Osteosarcoma

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This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Content is sourced from third parties, and we do not guarantee accuracy or accept any liability for its use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical guidance.

What is Osteosarcoma?

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone cancer in children/teens (55% of cases), originating from osteoblasts producing immature bone (osteoid). It affects long bones (femur 42%, tibia 23%, humerus 10%), with rare jaw/spine involvement. In 2025, ~1,000 US cases annually, peak in teens (growth spurt-related), second peak over 65, slightly more in males.

Symptoms

Symptoms include localized pain (worsening at night/with activity), swelling/lump at site, limited mobility, pathological fractures, and limp. Systemic symptoms (fever, weight loss) are rare unless metastatic (lungs in 80%). Pain mimics growing pains/injuries in young patients.

Causes

Causes involve genetic mutations (TP53, RB1 in 30-40%), with risk from hereditary syndromes (Li-Fraumeni, retinoblastoma), Paget’s disease, radiation, or chemotherapy. Rapid bone growth in adolescence contributes. In 2025, no lifestyle links, but genomic instability is key.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis uses X-rays showing sunburst/spiculated bone, MRI/CT for extent, bone scan/PET for metastases, and biopsy for confirmation (osteoid production). In 2025, AI imaging improves staging.

Treatment

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (doxorubicin, cisplatin, methotrexate) shrinks tumors, followed by limb-sparing surgery (90% cases) or amputation. Adjuvant chemo reduces recurrence. Targeted therapies (mTOR inhibitors) for recurrent. In 2025, CAR-T and ADCs show 30% response in metastatic.

Future Outlook

In 2025, 5-year survival is 70% localized, 30% metastatic. Limb-salvage preserves function in 85%. By 2030, immunotherapies could raise metastatic survival to 50%, focusing on vaccines.

Sources

The information for osteosarcoma is drawn from Cleveland Clinic’s “Osteosarcoma: Symptoms, What Is It & Treatment” for symptoms and treatment; Mayo Clinic’s “Osteosarcoma – Symptoms and causes” for causes; NCI’s “Osteosarcoma Treatment (PDQ®)” for diagnosis; Cancer Research UK’s “Osteosarcoma” for outlook; OncoDaily’s “Osteosarcoma: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatments” for methods; MSK’s “Osteosarcoma” for overview; American Cancer Society’s “Osteosarcoma: Symptoms and Signs” for symptoms; Cancer.Net’s “Osteosarcoma – Diagnosis” for diagnosis; MD Anderson’s “Osteosarcoma” for treatment; and PMC’s “Osteosarcoma: a comprehensive review” for review.