[Multimodal management of bone sarcomas in children]

Osteogenic sarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma are the most common malignant bone tumors in childhood and adolescence. Marked improvement in prognosis and long-term survival have been achieved using combined modality protocols. We present a retrospective analysis of our experience with combined therapy of malignant bone tumors in children. Among 20 (ranging in age from 6-16, mean 11.4 years) with Ewing's sarcoma, 14 (70%) had complete remission by the end of treatment, 5 (25%) had partial response and 1 did not respond. The overall 10-year actuarial survival was 64%. Of the 10 with osteogenic sarcoma, 5 (50%) fully responded and are alive, 4 (40%) died after a partial or no response and 1 is receiving second-line therapy after partial response to primary treatment. The 10-year actuarial survival was 37.5% and the efficacy of combined modality therapy was demonstrated. However, further efforts are needed to arrive at optimal treatment for improved outcome.