[Cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum in osteosarcoma. Osteosarcoma Cooperative Study Group report]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Osteosarcoma is a primary bone cancer with limited treatment options.
• Chemotherapy plays a crucial role in managing osteosarcoma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of cisplatinum in patients with primary and advanced osteosarcoma.
• To assess the response rates and side effects of cisplatinum treatment.

Main Methods:

• A total of 50 patients (32 primary, 18 advanced osteosarcoma) received intravenous or intra-arterial cisplatinum (100 mg/m2 every three weeks).
• Efficacy was assessed via X-ray, histologic examination, and tumor necrosis evaluation.
• Adverse events were systematically recorded.

Main Results:

• For primary osteosarcoma, 1 partial and 7 minor responses were observed. Pathologic evaluation showed 8 of 27 resected specimens had good tumor necrosis.
• For advanced osteosarcoma, 1 partial and 2 minor responses were noted.
• Common side effects included nausea/vomiting (88%), liver dysfunction (42%), leukopenia (36%), nephrotoxicity (20%), and auditory disturbance (20%), which were generally reversible.

Conclusions:

• Cisplatinum demonstrates effectiveness against osteosarcoma.
• The drug shows potential to enhance overall therapeutic results in osteosarcoma management.
• While side effects occur, they are typically manageable and reversible.