and issues to deal with. We know what it’s like, and we’re here to help. This page provides a starting point for finding the information and resources you need to successfully navigate your new diagnosis.

1. Learn about chordoma

Knowledge is power when it comes to dealing with chordoma. These pages contain the basic information you need to know about the disease.

2. Plan your treatment

The treatment plan that you choose, especially for your first treatment, can have a major impact on your outcome. It is therefore very important to evaluate your options carefully. These pages will help you make informed decisions about your course of treatment.

3. Consider donating part of your tumor for research

Tumor tissue is critical for research needed to develop improved treatments for chordoma. The Chordoma Foundation Biobank enables chordoma patients to donate excess tumor tissue removed during surgery - tissue that would otherwise go to waste - to be used for research. It’s free, won’t interfere with your treatment and will greatly help to advance the search for a cure.

Please contact us as soon as surgery is scheduled so that our Biobank team can make arrangements to properly save and collect your tumor tissue. If you have already had surgery we can also attempt to retrieve tissue that might have been saved at the hospital where you had surgery.

To participate in the biobank or for more information, call 877-230-0164 or email us at biobank@chordoma.org.

4. Get connected with the Chordoma Foundation

Register with the Foundation to receive the latest information about new treatments and clinical trials, opportunities to participate in research and events, and updates about our progress in advancing the search for a cure.

5. Get support

Others who have been in your situation are available to provide support, perspective, and advice for dealing with chordoma. You may want to consider seeking support from the sources listed below.
  • Peer Connect – our peer connect program matches you with trained peer mentors from the chordoma community to help support you throughout your journey with chordoma.
  • Chordoma Survivors group on Facebook