The National Cancer Institute describes osteosarcoma, also known as osteogenic sarcoma, as a cancer that arises from the bones. Chemotherapy is a standard treatment for this kind of cancer, and a variety of drugs may be used. This kind of treatment kills cancer cells using drugs, and the medications are able to circulate through the bloodstream and kill cancer cells throughout the body. Although these medications have side effects, many are manageable and subside after treatment has ended.
Methotrexate and Leucovorin
Methotrexate, also called Folex or Mexate, can be given by mouth as a capsule, intravenously or intramuscularly. Since methotrexate is given at high doses when treating osteosarcoma, the drug leucovorin is also administered to "rescue" normal, healthy cells. Common side effects of methotrexate include nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, diarrhea, skin changes and loss of appetite. It may also lower white and red blood cell counts, which can lead to anemia and increase your risk of infections.
Doxorubicin
Doxorubicin is the generic version of the brand-name chemotherapy drug Adriamycin. It is given intravenously over approximately 15 minutes. Common side effects include lowered white blood cell count, hair loss, nausea or vomiting, mouth sores and loss of appetite. It can also turn urine red for several days after the drug is administered. One possible serious side effect of doxorubicin is heart damage; when this drug is given, heart function will be monitored prior to, during and after treatment to ensure proper functioning.
Etoposide
Etoposide, also called Toposar, can be given intravenously or by mouth for several days. Side effects of this drug include lowered white blood cell count, nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite and hair loss. Etoposide may also cause a condition called peripheral neuropathy, which is a result of nerve damage from the drug, according to the American Cancer Society. Peripheral neuropathy causes numbness, burning or tingling in the feet and hands; this is typically short-term and subsides after treatment ends, but in some people, it can be long-lasting or permanent.
Bleomycin
Bleomycin (brand-name Blenoxane) is given intravenously over 10 minutes or continuously for 24 hours. Common side effects include fever and chills, nausea or vomiting, mouth and lip sores, hair loss and skin changes. Bleomycin has the potential to cause damage to the lungs, and tests will be done prior to, during and after treatment to monitor lung function.
