Osteosarcoma and other bone cancers

Abstract

In this review, recent advances in the clinical therapy of osteosarcoma, including results from the European Osteosarcoma Intergroup trial demonstrating the efficacy of a short intensive two drug protocol are discussed as well the evolving role of ifosfamide. Biologically, the area of interest on chromosome 3q, which may contain an osteosarcoma tumor suppressor gene, is being narrowed, and several promising new therapeutic approaches including tumor vaccine have been explored. In chondrosarcoma research, abnormalities in hereditary multiple exostoses genes, which encode protein products essential for normal cartilage development, and a potential mechanism for the characteristic chemotherapy resistance of cartilaginous tumors (overexpression of P-glycoprotein) have been described. Surgical advances include testing of total en bloc spondylectomy for vertebral tumors as well as a noninvasively extendable long bone endoprosthesis. Finally, new insights in diagnostic imaging, including the evolving role of 201Tl, 99mTc-MIBI (methoxyisobutylisonitrile), and newer variations on magnetic resonance imaging are reviewed.