Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be taken orally or put into a vein or muscle by a needle. Chemotherapy is called systemic treatment because the drug enters the bloodstream, travels through the body, and kills cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy involving the use of more than one drug is called combination chemotherapy.

 

In some cases, chemotherapy is injected directly into the area where the cancer is found (regional chemotherapy). In cases of osteosarcoma, surgery is often used to remove the local tumor and chemotherapy is then administered to kill any cancer cells that remain in the body. Chemotherapy given after surgery (to remove the cancer) is called adjuvant chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can also be given before surgery to shrink the cancer so that it can be removed during surgery; this is called neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

 

Radiation therapy uses x-rays or other high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. External radiation therapy is usually given to patients with osteosarcoma. External radiation therapy comes from a machine outside of the body.

 

 

Side Effects of Osteosarcoma Treatment

Osteosarcoma treatment may damage healthy cells and tissues, which may lead result in side effects occurring. Specific side effects depend on many factors, including the type and extent of the osteosarcoma treatment. Side effects may not be the same for each person, and they may even change from one osteosarcoma treatment session to the next. Healthcare providers should explain the possible side effects that may occur and ways to manage them prior to osteosarcoma treatment.

 

Some osteosarcoma treatments cause side effects to continue or appear years after treatment has ended. These are called late effects. Late effects of osteosarcoma treatment may include:

 

Some late effects may be treated or controlled.