Systematic multi-modal treatment of osteosarcoma, with special reference to the role of fast neutron radiotherapy

Sixty-one patients with osteosarcoma were treated. Twenty-four of these patients were managed with our systematic multi-modal treatment. Overall survival rate was markedly improved chiefly by intensive systemic chemotherapy with multiple drugs, especially adriamycin and high dose methotrexate. Preoperative regional intra-arterial infusion of anti-tumor drugs and fast neutron radiotherapy were employed and it was suggested that fast neutron had a higher relative biological effectiveness and a greater therapeutic gain factor as compared with x-rays. Fast neutron radiotherapy can play a significant role in the very systematic treatment of osteosarcoma and is specifically useful for preservation of the affected limbs. (author)