Osteosarcoma

Alternative Names

Treatment

Treatment usually starts after a biopsy of the tumor.

Before a major surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy is usually given. This is strong medication, injected into the vein (intravenously) to make the tumor shrink. Chemotherapy also treats any cancer cells that may have spread to other parts of the body.

Surgery is then used to remove any remaining tumor. In most cases, surgery can remove the tumor while sparing the affected limb (this is called limb-salvage surgery). Rarely more radical surgery (such as amputation) may be necessary for a permanent cure.

Common chemotherapy medicines include:

• Cisplatin
• Carboplatin (Paraplatin)
• Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
• Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
• High dose methotrexate with leucovorin
• Ifosfamide (Ifex)

Support Groups

Association of Cancer Online Resources -- www.acor.org

Cure Search (formerly the National Childhood Cancer Foundation) --www.curesearch.org

Outlook (Prognosis)

If the tumor has not spread to the lungs (pulmonary metastasis), long-term survival rates are very high. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, there is still a good chance of cure with effective treatment.

Possible Complications

• Effects of chemotherapy (vary for each person and depend on the type of chemotherapy given)
• Limb removal
• Lung metastases

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you have bone pain, tenderness, or swelling.

References

Skubitz KM, D'Adamo D. Sarcoma. Mayo Clin Proc. 2007;82:1409-1432.