Overview
Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone cancer, usually originating in the long bones (e.g., femur, tibia, humerus). It most commonly affects children, adolescents, and young adults, particularly during growth spurts.
Symptoms
- Persistent bone pain, especially at night or during activity
- Swelling or tenderness near a joint
- Limping or restricted joint movement
- Bone fracture without significant trauma
Causes & Risk Factors
- Rapid bone growth during puberty
- Previous radiation therapy
- Genetic conditions (e.g., Li-Fraumeni syndrome, hereditary retinoblastoma)
- Paget’s disease of bone (in older adults)
Diagnosis
- X-ray and MRI of the affected area
- Bone biopsy (open or needle)
- CT scan of chest (to check for lung metastasis)
- Bone scan or PET-CT (to assess spread)
Treatment Options
- Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (before surgery)
- Surgical resection (limb-sparing surgery or amputation)
- Adjuvant chemotherapy (after surgery)
- Targeted therapy or immunotherapy (clinical trials)
Prognosis
- 5-year survival for localized disease: ~60–80%
- Prognosis poorer if metastatic at diagnosis, especially to lungs
- Response to chemotherapy is a key prognostic factor
Living with this Cancer Type
- Physical rehabilitation and prosthetic support (if limb removed)
- Psychosocial support for youth and families
- Academic and peer reintegration planning
- Long-term surveillance for recurrence and late effects of chemo
Prevention & Screening
- No known prevention
- Genetic counseling for high-risk families
- Monitor for secondary cancers in survivors
FAQs
Q: Does osteosarcoma only affect young people?
A: Mostly, but it can also occur in older adults with bone diseases like Paget’s.
Q: Will I lose my limb?
A: Not always. Limb-sparing surgery is successful in many cases.
Q: Can it spread?
A: Yes, primarily to the lungs and other bones.
Resources
- Sarcoma Alliance
- Children’s Oncology Group (COG)
- ClinicalTrials.gov
Understand Precision Testing
Learn how liquid biopsy and chemo sensitivity testing can personalize your treatment plan.
Make Informed Decisions
Gain knowledge to actively participate in treatment discussions with your healthcare team.
Improve Treatment Outcomes
Discover how precision medicine and metabolic therapies can enhance treatment effectiveness.
Start Your Educational Journey Today
Empower yourself with knowledge about precision metabolic oncology and take an active role in your cancer care journey.
Need More Information?
Our team of oncology experts is here to help you understand your diagnosis and treatment options.