Osteosarcoma is a kind of bone cancer that starts in cells called osteoblasts, which the National Cancer Institute describes as the cells that help form new bone tissue. It's the most common type of bone tumor, most often diagnosed in adolescents and young adults. Treatment for the disease can be different for each person, depending on the extent of the cancer and its location.
Surgery
Surgery is a mainstay in the treatment of osteosarcoma, according to the American Cancer Society. Limb-salvage surgery--rather than amputation--is often done for tumors in the arms and legs, depending on the size and location of the cancer. The cancer and a surrounding area of healthy bone and tissue are removed and replaced with a bone graft or other prostheses. In some instances, amputation is necessary, especially when the tumor is very large or has invaded nerves and blood vessels.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. Some drugs can be taken orally or given intravenously, and these medications travel through the bloodstream and are able to kill cancer cells throughout the body, according to the National Cancer Institute. If the drugs are put in the spinal column, a body cavity such as the stomach, or an organ, the medication works locally to kill cancer cells in that specific area. The American Cancer Society lists several drugs that may be used to treat osteosarcoma, including methotrexate, doxorubicin, carboplatin and bleomycin.
Samarium
The National Cancer Institute mentions a different kind of drug used in the treatment of osteosarcoma called Samarium. This is a radioactive medicine that aims for dividing bone cells, which is what happens in a bone tumor. This drug alleviates bone pain and kills any cancer cells that may be in the bone marrow, according to the National Cancer Institute. This treatment is sometimes combined with a stem cell transplant--in which stem cells are taken from the patient--and after treatment with samarium, the stem cells are re-infused and grow new blood cells.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy involves aiming high-energy rays such as those of X-rays at cancerous areas, killing cancer cells and slowing the growth of tumors. Unfortunately, osteosarcoma is not easily killed by radiation, the American Cancer Society says, and this treatment modality is not typically used as a primary treatment. It may be used after surgery if there is residual tumor left, and it's also used to palliate symptoms such as bone pain.
