[Combination chemotherapy in osteogenic sarcoma: the Memorial Sloan-Kettering cancer center experience (author's...

In 61 patients (pts.) with biopsy proven osteogenic sarcoma a disease free survival rate of > 80% was obtained using T-7 chemotherapy. This can be explained by successful eradication of pulmonary micrometastases with aggressive chemotherapy. The prognosis for pts. < 12 years was significantly improved since a higher dose off Methotrexate was used for this younger age group. The histologic effect of preoperative chemotherapy on the primary tumor is of prognostic value for the outcome of the disease. Pts. with good histologic effect on the primary tumor (grade III and IV effect) show a 100% disease free survival rate, whereas pts. with poor histologic effect (grade I and II effect) have a 50% chance to develop metastases. The role of cis platinum in future therapeutic trials is discussed based on the experience with cis platinum in phase II trials.