Osteosarcoma treatment: state of the art

Cancer Metastasis Rev. 2009 Jun;28(1-2):247-63. doi: 10.1007/s10555-009-9186-7.

Abstract

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a class of cancer originating from bone, mainly afflicting children or young adults. It is the second highest cause of cancer-related death in these age groups, mainly due to development of often fatal metastasis, usually in the lungs. Survival for these patients is poor despite the aggressive use of surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy. Thus, new effective drugs and other forms of therapy are needed. This article reviews the biology and the state of the art management of OS. New experimental drugs and potential therapies targeting molecular pathways of OS are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Bone Neoplasms / epidemiology*
  • Bone Neoplasms / pathology
  • Bone Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Bone and Bones / drug effects
  • Child
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Humans
  • Medical Oncology / methods*
  • Medical Oncology / trends
  • Models, Biological
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Osteosarcoma / epidemiology*
  • Osteosarcoma / pathology
  • Osteosarcoma / therapy*
  • Radiotherapy / methods
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents