Global disease prevalence: Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor among adolescents worldwide; incidence is high in adolescents and young adults, and prognosis is closely linked to the stage of the disease.
Treatment based on osteosarcoma stage
Early treatment (localized tumor, reduced volume, favorable outcome)
Limb-sparing surgery to resect the lesion combined with adjuvant chemotherapy can effectively control tumor progression while preserving limb function.
Intermediate-stage treatment (addressing local spread, inhibiting growth, and delaying progression)
employs a comprehensive approach—such as surgery combined with chemotherapy and targeted therapy—to control further tumor spread and preserve limb function to the greatest extent possible.
Treatment for advanced disease (distant metastasis; aimed at symptom relief and survival prolongation)
primarily employs systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and others to alleviate clinical symptoms and extend patient survival as much as possible.
Why choose Fosun Health for osteosarcoma treatment
Fosun Health’s osteosarcoma diagnosis and treatment services are managed by a specialized bone and soft tissue tumor center; the team has accumulated extensive experience in limb-salvage surgery, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and the management of pulmonary metastases.Leveraging a global medical network, patients have access to cutting-edge international treatments, including limb-salvage surgery, high-dose chemotherapy, radiofrequency/microwave ablation for pulmonary metastases, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
For complex cases such as osteosarcoma with recurrence or multiple pulmonary metastases, a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)—comprising experts from orthopedic oncology surgery, medical oncology, thoracic surgery, and radiology—formulates the optimal treatment plan; a cross-border consultation mechanism provides patients with second opinions from top-tier overseas centers.
Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital is equipped with the CyberKnife M6 precision radiotherapy system, enabling stereotactic radiosurgery for pulmonary metastases.The hospital possesses extensive experience in treating osteosarcoma through neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with limb-salvage surgery; by integrating surgery, chemotherapy, and precision radiotherapy, it significantly improves patient survival rates and quality of life.
Osteosarcoma Treatment Methods
1.Wide tumor excision and limb-salvage surgery
For resectable, localized osteosarcoma, the standard approach typically involves neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by wide tumor resection and limb-salvage reconstruction; amputation may be considered for patients where limb salvage is not feasible or local conditions are unsuitable for it.
Treatment advantages:
① Local control: Complete resection of the primary bone tumor to reduce the risk of local residual disease.
② Preserve the limb: For some patients, functional reconstruction using prostheses or other methods is possible after tumor resection.
③ Obtain pathology: Resected specimens can be used to assess tumor necrosis rate and treatment response.
④ Functional reconstruction: Combines bone and joint reconstruction to restore function to the affected limb as much as possible.
2.CyberKnife precision radiotherapy
For select osteosarcoma lesions that are unresectable, locally recurrent, or located in specific anatomical sites—where surgical risk is high or repeat surgery is unsuitable—CyberKnife precision radiotherapy may be evaluated based on lesion location, size, and the proximity of critical structures.
Treatment advantages:
① Precise focusing: High-precision irradiation targeting specific, localized lesions.
② Non-surgical treatment: Offers a local treatment option for certain lesions unsuitable for repeat surgery.
③ Applicable to special anatomical sites: Precision radiotherapy may be considered for specific lesions in areas where surgery is technically challenging, such as the spine or pelvis.
④ Local control: Can be used for select cases of local recurrence or unresectable lesions.
3. Surgical resection of pulmonary metastases
For patients with a limited number of lung metastases that are completely resectable and whose systemic disease is well-controlled, resection of the lung metastases may be considered based on the number and location of the lesions and the patient's overall condition.
Treatment advantages:
① Removal of visible metastases: Direct excision of selected localized pulmonary metastatic lesions.
② Obtain pathology: Allows for further clarification of the nature of the pulmonary lesion.
③ Local control: Suitable for patients with limited pulmonary metastases who are candidates for surgery.
④ Combination therapy: Can be planned in conjunction with systemic chemotherapy and surgery for the primary lesion.
4.Chemotherapy
Kills cancer cells using combination regimens such as methotrexate and cisplatin; osteosarcoma is sensitive to chemotherapy, allowing for effective control of tumor progression.
5.Targeted therapy
Utilize multi-target anti-angiogenic drugs for precision therapy to provide effective treatment options for patients with advanced osteosarcoma, aiming to improve therapeutic outcomes.
6.Proton beam therapy
Uses proton beams to precisely target tumor tissue while maximizing protection of surrounding normal tissue;suitable for patients with osteosarcoma in challenging locations to improve therapeutic efficacy.
7.Neoadjuvant therapy
Using chemotherapy drugs preoperatively to shrink tumor volume creates more favorable conditions for subsequent limb-salvage surgery and increases the success rate, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy.
8.Comprehensive therapy
Formulate an individualized comprehensive treatment plan—combining surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and other modalities based on the patient's specific condition—to enhance therapeutic efficacy.
9.Supportive care
Approaches such as nutritional support, psychological counseling, and symptom management can comprehensively improve the patient's physical condition and quality of life.
Post-treatment care
Focus on functional exercises for the affected limb and balanced nutrition; avoid strenuous exercise; attend scheduled follow-ups and actively cooperate with further treatment as advised.
Post-treatment examinations
Regular chest CT scans, bone scans, and follow-up imaging are required after treatment to detect pulmonary metastasis or local recurrence in a timely manner.
Conclusion
Osteosarcoma poses an extremely serious threat; the key to treatment lies in early detection, diagnosis, and intervention. Selecting an appropriate treatment plan and adhering to follow-up care helps improve quality of life.
