Osteosarcoma is a rare bone disease. According to the WHO, children and adolescents aged 16 to 20 are at risk of developing osteosarcoma. Among boys, the disease is twice as common. Foreign medicine can save a young life. Statistics from Kinderkreb say that more than 70% of children recover from osteogenic sarcoma treatment in Germany. Half of the patients do not experience a relapse. To learn how foreign doctors achieve these results – read our article.
WHAT IS OSTEOSARCOMA AND HOW TO TREAT IT?
Primary osteogenic sarcoma grows from the bones. Most often it affects arms and legs. Most patients get diagnosed with knee sarcoma. It is an independent disease that can metastasize to other organs in later stages.
FIRST STEP TOWARDS OSTEOSARCOMA SURVIVAL
Timely diagnosis is the first opportunity to improve your chances of recovery. Bone pain is considered a major symptom. The first time you experience it, you should visit your doctor. Osteogenic sarcoma and its manifestations are detectable by the X-ray.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are more accurate diagnostic methods. They take 3D images where the doctor can see the size of the tumor, its exact boundaries and the presence of metastases.
The earlier the diagnosis is made, the better the patient’s chances of recovery. With early diagnosis, doctors can choose more gentle chemotherapy methods and almost 100% bone preservation during surgery.
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SECOND STEP TO OSTEOSARCOMA SURVIVAL
Selecting a good clinic and referring to competent doctors play an important role in recovery. In this case, it is important that the clinic has access to the latest chemotherapy products and protocols. It is important to learn about the certifications of the clinic, the experience of the medical staff, and the availability of a children’s ward. Hospitals in third world countries have limited opportunities to treat children’s osteosarcoma. In foreign clinics, treatment is personalized.
German medical system is among the best in the world. The five-year survival rate in this country is among the highest in the world. Hospitals work closely with research institutions, and many innovations in oncology have been introduced by german doctors. The best hospital for osteosarcoma in Germany are:
University Hospital of Munich;
Rechts der Isar;
Asklepios Medical Group.
Treatment of osteogenic sarcoma in Turkey will cost less than in European clinics. Turkish hospitals accept over 5,000 children from third-world countries. Unlike hospitals from other countries, they cooperate with fundraising assistance foundations. Osteosarcoma is treated in Turkish medical facilities such as:
Koç Hospital;
Memorial Clinic Network.
Over the last years, Spain has advanced in the treatment of childhood oncology. The latest chemotherapy is available here. World-renowned oncologists and surgeons work in Spanish clinics. Among them are oncologist Josep Tabernero, surgeon Antonio de Lacy Fortuny, and Professor José Baselga. Osteosarcoma is treated in such Spanish hospitals:
Quironsalud Torrevieja Clinic;
Navarra Clinic;
Quironsalud Madrid Clinic.
THIRD STEP TO OSTEOSARCOMA SURVIVAL
The main step to recovery is the competent planning of the treatment program. To achieve that, the doctor takes into account gender, age, the health status of the patient and the stage of the disease.
Chemotherapy | It’s the main method of treatment. For maximum efficiency, doctors use combined chemotherapy with several drugs. Courses of chemotherapy are conducted before and after surgery. It is necessary in order to kill most of the tumor and the metastases. The therapy is carried out in the form of injections or pills. It is considered successful if over 90% of cancer cells have been destroyed.
The parents needs to clarify the treatment protocols at the clinic. Oncology departments use separate protocols for children of different ages and stages of disease. These protocols specify combinations of drugs that are most effective with the least possible side effects. |
Radiotherapy | Radiation therapy is used as a supplement or an alternative to chemotherapy. Instead of drugs, the tumor is destroyed by radiation. In foreign clinics, there new models of linear accelerators which direct radiation quickly and accurately.
The duration of radiotherapy is individual for each patient. On average, it lasts from 2 weeks to a month. One session takes 15 minutes or more. The reduction of the tumor is noticeable 2 weeks after the beginning of treatment. |
Surgery | The primal cure of osteosarcoma is removing the tumor. The smaller the size, the greater the chances of a successful surgery and lack of recurrence in the future. In 80% of cases, doctors are able to save the limb. However, in late-stage cancer, surgeons remove the entire bone.
In foreign clinics, the operation is performed under the control of MRI navigation. The doctor sees a clear image of the tumor, which improves the accuracy of their movements. Surgeons also perform laparoscopic surgery. It costs more but is less traumatic for the child. |
After the therapy, a board of doctors writes a report. In it, they describe how well the disease reacted to chemotherapy, how much metastasis remains in the body, what is the prognosis of survival and duration of remission.
OSTEOSARCOMA SURVIVAL RATE
Treatment prognosis for osteogenic sarcoma is good. The American Oncology Society has studied the cases of 3,600 children with this diagnosis. Their average survival rate is 60%. The best results are in children at the 1st and 2nd stages of osteogenic sarcoma – 77 children out of 100 live 5 years without a relapse. At stage 3, 64 out of 100 patients survive with large tumor sizes and local metastases. The five-year survival rate at stage 4 is 27%.
HOW TO LIVE AFTER OSTEOGENIC SARCOMA TREATMENT?
When doctors talk about treatment success, they mean no tumor. In order to maintain the result, the child needs oncological and orthopedic rehabilitation.
Oncological rehabilitation is needed to restore health after chemotherapy. Modern chemotherapy drugs have a more direct effect and cause fewer side effects than 10 years ago. However, this method is not completely harmless to the growing body.
The child may have difficulty moving as the osteosarcoma affects the limbs. The orthopedic rehabilitation program is designed so that the child can develop the damaged limb, move around painlessly and perform everyday tasks.
The patient will benefit from psychological rehabilitation. Working with a psychologist will help the child to accept their position, avoid despair and understand the importance of the doctor’s recommendations.
With the successful treatment of osteogenic sarcoma, the little patient can live a happy life. The disease will not prevent him from communicating with his peers and learning well.
With our help, you can save valuable time for treatment and quickly sign up for the clinic. Our international department will arrange your transfer to the clinic and consultation with a professional doctor.
