Osteosarcoma

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X-ray Osteogenic sarcoma - X-ray Ewings sarcoma - X-ray Bone tumor

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Osteosarcoma

Prior to surgery, chemotherapy is given. This is strong medication, injected intravenously (into the vein) to make the tumor shrink. Surgery is then used to remove any remaining tumor, while attempting to spare the affected limb. Chemotherapy also treats any cancer cells which may have spread to other parts of the body.

Limb-saving surgery is usually possible, but more radical surgery (such as amputation) may be necessary for a permanent cure.

Common chemotherapy medicines include:

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

Association of Cancer Online Resources

www.acor.org

Cure Search (formerly the National Childhood Cancer Foundation)

www.curesearch.org

In the absence of pulmonary metastasis (spread of the tumor to the lungs), long-term survival may reach 70%. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body besides the bone where it started, permanent cure is less likely, but can sometimes still be achieved.

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

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

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