what are some treatment options for steosarcoma

Medication

Surgery to remove the cancer only (limb-sparing surgery). Most osteosarcoma operations can be done in a way that removes all of the cancer and spares the limb so that function can be maintained. Whether this procedure is an option depends, in part, on the extent of the cancer and how much muscle and tissue need to be removed.

Procedures

Continuous follow-up care is essential for a person diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Side effects of radiation and chemotherapy, including second cancers, can happen in survivors. New methods are continually being discovered to improve treatment and decrease side effects.

Nutrition

For adults with osteosarcoma, the treatment team typically includes the patient’s primary care doctor, as well as specialists at a major cancer center. Doctors on the treatment team might include:

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Surgery for Osteosarcoma. The main goal of surgery is to remove all of the cancer. If even a small number of cancer cells are left behind, they might grow and multiply to make a new tumor. To lower the risk of this happening, surgeons remove the tumor plus some of the normal tissue that surrounds it.

What are the treatment options for osteosarcoma?

What follow-up care is needed for osteosarcoma?

Who is on the treatment team for osteosarcoma?

What happens during surgery for osteosarcoma?

What are 3 treatments for bone cancer?

Treatment options for bone cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, cryosurgery, and targeted therapy.Surgery is the usual treatment for bone cancer. ... Chemotherapy is the use of anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells.More items...•

What is the most recommended surgical treatment for osteosarcoma?

Limb salvage surgery has long been established as the standard of care for osteosarcoma. While limb-salvaging techniques have acceptable rates of disease control, amputation remains a valid procedure in selected cases.

What are common treatments for bone cancer?

The main ways to treat bone cancer are:Surgery for Bone Cancer.Radiation Therapy for Bone Cancer.Chemotherapy for Bone Cancer.Targeted Therapy and Other Drugs for Bone Cancer.

What is the most common treatment for bone cancer?

Surgical removal is the most common treatment, but chemotherapy and radiation therapy also may be utilized. The decision to use surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy is based on the type of bone cancer being treated.

Can osteosarcoma be cured with surgery?

Patients with low-grade, resectable osteosarcomas can often be cured with surgery alone (without chemo). However, if the tumor removed by surgery is found to be high grade on lab tests, chemo might then be recommended.

Is chemotherapy Effective for osteosarcoma?

Giving chemo along with surgery helps lower the risk of these cancers coming back. Most osteosarcomas are treated with chemo before surgery (known as neoadjuvant chemotherapy) for about 10 weeks. In some people with osteosarcoma in an arm or leg bone, this can shrink the tumor, which might help make surgery easier.

What is the newest treatment for bone cancer?

Zoledronic acid (Zometa) is a type of drug known as a bisphosphonate, which affects osteoclasts in a different way. Doctors are studying whether this drug also might be helpful in treating some types of bone tumors, such as giant cell tumors of bone.

Does Chemo help bone cancer?

Chemo is often an important part of treatment for Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS). But it's used less often for most other types of bone cancers, like giant cell tumors and most types of chordomas and chondrosarcomas.

What is the best treatment for bone metastases?

The best treatment for bone metastasis is the treatment of the primary cancer. Therapies may include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or treatment with monoclonal antibodies. Pain is often treated with narcotics and other pain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.

Is bone sarcoma curable?

Generally, bone cancer is much easier to cure in otherwise healthy people whose cancer hasn't spread. Overall, around 6 in every 10 people with bone cancer will live for at least 5 years from the time of their diagnosis, and many of these may be cured completely.

What is the best pain relief for bone cancer?

Most pain medications for bone cancer are taken by mouth, in pill or liquid form....Bone Cancer: Moderate to Severe PainCodeine.Vicodin or Anexsia (hydrocodone)Oxycontin or Roxicodone (oxycodone)Palladone or Dilaudid (hydromorphone)Duragesic (fentanyl)Dolophine or Methadose (methadone)

Can you heal from bone cancer?

There's no cure, but treatment can help prevent or slow the spread and help relieve accompanying symptoms. Here are the answers to several common questions about bone metastases.

How is osteosarcoma surgery done?

The section of bone that is removed along with the osteosarcoma is replaced with a piece of bone from another part of the body or from another person (a bone graft) or with a man-made device made of metal and other materials that replaces part or all of a bone (an internal prosthesis).

What is Rotationplasty surgery?

Rotationplasty is a surgical procedure used to treat bone tumors in children that occur near the knee. The bottom of the femur, the knee, and the upper tibia are surgically removed. The lower leg is then rotated 180 degrees (which is why it's called rotationplasty) and then attached to the femur.

Can osteosarcoma be cured without amputation?

The treatment of highly malignant osteosarcoma is still a challenge to medical science. An ideal situation in the treatment of osteosarcoma is when the tumor can be eradicated without an amputation, bone/soft tissue loss with near normal function.

What is a Hemipelvectomy surgery?

A hemipelvectomy is a surgical procedure that may be performed to address certain bone and soft tissue tumors that developed in or spread to the pelvis. An uncommon type of lower-extremity, above-the-knee amputation, hemipelvectomy involves the removal or resection of the pelvis.

What is the best treatment for osteosarcoma?

A team approach is recommended when treating osteosarcoma. For children and teens, this team includes the child’s pediatrician as well as children’s cancer specialists. Treatment is best done at a children’s cancer center. For adults with osteosarcoma, the treatment team typically includes the patient’s primary care doctor, as well as specialists at a major cancer center. Doctors on the treatment team might include: 1 An orthopedic surgeon (a surgeon who specializes in muscles and bones) who is experienced in treating bone tumors 2 A medical or pediatric oncologist (a doctor who treats cancer with chemotherapy and other drugs) 3 A radiation oncologist (a doctor who treats cancer with radiation therapy) 4 A physiatrist (a doctor specializing in rehabilitation and physical therapy)

What are the services that help with cancer?

These might include nursing or social work services, financial aid, nutritional advice, rehab, or spiritual help. For children and teens with cancer and their families, other specialists can be an important part of care as well.

What kind of doctor treats bone tumors?

Doctors on the treatment team might include: An orthopedic surgeon (a surgeon who specializes in muscles and bones) who is experienced in treating bone tumors. A medical or pediatric oncologist (a doctor who treats cancer with chemotherapy and other drugs) A radiation oncologist (a doctor who treats cancer with radiation therapy) ...

What to expect before treatment?

Before treatment, the doctors and other members of the team will help you understand the tests that will need to be done. The team’s social worker will also counsel you about some of the issues that might come up during and after treatment, and might be able to help you find housing and financial aid if needed.

Is osteosarcoma a serious disease?

Treatment for osteosarcoma is often effective, but it can also cause serious side effects. It’s important to discuss all treatment options as well as their possible side effects with the cancer care team so you can make an informed decision. It’s also very important to ask questions if you’re not sure about anything.

Is treatment information given here official policy of the American Cancer Society?

The treatment information given here is not official policy of the American Cancer Society and is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your cancer care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.

Is it important to ask questions about osteosarcoma?

It’s also very important to ask questions if you’re not sure about anything. If time allows, getting a second opinion from another doctor experienced in treating osteosarcoma is often a good idea. This can give you more information and help you feel more confident about the treatment plan you choose.

What is the procedure to remove osteosarcoma?

Wide local excision: Surgery to remove the cancer and some healthy tissue around it. Limb-sparing surgery: Removal of the tumor in a limb (arm or leg) without amputation, so the use and appearance of the limb is saved. Most patients with osteosarcoma in a limb can be treated with limb-sparing surgery.

How to treat localized osteosarcoma?

Treatment of newly diagnosed localized osteosarcoma and UPS of bone may include the following: Surgery to remove the primary tumor. Chemotherapy may be given before or after surgery to remove the primary tumor. Radiation therapy if surgery cannot be done or if the tumor was not completely removed by surgery.

How to treat osteosarcoma and UPS?

Newly diagnosed osteosarcoma and UPS may spread to a distant bone and/or the lung. Treatment may include the following: Chemotherapy followed by surgery to remove the primary tumor and the cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. More chemotherapy is given after surgery.

How to treat osteosarcoma and lung metastasis?

Treatment of newly diagnosed osteosarcoma and UPS with lung metastasis may include the following: Chemotherapy followed by surgery to remove the primary cancer. This is followed by postoperative combination chemotherapy, then surgery to remove the cancer in the lung and more postoperative chemotherapy.

How long does it take for osteosarcoma to come back?

Osteosarcoma and UPS most often recur in the lung, bone, or both. When osteosarcoma recurs, it is usually within 18 months after treatment is completed.

What are the signs of osteosarcoma?

Signs and symptoms of osteosarcoma and UPS include swelling over a bone or a bony part of the body and joint pain. Imaging tests are used to detect (find) osteosarcoma and UPS. A biopsy is done to diagnose osteosarcoma. Certain factors may affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.

Why do we need a biopsy for osteosarcoma?

Cells and tissues are removed during a biopsy so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer. It is important that the biopsy be done by a surgeon who is an expert in treating cancer of the bone.

How long does it take to get chemo for osteosarcoma?

The typical duration of adjuvant chemotherapy for osteosarcoma is an additional 18 weeks.

Where does osteosarcoma occur?

Osteosarcoma most often affects long bones, such as those in the arms and legs. It usually occurs near the ends of your bones (the metaphyses) and near your knee where the fastest growth is taking place (if you’re a teenager). The bones and areas most often affected include the: Femur (thigh bone) near your knee.

What is osteosarcoma in teenagers?

Osteosarcoma (osteogenic sarcoma) is a type of cancer that starts in your bones. In the beginning, the cancer cells appear to be regular bone cells. Then, they create tumors, and those tumors create immature, irregular, diseased bone. It is most often seen in teenagers, with the average age of diagnosis of osteosarcoma being 15.

How do you know if you have osteosarcoma?

The most common symptoms of osteosarcoma include: Bone pain or tenderness. A mass or lump (tumor) that is warm and might be felt through your skin. Swelling and redness at the site of your tumor. Increased pain with lifting (if it affects your arm). Limping (if it affects your leg).

What is the difference between high grade and low grade osteosarcoma?

Osteosarcoma tumors can be categorized as low-grade, intermediate-grade, or high-grade. Low-grade means that your cancer will grow slowly and remain where it began (localized), while high-grade indicates that it will spread quickly and metastasize.

What is the average age for osteosarcoma?

It is most often seen in teenagers, with the average age of diagnosis of osteosarcoma being 15. A “ sarcoma ” is a type of cancer that develops in connective tissue such as bone, cartilage, or muscle. “Osteo” refers to bones. Osteosarcoma most often affects long bones, such as those in the arms and legs.

How old is the average person diagnosed with osteosarcoma?

Osteosarcoma most often affects pre-teens and teens; the average age at diagnosis is 15. More than 75% of the cases are people less than 25 years old. This may be related to the “growth spurt” most teens experience at that age. Osteosarcoma can also occur in children and young adults.

What is the treatment for osteosarcoma?

Children with high-grade osteosarcoma may need surgery and chemotherapy . We often start with chemotherapy before surgery to shrink the tumor and kill any cancer cells elsewhere in the body. This is followed by surgery to remove the tumor, sparing or restoring the affected limb as much as possible.

What is a benign tumor made of blood vessels that we treat if it is causing discomfort or other symptoms?

Hemangioma of the bones and soft tissues: a benign tumor made of blood vessels which we treat if it is causing discomfort or other symptoms. Aneurysmal and unicameral (simple) bone cysts: blood- or fluid-filled sacs which we may treat with surgery and interventional radiology techniques to prevent bone damage.

Can osteosarcoma be treated with chemotherapy?

Children with low-grade tumors may only need surgery. Children with high-grade osteosarcoma may need surgery and chemotherapy.

What is the first treatment for osteosarcoma?

As with other osteosarcomas, a biopsy is needed first to establish the diagnosis. Chemotherapy is usually the first treatment for these cancers. If all of the tumors are thought to be resectable after chemotherapy, they are removed with surgery, sometimes in more than one operation.

What is the procedure to remove a tumor?

Surgery to remove the tumor, preferably by the same surgeon who did the biopsy. If cancer is found at the edge of the surgery specimen (meaning some cancer might have been left behind), a second surgery might be done to try to remove any remaining cancer. Radiation therapy might be given to the area as well.

Where does osteosarcoma come back?

It may come back locally (near where the first tumor was) or in other parts of the body. Most of the time, if osteosarcoma recurs it will be in the lungs. If possible, surgery to remove the tumor (s) is an important part of treatment, as it offers the best chance for long-term survival.

Can chemo be given after surgery?

If the cancer is resectable, chemo might be given after surgery. For more advanced cancers, chemo might be used to try to help relieve symptoms. Radiation therapy might be part of treatment as well. It can sometimes help keep tumor growth in check and help relieve symptoms.

Can osteosarcoma spread to other parts of the body?

These cancers have not been found to have spread to other parts of the body, and all of the visible tumor can be removed (resected) by surgery. High grade: Most osteosarcomas are high grade, meaning they will probably grow and spread quickly if not treated. The usual treatment for these cancers is as follows:

Can chemo be used to treat cancer?

Chemo is a very important part of treatment for these cancers. Even when imaging tests don’t show that the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body , there are still likely to be very small areas of cancer spread that can’t be detected with tests. If chemo isn’t given, the cancer is more likely to come back after surgery.

Can you get a tumor removed after chemo?

If the tumor still can't be removed completely after chemotherapy, radiation therapy can often be used to try to keep the tumor under control and to help relieve symptoms. More chemo might be another option, either instead of or after radiation therapy. If the first chemo regimen didn’t work very well, different chemo drugs might be tried.

What is the procedure to remove a tumor?

An orthopedic oncologist is a doctor who specializes in surgery when cancer affects the bone. In limb-sparing surgery, doctors use surgical techniques to help the child keep the use of the arm or leg and to give the limb a more normal appearance. Surgical techniques include bone grafting and reconstructive surgery. A bone allograft uses bone from another person to repair and rebuild damaged bone.

How long does it take to get chemo for osteosarcoma?

Your child may receive 1 drug at a time or a combination of different drugs given at the same time. Osteosarcoma chemotherapy generally takes more than 6 months to administer.

How much survival rate for high grade osteosarcoma?

The survival rate of people with localized, high-grade osteosarcoma without systemic chemotherapy is under 20%, as compared to 60% to 75% with chemotherapy.

Where should children with cancer be treated?

To take advantage of these newer treatments, all children with cancer should be treated at a specialized cancer center. Doctors at these centers have extensive experience in treating children with cancer and have access to the latest research.

Is radiation therapy for osteosarcoma uncommon?

Radiation therapy for osteosarcoma is uncommon. This is because osteosarcoma is relatively resistant to radiation therapy.

What is the procedure for osteosarcoma?

Surgery for Osteosarcoma. Surgery is an important part of treatment for almost all osteosarcomas. It includes: The biopsy to diagnose the cancer. The removal of the tumor (s) Whenever possible, it’s very important that the biopsy and the surgery to remove the tumor be planned together, and that an experienced orthopedic surgeon does both ...

Can you get rid of a tumor in your pelvis?

Tumors that start in other areas. Tumors in the pelvic (hip) bones can often be hard to remove completely with surgery. But if the tumor responds well to chemotherapy first, surgery (sometimes followed by radiation therapy) may get rid of all of the cancer.

Can osteosarcoma be removed from the legs?

The type of surgery done depends mainly on the location and size of the tumor. Although all operations to remove osteosarcomas are complex, tumors in the limbs (arms or legs) are generally not as hard to remove as those in the jaw bone, at the base of the skull, in the spine, or in the pelvic (hip) bone.

Does osteosarcoma cause long term side effects?

Long-term side effects: The long-term side effects of surgery depend mainly on where the tumor is and what type of operation is done. Most osteosarcomas occur in bones of the arms or legs, and some of the long-term issues from surgery on these tumors are described above.

Can osteosarcoma spread to other bones?

A small number of osteosarcomas spread to other bones or to organs like the kidneys, liver, or brain.

How is osteosarcoma treated?

Specific treatment for osteosarcoma will be determined by your healthcare provider based on: Surgery (for example, biopsy, resections, bone/skin grafts, limb salvage procedures, reconstructions, or amputation) Many patients, particularly those with higher-grade tumors, will receive a combination of treatments.

What are the risk factors for osteosarcoma?

Suggested risk factors for osteosarcoma include the following: Teenage growth spurts. Being tall for a specific age. Previous treatment with radiation for another cancer, especially at a young age or with high doses of radiation. Presence of certain benign (noncancerous) bone diseases. Presence of certain rare, inherited disorders, ...

What is osteosarcoma in children?

What is osteosarcoma? Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that usually develops in the osteoblast cells that form bone . It happens most often in children, adolescents, and young adults. Approximately 800 new cases of osteosarcoma are reported each year in the U.S.

Where does osteosarcoma occur?

Osteosarcoma most commonly happens in the long bones around the knee. Other sites for osteosarcoma include the upper leg, or thighbone, the lower leg, upper arm bone, or any bone in the body, including those in the pelvis, shoulder, and skull. Osteosarcoma may grow into nearby tissues, such as tendons or muscles.

How do you know if you have osteosarcoma?

Symptoms may include: Pain in the affected bone. Swelling around the affected site. Increased pain with activity or lifting. Limping.

Is continuous follow up necessary for osteosarcoma?

Continuous follow-up care is essential for a person diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Side effects of radiation and chemotherapy, including second cancers, can happen in survivors. New methods are continually being discovered to improve treatment and decrease side effects.

Diagnosis

Imaging tests can help determine the location and size of bone tumors, and whether the tumors have spread to other parts of the body. The types of imaging tests recommended depend on your individual signs and symptoms. Tests may include:

Treatment

The treatment options for your bone cancer are based on the type of cancer you have, the stage of the cancer, your overall health and your preferences. Different bone cancers respond to different treatments, and your doctors can help guide you in what is best for your cancer.

Clinical trials

Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.

Coping and support

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. With time you'll find ways to cope with the distress and uncertainty of cancer. Until then, you may find it helps to:

Preparing for your appointment

If you have any signs and symptoms that worry you, start by making an appointment with your family doctor. If your doctor suspects you may have bone cancer, you may be referred to a specialist. Bone cancer is often treated by a team of specialists that may include:

Diagnosis

Clinical Trials

Coping and Support

Preparing For Your Appointment