Adjuvant Biophysical Therapies in Osteosarcoma.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biophysics
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary bone cancer characterized by malignant osteogenesis.
• Current treatments face challenges including limb amputation, metastasis, and drug toxicity, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
• Biophysical treatments are emerging as less invasive alternatives with therapeutic potential for OS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies on biophysical stimuli for osteosarcoma treatment.
• To evaluate the efficacy and potential of various biophysical modalities in managing OS.
• To highlight promising biophysical therapies for osteosarcoma management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies employing hyperthermia (HT), high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), sono- and photodynamic therapies (SDT, PDT) in OS.
• Analysis of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trial data.
• Synthesis of findings on the role of biophysical stimuli in OS treatment.

Main Results:

• Biophysical therapies demonstrate potential as adjuvant or alternative treatments for osteosarcoma.
• High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and hyperthermia (HT) are identified as particularly promising, with existing clinical applications in OS.
• Low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), sono- and photodynamic therapies (SDT, PDT) show promise due to their low toxicity profiles.

Conclusions:

• Technological advancements in biophysical therapies offer significant potential in osteosarcoma management.
• HIFU and HT are established effective treatments for OS, while LIPUS/SDT and PDT represent emerging low-toxicity options.
• Biophysical stimuli may play a crucial role in improving outcomes for osteosarcoma patients, potentially reducing the need for amputation and mitigating treatment side effects.