[Regional isolation perfusion with cisplatinum in dogs with osteosarcoma of an extremity]

In the treatment of osteosarcoma, it is possible to differentiate between systemic therapy and local regional treatment. Systemic treatment of human patients with osteosarcomas consists in adjuvant chemotherapy. This has considerably improved the prognosis in these cases. The primary object in local regional treatment is to prevent local recurrences and to preserve function. As regards extremities, the aim is to preserve the limbs. In the present investigations, the value of regional chemotherapy by isolated regional perfusion with cis-platinum to dogs is studied. This approach was based on the hypothesis that considerable necrosis of tumours may be produced after perfusion with cis-platinum, thus making extremity-saving surgery possible. Isolated regional perfusion with cis-platinum (30 mg/litre of extremity volume) was performed in nine dogs with osteosarcomas of an extremity. A marked effect on the tumour was detectable on the basis of clinical, radiological and histological parameters. In the opinion of the present authors, regional perfusion with cis-platinum may contribute to extremity-saving treatment of osteosarcomas in dogs and human subjects. However, further studies will be required in order to achieve more adequate quantitation an improvement of local effects. In view of the synergy with cis-platinum, the latter may possibly be attained by the addition of hyperthermia (temperatures above 41.5 degrees C).