According to the National Cancer Institute, there are various kinds of bone cancer as this disease can originate in all forms of bone tissue: osteoid bone, cartilaginous tissue, fibrous tissue and bone marrow. The most common kinds of primary bone cancers include osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma and Ewing sarcomas. Chemotherapy is used to treat most bone cancers, although not chondrosarcoma, says the National Cancer Institute. Combinations of chemotherapy drugs are typically used to yield better responses to the medications.
Doxorubicin
Doxorubicin, the generic names for the drug Adriamycin, is a chemotherapy drug used to treat the bone cancers Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma, according to the American Cancer Society. This drug is an anthracycline chemotherapy drug that is given intravenously, usually over 15 minutes. It is a red drug and can cause urine to be a reddish color for one or two days post-treatment; this is a normal side effect. Other side effects listed by the American Cancer Society include low white blood cell counts, which can lead to increased risk of infection, lip and mouth sores, nausea and vomiting, hair loss and darkening of nail beds.
Ifosfamide
Ifosfamide, also known as the brand name drug Ifex, can be used to treat bone cancers like osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma. This chemotherapy drug is an alkylating drug and is administered intravenously over a period of anywhere from a half hour to 24 hours, depending on the specific regimen. Other fluids are given with this drug because ifosfamide can damage the bladder. Drinking a lot of fluids can help flush this drug from the body and help reduce the risk of bladder damage. According to the American Cancer Society, side effects can include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, abnormal kidney function, appetite loss and diarrhea.
Cisplatin
Cisplatin is a chemotherapy drug used to treat bone cancers like osteosarcoma; it is also known by its brand name, Platinol. According to chemocare.com, cisplatin, an alkylating agent, is given intravenously along with extra fluids to minimize any damage to the kidneys. Side effects listed by Chemocare.com include nausea and vomiting, lowered white and red blood cell counts, which can lead to higher risk of infection and anemia, hair loss, changes in how things taste and appetite loss.
Methotrexate
Methotrexate, or Trexall, is an antimetabolite chemotherapy drug used to treat bone cancers like sarcomas and, according to chemocare.com, can be administered intramuscularly, intravenously or orally as a pill. Common side effects of this medication may include lowered white and red blood cell and platelet counts, leading to anemia, increased risk of infection and increased risk of bleeding or bruising, hair loss, eye irritation, skin rash, diarrhea, kidney problems and loss of fertility.
