Osteosarcoma Overview

Osteosarcoma is one of the most common malignant tumors of the skeletal system, mainly occurring near the epiphysis of long bones, especially the femur, tibia, and humerus. It is most frequently diagnosed during the adolescent growth spurt and affects both males and females. Osteosarcoma cells proliferate abnormally, destroying normal bone tissue, accompanied by severe bone pain and swelling, which may lead to fractures in severe cases. Due to its high malignancy, the disease progresses rapidly and easily spreads through the bloodstream to the lungs and other distant organs.

Global Incidence

The incidence of osteosarcoma is relatively low worldwide, but it is concentrated among adolescents and young adults. In developed countries such as Europe and the U.S., research on osteosarcoma is more advanced, with mature early diagnostic and treatment methods, leading to higher survival rates. In Asia and Southeast Asia, however, the incidence has been rising annually. In some regions, limited medical resources result in delayed diagnosis and more severe conditions in patients.

Major Harms

1. Bone tissue destruction

Osteosarcoma destroys bone structure through abnormal cell proliferation, leading to limb pain and restricted mobility, severely affecting patients’ quality of life.

2. Formation of local mass

As the tumor grows, it forms an obvious mass, compressing surrounding nerves and blood vessels, causing pain and functional impairment.

3. Risk of distant metastasis

Osteosarcoma easily metastasizes to the lungs and other organs through the bloodstream. The presence of metastases significantly increases treatment difficulty and mortality risk.

4. Loss of limb function

Advanced osteosarcoma often leads to fractures or requires amputation, drastically reducing patients’ ability to live independently.

Emerging Treatment Methods

Immune Reconstruction Cell Therapy

Immune reconstruction cell therapy activates and enhances the patient’s immune system to target and kill osteosarcoma cells, effectively inhibiting tumor growth. This therapy not only reduces the side effects of traditional treatments but also improves patients’ overall survival rates and quality of life.

① Activating patient immune cells

② Targeting and killing osteosarcoma cells

③ Enhancing anti-tumor immunity

In practice, osteosarcoma patients undergoing traditional treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy often face immune dysfunction, increased infection risk, and slow recovery. To better support patients during treatment, improve tolerance, and enhance quality of life, scientifically phased immune reconstruction plans tailored to different treatment cycles should be developed.

● Short-term plan: Rapidly enhance immunity through immune cell reinfusion, improving the effectiveness of anti-tumor therapy.

● Mid-term plan: Reduce side effects of traditional treatments, promote physical recovery, and complete standardized treatment courses.

● Long-term plan: Enhance overall immunity through immune cell reconstruction, gut immune reconstruction, elemental immune reconstruction, and immune nutrition reconstruction, thereby improving quality of life and prolonging survival.

Conventional Treatment Methods

1. Surgical resection

Widely used for localized osteosarcoma, the goal is to completely remove the tumor while preserving function. Currently, limb-sparing surgery is common, combined with intraoperative navigation and postoperative reconstruction techniques.

2. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Chemotherapy before surgery helps shrink tumors, improving complete resection rates while assessing drug sensitivity to guide postoperative treatment.

3. Adjuvant radiotherapy

Although osteosarcoma is relatively insensitive to radiotherapy, it may still be used in cases where surgery is not feasible or when surgical margins are unclear, serving as an adjuvant treatment to control disease progression.

4. Minimally invasive techniques and new approaches

Some centers are exploring the use of targeted drugs, minimally invasive radiotherapy, or gene-editing technology as supplementary therapies for osteosarcoma. These remain under investigation but may become effective options in the future.

Conclusion

Osteosarcoma, as a malignant bone tumor, progresses rapidly and metastasizes easily, posing a serious threat to patients’ lives. Timely diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment are key to controlling the disease. Experts at United Life International Medical Center emphasize that immune reconstruction cell therapy provides new treatment directions and hope for osteosarcoma patients, highlighting the importance of early intervention and encouraging patients to seek timely treatment to improve survival and quality of life.