what is the medical treatment for osteogenic sarcoma

Can osteosarcoma be cured?

Oct 04, 2021 · Treatment options and prevention for osteogenic sarcoma Treatment depends on the size and location of the tumor and how far the cancer has spread. Research has shown that outcomes are typically most favorable when treatment includes both chemotherapy and surgery. In some cases, treatment may also involve radiation therapy. Chemotherapy

Is Temodar used in treating soft tissue sarcoma?

Complete surgical extirpation is usually the treatment of choice if localized. Around 10% to 20% have evidence of metastases at presentation, the most common site being the lungs. Occult micrometastasis at diagnosis are presumed to be more frequent, considering that over 80% patients present with metastasis despite local control before the advent of chemotherapy.

How to diagnose osteosarcoma?

Osteosarcoma Surgery The type and extent of surgery depends on the position and size of the tumor. Surgery may include removing the whole limb (amputation) or part of the affected bone, which is then replaced by some form of artificial limb (prosthesis). If only part of the affected bone is removed, this is known as limb-sparing surgery.

What are the first signs of osteosarcoma, symptoms?

Three main types of treatment are used for osteosarcoma: Surgery for Osteosarcoma Chemotherapy and Other Drugs for Osteosarcoma Radiation Therapy for Osteosarcoma Common treatment approaches Most often, chemotherapy is given both before and after surgery. It can help lower the risk that the cancer will come back after treatment.

Is there a cure for osteogenic sarcoma?

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.Oct 8, 2020

Can osteosarcoma be cured without surgery?

Surgery is an integral part of treatment for patients with localized osteosarcoma as well as select patients with metastatic or recurrent osteosarcoma. Treatment of osteosarcoma without surgery results in significantly lower cure, tumor-free survival, and overall survival rates.Aug 15, 2018

Is osteogenic sarcoma life threatening?

The affected bones are heavy and thick but are weaker than normal bones and are more likely to break. Usually this condition by itself is not life-threatening.Oct 8, 2020

How many cycles of chemo does it take for osteosarcoma?

A commonly recommended course of osteosarcoma chemotherapy regimen consists of approximately six five-week cycles, each of which includes: The administration of a combination of osteosarcoma chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin and doxorubicin; ifosfamide and etoposide; or ifosfamide, cisplatin and epirubicin.

Does osteosarcoma respond to chemo?

Chemo is an important part of the treatment for most people with osteosarcoma (although some patients with low-grade osteosarcoma might not need it). Most osteosarcomas don't appear to have spread beyond the main tumor when they are first found.Oct 8, 2020

How rare is osteogenic sarcoma?

Affected Populations There are estimated to be about 750-1,000 new individuals diagnosed with osteosarcoma each year in the United States. About 450 of those are children or adolescents under the age of 20. Osteosarcoma is a rare disorder, but it is the most common cause of bone cancer in children and adolescents.

Is osteogenic sarcoma hereditary?

Most osteosarcomas are not caused by inherited gene mutations, but instead are the result of gene changes acquired during the person's lifetime. Sometimes these gene changes are caused by radiation therapy used to treat another form of cancer, because radiation can damage the DNA inside cells.Oct 8, 2020

How can osteogenic sarcoma be prevented?

Most known risk factors for osteosarcoma cannot be changed. Other than radiation therapy, there are no known lifestyle-related or environmental causes of osteosarcoma, so at this time there is no known way to protect against or prevent most of these cancers.

What is the goal of osteosarcoma surgery?

The goal of surgery is to remove all of the cancer cells. But planning the operation also takes into consideration how it will affect your ability to go about your daily life. The extent of surgery for osteosarcoma depends on several factors, such as the size of the tumor and its location.

What to do if osteosarcoma doesn't respond to treatment?

If the osteosarcoma doesn't respond to treatment, it may indicate the cancer is very aggressive. Doctors may recommend a different combination of chemotherapy drugs or suggest a more aggressive operation to ensure all the cancer is removed. Chemotherapy can also be used after surgery to kill any cancer cells that might remain.

How does chemotherapy work?

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy treatment usually combines two or more drugs that can be administered as an infusion into a vein (IV), in pill form, or through both methods.

What is the best treatment for cancer?

Radiation therapy . Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays and protons, to kill cancer cells. Radiation might be an option in certain situations, such as when surgery isn't possible or if surgeons can't remove all of the cancer during an operation.

What is the procedure to remove the lower leg?

Surgery to remove the lower portion of the leg (rotationplasty). In this surgery, sometimes used for children who are still growing, the surgeon removes the cancer and surrounding area, including the knee joint. The foot and ankle are then rotated, and the ankle functions as a knee.

How does a doctor remove a tumor?

The doctor inserts a thin needle through the skin and guides it into the tumor. The needle is used to remove small pieces of tissue from the tumor. Surgical biopsy. The doctor makes an incision through the skin and removes either the entire tumor (excisional biopsy) or a portion of the tumor (incisional biopsy).

What tests can be done to detect bone cancer?

Imaging tests may include: X-ray. Computerized tomography (CT) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Positron emission tomography (PET) Bone scan.

Where does osteosarcoma start?

Osteogenic sarcoma (osteosarcoma) is a cancer that starts in the bone. It often starts in the ends of the bones where new bone tissue forms as a young person grows. Bones in the thigh, upper arm, and shin are the most common sites, but osteosarcoma can occur anywhere in the body. It usually develops during the period of rapid growth ...

How often should you have an echocardiogram for osteosarcoma?

Patients with osteosarcoma who have received this drug as part of their therapy will need to have echocardiograms and electrocardiograms performed at least every three years. Certain types of exercise are better for the survivor’s heart and should be discussed with the specialist as part of follow-up care.

What is the most common bone tumor in youth?

Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant bone tumor in youth. The average age at diagnosis is 15 years. Boys and girls have a similar incidence of this tumor until late adolescence, at which time boys are more commonly affected. The cause of osteosarcoma is unknown. Only rarely does osteosarcoma run in families.

How do you know if you have osteosarcoma?

Osteosarcoma Symptoms. Pain in the affected bone is the most common symptom. This pain may initially come and go and then gradually become more severe and constant. As the tumor grows, there may be visible swelling and limitation of motion. Tumors in the legs cause limping, while those in the arms cause pain on lifting.

What is the procedure for removing a tumor?

Osteosarcoma Surgery. The type and extent of surgery depends on the position and size of the tumor. Surgery may include removing the whole limb (amputation) or part of the affected bone, which is then replaced by some form of artificial limb (prosthesis).

What is a fracture at the site of a tumor called?

A fracture at the site of the tumor is called a “pathological fracture, ” which occurs after what often seems like a routine movement. For example, a young athlete who breaks an arm during a routine throw should be tested to ensure there is no underlying bone problem, such as a tumor or cyst.

What is the best way to find out if a bone tumor is a tumor?

An X-ray will be taken, and if it suggests that there is a tumor, a CT (computerized tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan of the bone will show the characteristics of the tumor. A biopsy is always necessary to identify the type of tumor.

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 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 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.

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.

Is chemo given before or after surgery?

Most often, chemotherapy is given both before and after surgery. It can help lower the risk that the cancer will come back after treatment. It might also allow the surgeon to do a less extensive operation to remove the cancer. Radiation therapy is used less often. Treatment Based on the Extent of the Osteosarcoma.

What is the job of an orthopedic surgeon for osteosarcoma?

The orthopedic surgeon performs the removal of the tumor and the reconstruction of the limb.

What is osteosarcoma cancer?

What is osteosarcoma? Osteosarcoma is a form of cancer that originates from within a bone. Unlike many conditions labeled "bone cancer" – which are actually cancers that originate in other organs (such as the breast, prostate or lung) and then spread to bone tissue (known as secondary bone cancer) – osteosarcoma is a malignancy of the bone itself ...

What is the name of the cancer cells that invade bone tissue?

The cancer cells in osteosarcoma (also sometimes called osteogenic sarcoma) produce an immature and nonfunctional form of bone osteoid that invades and replaces normal bone tissue.

What is the procedure for MRI of bone lesion?

The orthopedic oncologist will order MRI imaging of the suspicious area of the bone. These advanced images will guide the physician in performing a biopsy of the bone lesion. The biopsy is a surgical procedure that obtains a sample or core of the bone which can be further examined under a microscope by a pathologist.

What is the first step in making a diagnosis of osteosarcoma?

An X-ray is the first step in making a diagnosis. Once there is suspicion for an osteosarcoma, it is recommended that the patient be referred to a physician who specializes in orthopedic oncology for additional tests, including a biopsy. The orthopedic oncologist will order MRI imaging of the suspicious area of the bone.

Can osteosarcoma be diagnosed in older people?

However, older individuals can develop a form of the disease as well. When older people are diagnosed with osteosarcoma, it is often associated with other medical conditions, such as Paget’s disease, or instances in which the area of the body has been treated previously ...

Can you reconstruct bone with live bone?

New techniques to reconstruct the affected bone with the patient’s own live bone are possible in many circumstances, even during chemotherapy. After the initial chemotherapy and surgical procedures, the patient is followed over time to monitor for disease recurrence.

What Causes Osteogenic Sarcoma?

It has been suggested that repeated trauma to an area may be a risk factor for developing this type of cancer. It is uncertain whether trauma is a cause or effect of the disease. Cancer lesions in the bone can make that area of the bone weaker, thus, making injury more likely.

How Is Osteogenic Sarcoma Diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination of your child, diagnostic procedures for osteogenic sarcoma may include multiple imaging studies of the tumor and sites of possible metastasis, such as:

What Are the Symptoms of Osteogenic Sarcoma?

The following are the most common symptoms of osteogenic sarcoma. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include, but are not limited to, the following:

How Is Osteogenic Sarcoma Treated?

Specific treatment for osteogenic sarcoma will be determined by your child's physician based on:

What is osteogenic sarcoma?

Osteogenic sarcoma is a type of cancer that affects the bone. About 900 new patients, primarily between the ages of 10 and 25, are diagnosed each year. About 60 percent of osteogenic sarcomas occur in the legs and knees. However, it can affect other bones, such as the shoulders and the jaw, where it is harder to treat.

What causes osteogenic sarcoma?

To this day, researchers aren’t sure what causes osteogenic sarcoma. Some think that repeated trauma to a specific area causes increased presence of osteoid tissue to repair the area, leading to malignancy. Another theory is that the cause is genetic, being linked with the same gene that causes retinoblastoma.

What are the symptoms of osteogenic sarcoma?

People with osteogenic sarcoma often complain of a bruising or swelling of the area, with a feeling of a bump. Pain is constant, but becomes worse at night. The bone in question is very weak, and can break more easily. The bone affected also will be more difficult to move.

How is it diagnosed?

X-rays, bone scans, magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans are all used to diagnose osteogenic sarcoma. A biopsy, or removal of a small portion of the questionable tissue, can confirm the existence of osteogenic sarcoma. The cancer is then staged to determine how far it has spread and how much it has advanced.

How is it treated?

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, administering chemotherapy before surgery, may be recommended to reduce the tumor’s size before it is surgically removed. Treatment usually involves drugs such as methotrexate, cisplatin, doxorubicin, etoposide, ifosfamide and pegylated interferon alfa 2b.

How long does the treatment last?

Treatment for osteogenic sarcoma can last anywhere from 26 weeks to two years, depending on how early or advanced the cancer was at diagnosis, and how effective the treatment is.

How effective is the treatment?

Osteogenic sarcoma has one of the lower survival rates among young adults and children afflicted with cancer. The five-year survival rate is about 65 percent to 70 percent.

What is a high grade osteosarcoma?

Other high-grade osteosarcomas include: Pagetoid: a tumor that develops in someone with Paget disease of the bone. Extraskeletal: a tumor that starts in a part of the body other than a bone (but still makes bone tissue) Post-radiation: a tumor that starts in a bone that had once been exposed to radiation.

What is the fastest growing osteosarcoma?

High-grade osteosarcomas. These are the fastest growing types of osteosarcoma. When seen with a microscope, they do not look like normal bone, and many of the cancer cells are in the process of dividing into new cells. Most osteosarcomas that occur in children and teens are high grade.

What age group is osteosarcoma most common?

Most osteosarcomas occur in children, teens, and young adults. Teens are the most commonly affected age group, but osteosarcoma can develop at any age. (For information about the differences between childhood cancers and adult cancers, see Cancer in Children .)

What is the most common type of cancer that starts in the bones?

Osteosarcoma (also called osteogenic sarcoma) is the most common type of cancer that starts in the bones. The cancer cells in these tumors look like early forms of bone cells that normally help make new bone tissue, but the bone tissue in an osteosarcoma is not as strong as that in normal bones. Most osteosarcomas occur in children, teens, ...

What is the cancer that develops from cartilage?

These include: Chondrosarcoma (cancer that develops from cartilage) Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) of bone, previously known as malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of bone. Fibrosarcoma of bone. Chordoma. Malignant giant cell tumor of bone.

Where does osteosarcoma start?

In children, teens, and young adults, osteosarcoma usually starts in areas where the bone is growing quickly, such as near the ends of the leg or arm bones: Most tumors develop in the bones around the knee, either in the lower part of the thigh bone (distal femur) or the the upper part of the shinbone (proximal tibia).

What is the second most common bone cancer in children?

Ewing tumors ( Ewing sarcomas) are the second most common bone cancer in children. They are described in Ewing Family of Tumors. Most other types of bone cancers are usually found in adults and are uncommon in children. These include:

Diagnosis

• To diagnose osteosarcoma, the doctor may begin with a physical exam to better understand the symptoms.

See more on mayoclinic.org

Treatment

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