ABSTRACT
Malignant bone neoplasms contribute to about 7% of paediatric cancer. Within the last 20 years much has changed in cancer treatment. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, as the first phase of comprehensive treatment, results in regression of the tumour and makes limb salvage surgery possible. An exact analysis of 36 patients with osteosarcoma of different localisation, treated at the National Research Institute of Mother and Child between 1991 and 1996 was carried out. Treatment was started with pre-operative adjuvant chemotherapy with ADM and CDDP, administrated during 6 weeks. The regimen and the length of administration depended on stage of disease and tumour reaction to chemotherapy. Amputations or limb salvage surgery was conducted as a second phase of therapy. Postoperative chemotherapy was given for 6 months. Tumour reaction to chemotherapy was described according to the Huvos scale - percentage map of necrosis and regression areas in the neoplastic tissue. The analysis shows good results after chemotherapy with ADM and CDDP.
