Effect of doxorubicin on local recurrence following marginal resection in the MGH-OGS murine model

Despite the fact that preoperative chemotherapy causes substantial necrosis in the primary osteosarcoma tumor, most authorities recommend resecting these lesions with a wide margin of normal tissue to avoid local recurrence. This study evaluated the effect of systemic chemotherapy (doxorubicin) on tumor growth and histology in the MGH-OGS transplantable murine model and examined whether this drug prevents local recurrence after resection of the tumor with positive microscopic margins. The results indicate that doxorubicin caused prolonged cessation of tumor growth, produced substantial necrosis within the lesion, and decreased the risk of local relapse following marginal surgery. The drug effect was dose-dependent and drug efficacy in preventing local relapse was maximal with administration prior to or at the time of surgery.