application of adjuvant radiotherapy to palliative treatment of osteosarcoma

ABSTRACT

Osteosarcoma, the most common form of childhood cancer, is an aggressive malignant neoplasm arising from bones and surrounding tissues. Due to its aggression, strong invasion and early spread to lungs, the prognosis is grim. Although the application of adjuvant chemotherapy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy improves the survival rates of patients, large doses of chemotherapy drugs bring with them toxic side effects. Primary and secondary drug resistance of tumor cells limits further application of chemotherapy. Radiotherapy, as an adjuvant treatment, regained attention, owing to discovery of sensitizing drugs and advances made in radiotherapy equipment. This review article provides an overview of fundamental principles of and technical advancement in as well as experience in radiotherapy treatments both from home and abroad