Information for Patients
Story from Liyue: August 2003 (English)
My name is Liyue. I am a sixteen-year-old girl going into my junior year of high school. I have been an osteosarcoma survivor for about four years. I was first diagnosed when I was twelve-years-old.
I remember that it was the jump-roping part of seventh grade P.E. and I was unable to jump because of a worsening pain in my upper right tibia. My mom took me to see the doctor and after a variety of X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and biopsies, doctors at UCLA determined that I had bone cancer.
I don't believe I will ever be able to truly describe what it felt like when I found out that I had cancer. It was a beautiful summer afternoon. The cool Santa Monica breeze brushed my face as I left the UCLA medical center. The sky was high and blue and cotton clouds hung gently overhead. I felt like I was walking in a dream. Everywhere, I saw people walking about, laughing, talking, eating, enjoying their day. I wondered if anyone else had received the blow that had just been dealt me. I didn't know if cancer meant I was going to die very soon.
Before I had time to realize it, I was taken out of school and placed on a grueling chemotherapy regimen. Within weeks, my head of thick black hair disappeared and I was bald. I screamed the first time I saw myself in the mirror after the last strand was gone. I couldn't recognize myself. All I saw was a horrible face gaping at me, so constricted and pale that I would rather have died than admit I was the person I saw.
Eventually, I did get used to my new life. I could not go to school anymore, barely saw any of my friends. Of course, I didn't want to see any of my friends knowing that they would be shocked at my appearance. I studied at home, read my books, and did my homework, staying caught up with my classmates so I would be ready to return to school at any time.
The chemo had made me so weak that I could not stand immediately after treatments. Two limb-salvage surgeries crippled me and left my right leg so misshaped that I cried just to see the thick purple scar that ran from ankle to thigh. Doctors comforted me that a decade ago, everyone with osteosarcoma underwent amputation and that I was lucky to even have my leg.
Unfortunately, the disease recurred locally in my freshman year of high school. I had just started attending classes again, hoping that high school would provide me a new beginning. Two weeks into the school year, my doctors confirmed that an earlier biopsy from my right leg proved to be positive for recurrent osteosarcoma. The unanimous decision of the cancer board at UCLA was above-knee amputation. I found this out on September 10, 2001. On September 11, I was brooding about my future during History class when hi-jacked planes brought down the two WTC towers and another crashed into the Pentagon. On September 14, I lost my right leg from the knee down. That was perhaps the worst week of my life.
It has been two years from that week. I wear a prosthetic leg that makes it possible for me to walk. I am grateful that I live in a country where I can still lead a fairly normal life despite being an amputee. However, I cannot do many of things I used to do before my diagnosis. I used to love sports. Basketball, soccer, tennis, rollerblading, gymnastics- I loved them all. However, my passion was track and field. In middle school, I won the gold medals in the girls' 100 meter dash and the mile. I took home the silvers for high jump and 400 meter relay. Though I might have changed my mind eventually, I used to dream of being some kind of professional athlete. It has been difficult for me to come to terms with the fact that I cannot climb stairs, cannot run, cannot jump, cannot dance. I wait for the day when prosthetic technology will maybe allow me to regain a few of these things, but as of now, I am more concerned with keeping myself cancer free, since I have just had a metastatic recurrence in my lung a few months ago. Though I am a survivor, I am sick of losing whole chunks of my life because osteosarcoma demands that I sacrifice so much. Every check-up is so nerve-wracking because I know that one telltale nodule on my CT scans can mean months more of treatment. My hope is that no other boy or girl will have to suffer the losses that I have suffered. I pray for better treatment options that will not devastate the body and mind so much. Better yet, I pray for the cure so that osteosarcoma will no longer take away so much from its victims.
Le informazioni per la storia dei pazienti da LiyueL (Italian)
L'agosto 2003 il mio nome è Liyue. Sono una sedici-anno-vecchia ragazza che entra nel mio anno minore della High School. Sono stato un superstite di osteosarcoma per circa quattro anni. In primo luogo sono stato diagnosticato quando ero dodici-anno-vecchio. Mi ricordo di che era salta-roping la parte del settimo grado P.E. e non potevo saltare a causa di un dolore di peggioramento in mia tibia di destra superiore. Il mio mom lo ha preso per vedere il medico e dopo una varietà di raggi X, di MRIs, di esplorazioni di CT e di biopsie, i medici a UCLA hanno determinato che avessi cancro dell'osso. Non credo che possa mai allineare descrivere che cosa ha ritenuto come quando ho scoperto che ho avuto cancro. Era un pomeriggio bello di estate. La brezza fredda della Santa Monica ha spazzolato la mia faccia mentre ho lasciato al UCLA il centro medico. Il cielo era alto e le nubi del cotone e dell'azzurro hanno appeso delicatamente lassù. Ho ritenuto come stavo camminando in un sogno. Dappertutto, ho visto la gente camminare circa, ridendo, comunicando, mangiando, godente il loro giorno. Mi sono domandato se chiunque altrimenti avesse ricevuto il colpo che appena mi era stato trattato. Non ho saputo se il cancro significasse che stavo andando morire molto presto. Prima che abbia tempo di realizzarlo, sono stato preso extrascolastico e sono stato disposto su un regime faticoso di chemioterapia. Nelle settimane, la mia testa di capelli neri spessi è sparito ed ero calvo. Ho gridato la prima volta mi sono visto nello specchio dopo che l'ultimo filo fosse andato. Non potrei riconoscermi. Tutti sega ero una faccia horrible che gaping me, così ristretto e pallido che piuttosto avrebbero morto che ammetto che ero la persona io sega. Finalmente, ho ottenuto usato alla mia nuova vita. Non potrei andare alla scuola più, a mala pena ho visto c'è ne dei miei amici. Naturalmente, non ho desiderato vedere c'è ne dei miei amici che sanno che sarebbero scosse alla mia apparenza. Ho studiato nel paese, ho letto i miei libri ed ho fatto il mio lavoro, rimanente aggiornato con i miei classmates in modo da sarei aspetto per rinviare in qualunque momento alla scuola. Il chemo lo aveva reso così debole che non potrei levarmi in piedi subito dopo dei trattamenti. Due membro-salvano gli ambulatori lo hanno paralizzato e di sinistra il mio giusto piedino in modo da misshaped che ho gridato appena per vedere la cicatrice viola spessa che si è allontanata dalla caviglia alla coscia. I medici lo hanno confortato che una decade fa, tutto con il osteosarcoma ha subito il amputation e che ero fortunato persino avere mio piedino. Purtroppo, la malattia è ricorso localmente durante il mio anno di matricola della High School. Avevo cominciato appena assistere ai codici categoria ancora, sperando che la High School mi fornisse un nuovo inizio. Due settimane nell'anno scolastico, i miei medici hanno confermato che una biopsia più iniziale dal mio giusto piedino è risultato essere positiva per il osteosarcoma ricorrente. La decisione unanime del bordo del cancro a UCLA era amputation del sopra-ginocchio. Ho scoperto il 10 settembre 2001 questo. L'11 settembre, stavo covando circa il mio futuro durante il codice categoria di storia quando gli aerei dirottati hanno portato giù le due torrette di WTC ed un altro si sono arrestati nel pentagono. Il 14 settembre, ho perso il mio giusto piedino dal ginocchio giù. Quella era forse la settimana più difettosa della mia vita. È stato a due anni da quella settimana. Porto un piedino prostetico che marche esso possibile affinchè me camminino. Sono riconoscente che vivo in un paese in cui posso ancora condurre una vita ragionevolmente normale malgrado essere un amputee. Tuttavia, non posso fare molte delle cose che ho usato fare prima della mia diagnosi. Ho usato amare gli sport. Pallacanestro, il calcio, il tennis, rollerblading, la ginnastica li amavo tutti. Tuttavia, la mia passione era pista e campo. A scuola centrale, ho vinto le medaglie di oro nel precipitare dei 100 tester delle ragazze e nel miglio. Ho preso la sede inargento per il relè tester dei 400 e di alto salto. Benchè potrei cambiare idea finalmente, ho usato al sogno di essere un certo genere di atleta professionista. È stato difficile affinchè me venga ai termini con il fatto che non posso arrampicare le scale, non può funzionare, non può saltare, non può ballare. Aspetto il giorno in cui la tecnologia prostetica forse permetterà che me riguadagni alcune di queste cose, ma a partire da ora, di più mi preoccupo del mantenermi cancro libero, poiché ho avuto appena alcuni mesi fa una ricorrenza metastatic in mio polmone. Benchè sia un superstite, sono malato di perdere i pezzi interi della mia vita perché il osteosarcoma richiede che sac di I
Story from Sandi (English)
My name is Sandi. I am 21 years old and work at Sharp Hospital, San Diego. I'm an Osteosarcoma survivor! It's still weird saying that. Today, December 22, 2005, is actually my 9-year anniversary. I've been on remission for 9 years!! I was diagnosed in December of '95 when I was 11 years old. I took chemotherapy for one year and underwent limb-salvage surgery. About 6 inches of my femur was removed and replaced with a metal rod, which was to be lengthened over the years as I grew. Although I sometimes wish I could just beat my leg up because of pain when it's cold, I am very grateful that I was able to keep my leg.
I took a little longer than most with recovery. It took nearly 3 years just to walk without a limp. My leg was so stiff that I had almost no ability to straighten or bend my knee. It was horrible! I was extremely discouraged after every physical therapy appointment, seeing that there was nearly no improvement. On top of that, treatment sucked, just as anyone else undergoing chemo would agree. The only thing that kept me going was my sense of humor. I had to make a joke of everything, just so that I wouldn't take things so seriously. If I did, I think it would have eaten me up alive. My smile kept me alive!
I have a few recurring cancer scares every now and then, but I know that even if my worst fear came true (relapse), I would stand tall and fight it again. This is one person that cancer will not defeat.
I have a new reason to keep up my fight and continue beating the odds. I have a beautiful 3 year old little boy, which I wasn't even sure I could have because of the adult dosage chemotherapy I had to take.
Cancer has become a part of my life even 9 years later. My job is to tell others my story to keep hope alive. Support groups like SOMBFAB at Children's Hospital, San Diego, helped me to see that there are so many others going through the same thing I did 9 years ago. I'm here to say...You can do it...Look at me!
La storia da Sandi (Italian)
il mio nome è Sandi. Sono 21 anno e lavoro all'ospedale tagliente, San Diego. Sono un superstite di Osteosarcoma! È ancora detto bizzarro quello. Oggi, il 22 dicembre 2005, è realmente il mio anniversario di nove anni. Sono stato sulla remissione per 9 anni!! Sono stato diagnosticato in dicembre 'di 95 quando avere 11 anno. Ho preso la chemioterapia per un anno ed ho subito membro-salvo la chirurgia. Circa 6 pollici del mio femore sono stati rimossi e sostituito stati con un asta del metallo, che doveva essere allungato nel corso degli anni mentre mi sono sviluppato. Anche se a volte desidero potrei battere appena il mio piedino in su a causa di dolore quando è freddo, io sono molto riconoscente che potevo mantenere il mio piedino. Ho preso poco un più lungo di la maggior parte con il recupero. Ha occorr giusto quasi 3 anni alla camminata senza un molle. Il mio piedino era così rigido che non ho avuto quasi capacità di raddrizzare o piegare il mio ginocchio. Era horrible! Estremamente sono stato scoraggiato dopo ogni appuntamento fisico di terapia, vedente che non ci era quasi miglioramento. In cima al quel, trattamento succhiato, appena come chiunque chemo subente altro accosentirebbe. L'unica cosa che lo ha mantenuto andare era il mio senso di umore. Ho dovuto fare uno scherzo di tutto, appena in modo che non prenderà così seriamente le cose. Se, penso che lo abbia mangiato su vivo. Il mio sorriso lo ha mantenuto vivo! Ho alcuni spaventi di ricorso del cancro di tanto in tanto, ma so che anche se il mio timore più difettoso venisse allineare (ricaduta), mi leverei in piedi alto e la combatterei ancora. Ciò è una persona che il cancro non sconfiggerà. Ho un nuovo motivo continuare la mia lotta e continuare a battere le probabilità. Ho un ragazzo piccolo bello di 3 anni, che non ero neppure sicuro io potrei avere a causa della chemioterapia che di dosaggio dell'adulto ho dovuto prendere. Il Cancer si è trasformato in in una parte della mia vita persino 9 anni più successivamente. Il mio lavoro è di dire altri alla mia storia di mantenere la speranza viva. I gruppi di sostegno gradiscono SOMBFAB all'ospedale dei bambini, San Diego, aiutata me per vedere che ci è tanti altri che passano con la stessa cosa che ho fatto 9 anni fa. Sono qui dire che… potete farli… sguardo me!
Story from Enrique (English)
Hello, my name is Enrique Lebron. When I was 15, I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. My tumor was located on my right tibia bone.
Months prior to my diagnosis, I was having lots of pain (a very sharp pain). I really didn't think much of it, since I thought that I just bruised my leg from playing basketball, until I noticed swelling in the area where the pain got worse over time.
Being young and afraid of hospitals, I kept the pain to myself and did not tell anyone about it, including my mother. I spent most of the summer that year in pain. I started school that fall, and by that time the pain and swelling had become worse, so I decided to go to the school nurse. I was blessed because a doctor just happened to be visiting the school that day. When I showed the nurse the swelling on my leg, she called the doctor in the office to take a look at it. He quickly believed that there was something more than swelling and asked me to call my mother at work so that she could pick me up and take me to the hospital for further evaluation.
I went to the hospital that day; they took some X-rays and noticed a mass on my upper right leg. I was then referred to an orthopedic doctor who agreed there was a large mass and referred me to Dr. Freedlander, an orthopedic oncology surgeon at Yale University. Dr. Freelander performed a biopsy and the very next day I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. WOW!!!... I would have never imagined that at 15 I would have cancer. At that time I thought cancer was an "old people disease".
Things happened so quickly. One minute I was at school and three days later I was already in the hospital getting a portacath (implanted device used for giving drugs) put in so that I could start treatment. I was feeling overwhelmed because, even as I was starting my first round of chemo, I didn't know or understand the extent of my cancer or much of what was going to happen. It took me weeks to learn and accept what I was going to go through. My prognosis was ok -- 12 months of chemo, a bone graft (healthy bone taken from another part of your body) surgery, months of rehab, and on with my life -- but sadly it didn't go that way.
After a few months of chemo my tumor shrank enough to perform the bone graft, but weeks after the bone became infected. That started a domino effect of 17 more surgeries -- due to infections and skin grafts -- not to mention that throughout those months, my chemo was postponed so that my immune system could get stronger. My doctors decided that chemo was a priority and put a temporary cement rod in to fill the gap where they removed the tumor and bone, so that I could finish my chemo protocol. Then the plan was to try the bone graft for a second time to try to save my leg. After successfully finishing my last chemo round, I celebrated with family, friends, and my guardian angels (my nurses). The doctors allowed a couple of months before having the surgery so that my immune system could get stronger.
In those following weeks I was really unsure if going through another bone graft was the right thing for me because I was told that there may be complications due to other issues -- my knee was fused, my muscle tissue was weak and they couldn't guarantee that the outcome would be great. I really wanted to move on with my life and not have anything hold me back.
I personally researched and met people who had artificial legs. I found out that most of the people that I met had very active lives. Some ran, played sports, snow skied, ride bikes and really had a great outlook on their lives. I weighed my options and I decided that the best thing for me was to have my leg amputated. I believed that this route was the best one for me, if I wanted to move on with my life and not have to go though any more surgeries or complications.
I had my leg amputated when I was 17, and BOY! I wished I had it done from the get-go. The minute I woke up from surgery I felt like I could really begin my life and move towards my future. It wasn't easy at first. I had to relearn how to walk again, but I did it. It was difficult, but after months of rehab, I walked with crutches, months later walked with just a cane, and months after that walked without a cane.
I am now 25 years old and I feel blessed to be alive. God has given me another chance at life. He put my guardian angels (my nurses and doctors) here on earth to help along the way, and I am grateful to them. I recently got married to a wonderful woman who is very supportive and loves me unconditionally. I am going to school to become a medical assistant and hopefully in the future an oncology nurse. I am a survivor of cancer and I pray to god to stay like that. I look forward to my future and starting a family. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my story with you. Take care and God bless you. Remember, never give up!
Enrique's Update: October 2006
My story was posted on this website about three years ago, but I wanted to give you an update on things. I've finished Medical Assisting School and am currently working at the Harry Gray Cancer Center in Hartford Connecticut, working with cancer patients. I love my job, although it can be sad at times having to see others suffer from cancer and knowing that at one time my life I was there. On the other hand, it is so rewarding to be able to give back and to help others by sharing my story.
I am also very happy to say that I am a new father of a beautiful little girl. We named her Ariana, and she is now 7 months old. I have entered a new chapter in my life, a life that I don't take for granted. I have my daily challenges with my disability, but as long as I have the ability to continue on working and making a difference in someone else's life, then all my hard work pays off.
La storia da Enrique (Italian)
ciao, il mio nome è Enrique Lebron. Quando ero 15, sono stato diagnosticato con il osteosarcoma. Il mio tumore è stato individuato sul mio osso di destra della tibia. Mesi prima della mia diagnosi, stavo avendo lotti di dolore (un dolore molto tagliente). Realmente non ho pensato molto esso, poiché ho pensato che battessi appena il mio piedino dal gioco della pallacanestro, fino a che non notassi il gonfiamento nella zona dove il dolore ha ottenuto col tempo più difettoso. Essendo giovane ed impaurito degli ospedali, ho mantenuto il dolore a me e gli non ho detto chiunque, compreso la mia madre. Ho speso la maggior parte dell'estate quell'anno nel dolore. Ho iniziato la scuola che cade ed a quel punto il dolore ed il gonfiamento si erano aggravati, in modo da ho deciso andare all'infermiera della scuola. Sono stato benedetto perché un medico è sembrato appena visitare la scuola che giorno. Quando ho mostrato all'infermiera il gonfiamento sul mio piedino, ha denominato il medico nell'ufficio per dare un'occhiata esso. Ha creduto rapidamente che ci fosse qualcosa più del gonfiamento e chiesti me denominare la mia madre sul lavoro in modo che potesse prenderla e prenderla all'ospedale per ulteriore valutazione. Sono andato all'ospedale che giorno; hanno preso alcuni raggi X ed hanno notato una massa sul mio giusto piedino superiore. Allora mi sono riferito a un medico ortopedico che ha accosentito là era una grande massa e lo ha fatto riferimento al Dott. Freedlander, un chirurgo ortopedico di oncologia all'università di Yale. Dott. Freelander ha effettuato una biopsia e molto il giorno seguente sono stato diagnosticato con il osteosarcoma. DISTORSIONE DI VELOCITÀ!!! … Non avrebbero immaginato mai che a 15 avrebbero cancro. A quel pensiero di tempo I il cancro era “una malattia della gente anziana„. Le cose sono accaduto così rapidamente. Un minuto ero alla scuola e tre giorni più successivamente ero già nell'ospedale che ottiene un portacath (dispositivo impiantato utilizzato per dare le droghe) messo dentro in modo che potessi iniziare il trattamento. Ero sensibilità soprafato perché, proprio mentre stavo iniziando il mio primo tondo del chemo, non ho conosciuto o non capito il limite del mio cancro o molto di che cosa stava andando accadere. Mi ha occorr le settimane per imparare ed accettare che cosa stavo andando passare con. La mia prognosi era giusta -- 12 mesi del chemo, di un ambulatorio dell'innesto dell'osso (osso sano preso da un'altra parte del vostro corpo), dei mesi di rehab e sopra con la mia vita -- ma non è andato tristemente quel senso. Dopo alcuni mesi del chemo il mio tumore ha ristretto abbastanza per effettuare l'innesto dell'osso, ma le settimane dopo che l'osso fosse infettato. Quello ha iniziato un effetto di domino di 17 nuovi ambulatori -- dovuto le infezioni e gli innesti della pelle -- per non accennare che durante quei mesi, il mio chemo è stato posposto in modo che il mio sistema immune possa ottenere più forte. I miei medici hanno deciso che il chemo era una priorità ed hanno messo un asta provvisorio del cemento dentro per colmare lo spacco dove hanno rimosso il tumore e l'osso, di modo che ho potuto rifinire il mio protocollo di chemo. Allora il programma era di provare l'innesto dell'osso affinchè una seconda volta provi a conservare il mio piedino. Dopo con successo la rifinitura del mio chemo ultimo rotondo, ho celebrato con la famiglia, gli amici ed i miei angeli del guardiano (le mie infermiere). I medici hanno permesso una coppia dei mesi prima che hanno l'ambulatorio in modo che il mio sistema immune potesse ottenere più forte. In quelle settimane seguenti ero realmente incerto se passare attraverso un altro innesto dell'osso fosse la giusta cosa per me perché mi sono detto a che ci potessero essere complicazioni dovuto altre edizioni -- il mio ginocchio è stato fuso, il mio tessuto del muscolo era debole e non potrebbero garantire che il risultato sarebbe grande. Realmente ho desiderato passare con la mia vita e non fare tenerlo nulla indietro. Personalmente ho ricercato e venuto a contatto della gente che ha avuta piedini artificiali. Ho scoperto che la maggior parte della gente di che ho venuto a contatto hanno avute vite molto attive. Alcuni hanno fatto funzionare, giocato gli sport, la neve ha sciato, bici di giro e realmente ha avuta una prospettiva grande sulle loro vite. Ho pesato le mie opzioni ed ho deciso che la cosa migliore per me era di fare il mio amputated piedino. Ho creduto che questo itinerario fosse quello migliore per me, se desiderassi passare con la mia vita e non devo andare comunque altri ambulatori o complicazioni. Ho avuto il mio piedino amputated quando ero 17 e RAGAZZO! Ho desiderato che lo ho fatto fare dall'otten-and. Il minuto che ho svegliato dalla chirurgia ho ritenuto come potrei realmente cominciare la mia vita e muovermi verso il mio futuro. Non era inizialmente facile. Ho dovuto relearn come a cammini ancora, Bu
Talking to Friends About Your Disease(English)
Cancer: that's a word that can be pretty tough for people to deal with. How do you tell people you have cancer? Who do you have to tell? How will people react? These are all questions you may be wondering about.
So, who do you tell?
Some people prefer to tell everyone they know, so that people aren't wondering what is going on and that less rumors begin to spread about your appearance or absences from school, etc. It saves you from some pretty obnoxious questions too.
Some people only tell close friends and teachers. Close friends and teachers are more likely to understand and can help you tell other people as well.
Some people prefer not to tell anyone. If you don't have many physical changes, some people may never know.
Some annoying questions you'll probably be asked:
What happened to your hair?
Are you going to die?
Does it hurt?
Do you glow after radiation treatments?
Try to be prepared for these questions and you can have fun with them. For example, when they ask "What happened to your hair?", respond by saying that you ate some bad tuna. Or, if they ask "Are you going to die?", respond by saying "Of course, everyone's going to die, I'm just more prepared for it". Even though having osteosarcoma is a serious situation, it doesn't hurt to get a few laughs out of it. Like the old saying says, "laughter is the best medicine".
One thing to remember is that some people may not be able to handle that fact that you are sick. Cancer is a very scary word, and your friends and classmates may not know how to react to it. If people act funny, try not to take it personally. It's their problem, not yours. You'll be making new friends through your cancer experience and throughout your lifetime, and your true friends will always stick by your side.
Mostly, friends will tend to pull away because they are scared to say or do the wrong thing. They may think that somehow you will be different inside because you look different on the outside. The best way to deal with this is to share with them what is going on in your life. Being open about what you are feeling and going through will help people realize that you are the same person that they knew before and will help them feel more connected to you and your disease.
Comunicando con amici(Italian)
circa il vostro Cancer di malattia: quella è una parola che può essere abbastanza duro affinchè la gente trattino con. Come li dite alla gente avere cancro? A chi dovete dire? Come la gente reagirà? Queste sono tutte le domande che potete domandarti circa. Così, a chi dite? Qualche gente preferisce dire tutto che sappiano, di modo che la gente non sta domandando che cosa sta accendendo e che meno voci cominciano a spargersi circa la vostra apparenza o assenze dalla scuola, ecc. Li conserva da alcune domande antipatiche graziose anche. Qualche gente dice soltanto agli amici ed agli insegnanti vicini. Gli amici e gli insegnanti vicini sono più probabili capire e possono aiutarli a dire alla gente pure. Qualche gente preferisce non dire a chiunque. Se non avete molti cambiamenti fisici, qualche gente può non sapere mai.
Alcune domande annoying probabilmente sarete chiesti:
Che cosa è accaduto ai vostri capelli?
State andando morire?
Danneggia?
Emettete luce dopo i trattamenti radioattivi?
Provi ad essere preparato per queste domande e potete avere loro divertimento con. Per esempio, quando chiedono “che cosa sono accaduto ai vostri capelli? „, risponda dicendo che avete mangiato un certo tonno difettoso. O, se chiedono “state andando morire? „, risponde dicendo “naturalmente, tutto che va morire, io sono giusto di più per esso„. Anche se avere osteosarcoma è una situazione seria, non danneggia per ottenere alcune risate da esso. Come il vecchio detto dice, “il laughter è la medicina migliore„.
Una cosa da ricordarsi di è che qualche gente non può potere maneggiare quel fatto che siete ammalati. Il Cancer è una parola molto spaventosa ed i vostri amici e classmates non possono sapere reagire ad esso. Se l'atto della gente divertente, prova a non prenderlo personalmente. È il loro problema, non il vostro. Inciterete i nuovi amici attraverso il vostro cancro a sperimentare e durante il vostro corso della vita ed i vostri amici allineare attaccheranno sempre dal vostro lato. Principalmente, gli amici tenderanno a separare perché sono spaventati per dire o fare la cosa errata. Possono pensare che siate in qualche modo parte interna differente perché sembrate differenti sulla parte esterna. Il senso migliore occuparsi di questo è ripartirsi con loro che cosa sta continuando nella vostra vita. Essere aperto circa che cosa siete la sensibilità ed andare attraverso contribuiranno a popolare si rendono conto che siete la stessa persona che hanno conosciuto prima ed aiuteranno loro a ritenere di più collegata a voi e la vostra malattia.
Kevin Age: 19(English)
"My world turned upside down" Edit >
Age:19)It all started 3 months before basketball started. I started working out for a two mile test that the coach had planned 2 days before the season started. I started running on the track at my high school in Newberg, Oregon Daily. I started to feel pain in my right leg below my knee. I just thought I pulled something. I had had a lot of pulls and tweaks during my athletic career.I iced it and kept running on it until it was to much to handle. Then I whent up to my local family doctor in town.
The doctor felt my leg and he felt 2 inflamed tendons in my right knee.He said I had tendonitis. HE scheduled me 10 physical therapy appointments. They rubbed my leg, gave me electric shock, put steroids in my leg. Nothing worked, and it was increasingly getting worse. After the last appointment basketball season started and I started practicing every day after school.I practiced until i couldnt anymore. So I whent to see a doctor that my mom goes to.
Immediatly the doctor scheduled an MRI of my leg because she could feel a bump in my knee that the PT said was torn tendons. The MRI showed a tumor on my right Fibula. The doctors then had me do a chest CT scan that was clear. The doctors did not know if it was cancerous or not so they sent me up to OHSU in Portland Oregon. There i saw the bone specialist. He said that they needed to do a biopsy right away. That was the worst pain i had ever felt in my whole entire life. Over and Over he stuck this long needle lookin thing in my leg and pulling out tissue.
Then 4 days later they called and said is was Osteosarcoma. They said it was in stage I and it was very curable but still had to be very careful. Then the next day i had to tell my basketball team that i could not continue to play that season. It was my Senior year! >: . That was one of the most tough things todo through this whole experience. I was diagnosed on December 18th and started Chemo 5 days before christmas. I whent home on christmas Eve. I really do no remember christmas because i was so wasted form the meds. I guess i opened all my presents but the next day i basically had christmas all over again because i was awake and didnt remember the day before.
the 3 months pre surgery chemo whent good. Then I had my surgery up in Seattle. I had the one of the best Bone Cancer Surgeons in the World. His name is Dr.Ernest"Chappie"Conrad. He removed my fibula. Three weeks later I was off crutches and walking again. Then It was on the road to six more months of chemo therapy. The six months whent by smoothly thanks to the Marinol or synthetic THC. They were a life saver.
as of August 8th i am in remission. Still have a puffy face from the steroids but thats prettu much it. I am feeling stronger every day. Please E-mail me if you want to talk.
Età del Kevin: 19(Italian) “
Il mio mondo girato inverso„ pubblica >
Età: 19) Esso tutti i 3 mesi iniziati prima di pallacanestro iniziata. Ho cominciato risolvere per una prova da due miglia che la vettura aveva progettato 2 giorni prima della stagione avviata. Ho cominciato funzionare sulla pista alla mia High School in Newberg, quotidiano dell'Oregon. Ho cominciato ritenere il dolore in mio giusto piedino sotto il mio ginocchio. Ho pensato appena che tirassi qualcosa. Avevo avuto i tiri molto e tweaks durante la mia carriera atletica. La ho ghiacciata ed ho continuato a funzionare su esso fino a che non fosse a molto da maneggiare. Allora I whent fino al mio medico di famiglia locale in città.
Il medico ha ritenuto che il miei piedino e lui ha ritenuto 2 tendini inflamed nel mio ginocchio di destra. Ha detto che ho avuto tendonitis. Lo ha programmato 10 appuntamenti fisici di terapia. Hanno lucidato il mio piedino, mi hanno dato la scossa elettrica, hanno messo gli steroidi in mio piedino. Niente di funzionato ed esso sempre più stavano ottenendo più difettosi. Dopo la stagione di pallacanestro di appuntamento dell'ultimo iniziata ed io ha iniziato esercitarsi giornaliere dopo la scuola. Mi sono esercitato in fino a che non potrei più più. Così I whent vedere un medico a che il mio mom va. Immediatamente il medico ha programmato un MRI del mio piedino perché potrebbe ritenere un urto nel mio ginocchio che la pinta detta era tendini strappati. Il MRI ha mostrato un tumore sul mio Fibula di destra. I medici allora mi hanno fatti fare un'esplorazione della cassa CT che era chiara. I medici non hanno saputo se fosse cancerous o non in modo da lo hanno trasmesso fino a OHSU a Portland Oregon. Là ho visto l'esperto dell'osso. Ha detto che hanno dovuto fare una biopsia subito. Quello era il dolore che più difettoso avessi ritenuto mai nella mia intera vita intera. Ha attaccato ripetutamente questa cosa lunga del lookin dell'ago in mio piedino e tessuto estrarre.
Allora 4 giorni più successivamente hanno denominato e detto sono erano Osteosarcoma. Hanno detto che era nella fase I ed era molto curabile ma ancora ha dovuto fare attenzione molto. Allora il giorno seguente ho dovuto dire alla mia squadra di pallacanestro a che non potrei continuare a giocare quella stagione. Era il mio anno maggiore! >: . Quello era uno del todo di cose più duro con questa esperienza intera. Sono stato diagnosticato il 18 dicembre ed ho iniziato Chemo 5 giorni prima di natale. Sede whent I la vigilia di natale. Realmente faccio il nessun mi ricordo del natale perché ero in modo da forma sprecata i meds. Indovino che ho aperto tutti i miei presenti ma il giorno seguente ho avuto basicamente natale ancora una volta perché ero sveglio e non mi sono ricordato del giorno prima. i 3 mesi pre di chirurgia buon whent di chemo. Allora ho avuto mia chirurgia in su a Seattle. Ho avuto quello dei chirurghi del Cancer dell'osso migliori nel mondo. Il suo nome è Dr.Ernest " Chappie " Conrad. Ha rimosso il mio fibula. Tre settimane più successivamente ero fuori dei crutches e del camminare ancora. Allora era sulla strada a sei nuovi mesi della terapia di chemo. I sei mesi whent uniformemente da grazie al Marinol o al THC sintetico. Erano un risparmiatore di vita. all'8 agosto sono nella remissione. Ancora abbia una faccia puffy dagli steroidi ma quello è prettu molto esso. Sto ritenendo giornaliere più forte. Prego E-mail me se desiderate comunicare.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
OSTEOSARCOMA
Osteosarcoma
To Learn More About This Topic: Chat with Us Email Us
Featured Topics:
· What is Osteosarcoma?
· Treating Osteosarcoma
· Potential Osteosarcoma Symptoms
· Osteosarcoma Risk Factors
· Osteosarcoma Treatment at CTCA
From the initial shock of an osteosarcoma diagnosis to evaluating your treatment options, at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) we understand how overwhelming this time can be. If you or a loved one has received an osteosarcoma diagnosis, it is important that you learn about the treatment options available to you so you can evaluate your situation and individual needs. At CTCA we know that everyone is different, and that cancer will impact each person in different ways. Not everyone will experience the same symptoms, side effects, or respond to treatment the same way. That is why we work with all of our patients to ensure that they not only understand their options, but can participate in creating an individualized treatment plan based on their needs.
If you would like to learn more about CTCA and our approach to treating osteosarcoma, call 800-615-3055 to speak with an Oncology Information Specialist. They can tell you more about our innovative approach to cancer treatment and help you decide of CTCA may be the right treatment facility for you. You can also Discuss Your Treatment Options Online through our live chat feature.
What is Osteosarcoma?
Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer. Usually found in people between the ages of 10-25, osteosarcoma generally develops in new tissue within growing bones and is often found in the bones around the knee. Another related type of cancer, chondrosarcoma, arises in cartilage, usually in the pelvis, upper legs and shoulders.
How is Osteosarcoma Treated?
Osteosarcoma treatment depends on a number of factors, including the stage of the disease. However, because osteosarcoma can spread to other parts of the body, even if the tumor is detected when it is very small, osteosarcoma treatment requires treatment to the whole body. The most common forms of treatment include chemotherapy and surgery.
At CTCA, you will find comprehensive care delivered in a welcoming environment of compassion and support, helping you to relax and focus on your healing. We are much more that a network of cancer hospitals and facilities. We understand that you are fighting for your life, and will do everything we can to provide you with every choice, offer you every chance, and empower you to victory. We battle this disease with many weapons and we never give up. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, we fight to win.
If you are exploring your treatment options, we encourage you to call 800-615-3055 and learn more about CTCA and our innovative and comprehensive approach to treating cancer. Our dedicated Oncology Information Specialists can help you explore your treatment options and determine if CTCA may be the right facility for you.
Potential Osteosarcoma Symptoms
Although the symptoms of osteosarcoma will vary from person to person depending on a number of factors, including the size and stage of the cancer, the most common symptoms associated with osteosarcoma are pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected bone or the area around it. Other potential symptoms may include anemia, fever, weight loss, restricted movement and prolonged increased pain around the affected area. In addition, because osteosarcoma can weaken bones, fractures may occur. If you experience any of these potential symptoms of osteosarcoma, it is important that you see a medical professional. Only they can tell you if your symptoms are the result of osteosarcoma.
Risk Factors for Developing Osteosarcoma
Although the exact causes of osteosarcoma are not known, there are risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing the disease. Younger people who have been treated with radiation or chemotherapy for other conditions develop osteosarcoma more frequently than those who have not. Paget's disease of the bone may also increase an individual's risk for developing the disease. Genetics may also play a role in increasing your chances of developing osteosarcoma.
Treating Cancer at CTCA
At CTCA, we understand that cancer affects every aspect of your life - not just part of it. So that is how we treat it. Top to bottom, inside and out, it’s total care for your mind, body and spirit. We assemble a team of dedicated experts who will work with you to understand how your cancer affects you, and create a plan based on your unique needs. We will make sure that you not only understand the treatment options available to you, but that you also have the opportunity to be as involved as you want in creating your treatment plan.
To learn more about the treatment options available at CTCA, visit our Cancer Treatment Options Page.
At CTCA, fighting cancer is all we do. We know that you are fighting for your life, and we are committed to helping you overcome cancer. By offering long-established conventional treatments, combined with complementary therapies, such as nutritional, psychological and physical support options, we fight your cancer on many fronts. We will never stop searching for and providing powerful and innovative treatment options designed to fight cancer, improve your quality of life and restore hope.
At CTCA, you and your healing are at the center of our actions everyday. We will rally our team around you to deliver compassionate, integrative cancer care for your body, mind and spirit - designed around your needs. Whether you are exploring your treatment options for the first time, or are unhappy with the treatment you are currently receiving, call us today at 800-615-3500 or Discuss Your Osteosarcoma Treatment Options Online with an Oncology Information Specialist. They can help you explore treatment options and determine if CTCA may be the right facility for you.
(Cáncer infantil: Osteosarcoma)
Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer, and the sixth most common type of cancer in children. Although other types of cancer can eventually spread to parts of the skeleton, osteosarcoma is one of the few that actually begin in bones and sometimes spread (or metastasize) elsewhere, usually to the lungs or other bones.
Because osteosarcoma usually develops from osteoblasts (the cells that make growing bone), it most commonly affects teens who are experiencing a growth spurt. Boys are more likely to have osteosarcoma than girls, and most cases of osteosarcoma involve the knee.
Most osteosarcomas arise from random and unpredictable errors in the DNA of growing bone cells during times of intense bone growth. There currently isn't an effective way to prevent this type of cancer. But with the proper diagnosis and treatment, most kids with osteosarcoma do recover.
Risk for Childhood Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is most often seen in teenage boys, and evidence shows that teens who are taller than average have an added risk for developing the disease.
Kids who have inherited one of the rare cancer syndromes also are at higher risk for osteosarcoma. These syndromes include retinoblastoma (a malignant tumor that develops in the retina, usually in children younger than age 2) and Li-Fraumeni syndrome (a kind of inherited genetic mutation). Because exposure to radiation is another trigger for DNA mutations, children who have received radiation treatments for a prior episode of cancer are also at increased risk for osteosarcoma.
Symptoms of Osteosarcoma
The most common symptoms of osteosarcoma are pain and swelling in a child's leg or arm. It occurs most often in the longer bones of the body — such as above or below the knee or in the upper arm near the shoulder. Pain may be worse during exercise or at night, and a lump or swelling may develop in the affected area up to several weeks after the pain starts. Pain that persistently wakes the child up at night or pain at rest are of particular concern. In osteosarcoma of the leg, the child may also develop an unexplained limp. In some cases, the first sign of the disease is a broken arm or leg, because the cancer has weakened the bone to make it vulnerable to a break.
If your child or teen has any of the above symptoms, it's important to see a doctor.
Diagnosing Osteosarcoma
To diagnose osteosarcoma, the doctor will likely perform a physical exam, obtain a detailed medical history, and order X-rays to detect any changes in bone structure. The doctor may also order a magnetic resolution imaging (MRI) scan of the affected area, which will find the best area to biopsy and show whether the osteosarcoma has spread from the bone into nearby muscles and fat. The doctor will also order a bone biopsy to obtain a sample of the tumor for examination in the lab. This is best done by an orthopedic surgeon experienced in the treatment of osteosarcoma (orthopedic oncologist).
Sometimes the doctor does a needle biopsy, using a long hollow needle to take a sample of the tumor. A local anesthesia is typically used in the area that's being biopsied. Alternatively, the doctor may order an open biopsy, in which a portion of the tumor is removed in the operating room by a surgeon while the child is under general anesthesia.
If a diagnosis of osteosarcoma is made, the doctor will order CT chest scans as well as a bone scan and, sometimes, additional MRI studies. These will show if the cancer has spread to any part of the body beyond the original tumor. These tests will be repeated after treatment starts to determine how well it is working and whether the cancer is continuing to spread.
Treating Osteosarcoma
Treatment of osteosarcoma in children includes chemotherapy (the use of medical drugs to kill cancer cells and shrink the cancer) followed by surgery (to remove cancerous cells or tumors) and then more chemotherapy (to kill any remaining cancer cells and minimize chances of the cancer coming back). Surgery often can effectively remove bone cancer, while chemotherapy can help eliminate remaining cancer cells in the body.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical treatments for osteosarcoma consist of either amputation or limb-salvage surgery.
Currently, most teens with osteosarcomas involving an arm or leg can be treated with limb-salvage surgery rather than amputation. In limb-salvage surgery, the bone and muscle affected by the osteosarcoma are removed, leaving a gap in the bone that is filled by either a bone graft (usually from the bone bank) or more often a special metal prosthesis. These can be appropriately matched to the size of the bone defect. The risk of infection and fracture is higher with bank bone replacement and therefore metal prostheses are more commonly used for reconstruction of the bone after removal of the tumor.
If the cancer has spread to the nerves and blood vessels surrounding the original tumor on the bone, amputation (removing part of a limb along with the osteosarcoma) is often the only choice.
When osteosarcoma has spread to the lungs or elsewhere, surgery may also be performed to remove tumors in these distant locations.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is usually given both before and after surgery. It eliminates small pockets of cancer cells in the body, even those too small to appear on medical scans. A child or teen with osteosarcoma is given the chemotherapy drugs intravenously (through a vein) or orally (by mouth). The drugs enter the bloodstream and work to kill cancer in parts of the body where the disease has spread, such as the lungs or other organs.
Short-Term and Long-Term Side Effects
Amputation carries its own short-term and long-term side effects. It usually takes at least 3 to 6 months until a young person learns to use a prosthetic (artificial) leg or arm, and this is just the beginning of long-term psychological and social rehabilitation.
With a limb salvage surgery, one usually starts bending the knee or the affected body part almost immediately. A continuous passive motion (CPM) machine, that continuously bends and straightens the knee may be used to improve motion for tumors around the knee. Physical therapy and rehabilitation for 6 to 12 months following surgery usually enables the child to walk initially with a walker or crutches and then without any assistive devices. Early complications after surgery include infection and slow healing of the surgical wound, and the metal prosthetic device or the bank bone may need to be replaced in the long term. Other late problems might include fracture of the bank bone or failure of the bank bone to heal to the child's bone, which might require more surgery.
Many of the medications used in chemotherapy also carry the risk of both short-term and long-term problems. Short-term effects include anemia, abnormal bleeding, and increased risk of infection due to destruction of the bone marrow, as well as kidney damage and menstrual irregularities. Some drugs carry a risk of bladder inflammation and bleeding into the urine, hearing loss, and liver damage. Others may cause heart and skin problems. Years after chemotherapy for osteosarcoma, patients have an increased risk of developing other cancers.
Chances for a Cure
Recent studies have reported that survival rates of 60% to 80% are possible for osteosarcoma that hasn't spread beyond the tumor, depending on the success of chemotherapy.
Osteosarcoma that has spread cannot always be treated as successfully. Also, a child whose osteosarcoma is located in an arm or leg generally has a better prognosis than one whose disease involves the ribs, shoulder blades, spine, or pelvic bones.
New Treatments
Treatments are being developed and researched with new chemotherapy drugs. Other research is focused on the role certain growth factors might play in the development of osteosarcoma. This research may be used to develop new medications to slow these growth factors as a way to treat the cancer.
For osteosarcomas that cannot be removed surgically, studies are now underway to test treatments that use new combinations of chemotherapy and localized, high-dose radiation.
Reviewed by: Mihir Thacker, MDDate reviewed: January 2008Originally reviewed by: Donna Patton, MD
Osteosarcoma in Children
This information is about osteosarcoma (also called osteogenic sarcoma) in children. It is helpful to read it alongside our general information on children's cancer, which contains more information about cancers in children, their diagnosis and treatment, and the support services available.
Osteosarcoma
Causes of osteosarcoma
Signs and symptoms
How it is diagnosed
Grading
Staging
Treatment
Side effects of treatment
Clinical trials
Follow-up
Your feelings
References
Osteosarcoma
Around 30 children develop osteosarcomas in the UK each year. These tumours occur more commonly in older children and teenagers, and are very rarely seen in children under five. They are more common in boys than girls.
Osteosarcoma is a cancer that starts in the bone. It often starts at the ends of the bones, where new bone tissue forms as a young person grows. Any bone in the body can be affected, but the most common sites are the arms or legs, particularly around the knee joint.
There are several different types of osteosarcoma. Most occur in the centre of the bone. There are also rare subtypes, such as parosteal, periosteal telangiectatic, and small cell osteosarcoma.
Causes of osteosarcoma
As with most cancers, the cause of osteosarcoma is unknown. Children who have hereditary retinoblastoma (a rare tumour of the eye) have an increased risk of developing osteosarcoma. Children who have had previous radiotherapy and chemotherapy also have an increased risk of developing osteosarcoma.
It is not caused by injuries or damage to the bone, although an injury may draw attention to a bone tumour.
Signs and symptoms
Pain in the affected bone is the most common symptom. This pain may initially come and go, and then gradually become more severe and constant. There may also be swelling around the affected bone.
How it is diagnosed
A variety of tests and investigations may be needed to diagnose an osteosarcoma. An x-ray of the painful part of the bone will usually identify a tumour, although sometimes they can be difficult to see. A small piece of the tumour will be removed and looked at under a microscope (biopsy). This is done during a small operation, under a general anaesthetic.
Other tests are taken to check whether the cancer has spread elsewhere in the body. These include a chest x-ray, blood tests, a bone scan, a bone marrow aspirate and an MRI or CT scan.
Any tests and investigations that your child needs will be explained to you. Our general information on children’s cancers gives details of what the tests and scans involve.
Grading
Grading refers to the appearance of the cancer cells under the microscope, and gives an idea of how quickly the cancer may develop. Low-grade cancer cells look very like normal cells, and are usually slow-growing and less likely to spread. In high-grade tumours, the cells look very abnormal, are likely to grow quickly, and are more likely to spread.
Most osteosarcomas are high-grade, but a type known as parosteal osteosarcoma is usually low-grade. A further subtype (periosteal osteosarcoma) is usually treated as though it was high-grade.
Staging
The 'stage' of a cancer is a term used to describe its size and whether it has spread beyond its original site. Knowing the particular type, and stage, of the cancer helps the doctors to decide on the most appropriate treatment.
Most patients are grouped depending on whether cancer is found in only one part of the body (localised disease), or whether the cancer has spread from one part of the body to another (metastatic disease).
A commonly-used staging system for osteosarcomas is described below:
Stage 1A The cancer is low-grade and is found only within the hard coating of the bone.
Stage 1B The cancer is low-grade, extending outside the bone and into the soft tissue spaces that contain nerves and blood vessels.
Stage 2A The cancer is high-grade and is completely contained within the hard coating of the bone.
Stage 2B The cancer is high-grade and has spread outside the bone and into surrounding soft tissue spaces that contain nerves and blood vessels. Most osteosarcomas are stage 2B.
Stage 3 The cancer can be low- or high-grade and it is found either within the bone or extends outside the bone. The cancer has spread to other parts of the body, or to other bones not directly connected to the bone where the tumour started.
If the cancer comes back after initial treatment, this is known as recurrent or relapsed cancer.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on a number of factors including the size, position, and stage of the tumour.
Surgery is a very important part of treatment for osteosarcoma. Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells, and is usually given to shrink the main tumour before surgery. It is also given after the tumour has been removed by surgery, to help reduce the risk of the cancer coming back (recurring). It is common for a combination of drugs to be used.
Radiotherapy may occasionally be given. Radiotherapy treats cancer by using high-energy rays to destroy the cancer cells, while doing as little harm as possible to normal cells.
Surgery
The type and extent of surgery depends on the position and size of the tumour in the body. This surgery may need to be carried out at a specialist orthopaedic centre, and your child may be referred to one.
Surgery may include removing the whole limb (amputation) or part of the affected bone, which is then replaced by some form of false limb (prosthesis). If only part of the affected bone is removed, this is known as limb-sparing surgery.
Amputation of the limb is sometimes unavoidable if the cancer is affecting the surrounding blood vessels and nerves. After amputation, a false limb will be fitted and will be regularly adjusted as your child grows. False limbs can work very well. It should be possible for them to join in with normal activities and even sport.
Limb-sparing surgery preserves the limb. There are two ways in which this may be done:
replacing the bone with a prosthesis (a specially designed artificial part)
replacing the affected bone with bone taken from another part of the body.
After this type of surgery, children will usually be able to use their limbs almost normally. However, they are advised not to participate in any contact sports, as, if the bone graft or prosthesis is damaged, another major operation might be needed to repair or replace it. If your child is growing, the limb prosthesis will need to be lengthened as the bone grows. This will mean further short stays in hospital.
Side effects of treatment
Treatment often causes side effects, and your child’s doctor will discuss these with you before treatment starts. Possible side effects will depend upon the particular treatment being used and the part of the body that is being treated. Side effects can include feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting), hair loss, an increased risk of infection, bruising and bleeding, tiredness and diarrhoea.
Late side effects
A small number of children may develop late side effects, sometimes many years later, caused by their treatment for an osteosarcoma. These include reduction in bone growth, infertility, a change in the way the heart and lungs work, and a slight increase in the risk of developing another cancer in later life. Your child’s doctor or nurse will explain more about any possible late side effects. There is more detailed information about these late side effects in the general information on children’s cancers.
Clinical trials
Many children have their treatment as part of a clinical research trial. Trials aim to improve our understanding of the best way to treat an illness (usually by comparing the standard treatment with a new or modified version of the standard treatment). Specialist doctors carry out trials for children's cancer. Your child's medical team will talk to you about taking part in a clinical trial (if appropriate) and will answer any questions you may have. Written information is often provided to help explain things. Taking part in a research trial is completely voluntary, and you'll be given plenty of time to decide if it is right for your child. Currently, the main trial for osteosarcoma is the EURAMOS 1 trial. Your child's doctor or specialist nurse can tell you more about this.
Follow-up
Many children with osteosarcoma are cured. However, the child may need to have surgery to lengthen the affected limb from time to time. Your child will have regular check-ups, both in the paediatric or adolescent oncology clinic, and at the orthopaedic centre.
If you have specific concerns about your child’s condition and treatment, it is best to discuss them with your child’s doctor, who knows the situation.
Your feelings
As a parent, the fact that your child has cancer is one of the worst situations you can be faced with. You may have many different emotions, such as fear, guilt, sadness, anger and uncertainty. These are all normal reactions, and are part of the process that many parents go through at such a difficult time.
Your child may have a range of powerful emotions throughout their experience of cancer. Our booklet, Peppermint Ward, is a storybook for younger children with cancer. It looks at the issues that they and their family may face, and helps them to explore their feelings. You can order the booklet online.
References
This section has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources, including:
Cancer in Children: Clinical Management (5th ed). Eds PA Voute et al. Oxford University Press, 2005.
For further references, please see the general bibliography.
To Learn More About This Topic: Chat with Us Email Us
Featured Topics:
· What is Osteosarcoma?
· Treating Osteosarcoma
· Potential Osteosarcoma Symptoms
· Osteosarcoma Risk Factors
· Osteosarcoma Treatment at CTCA
From the initial shock of an osteosarcoma diagnosis to evaluating your treatment options, at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) we understand how overwhelming this time can be. If you or a loved one has received an osteosarcoma diagnosis, it is important that you learn about the treatment options available to you so you can evaluate your situation and individual needs. At CTCA we know that everyone is different, and that cancer will impact each person in different ways. Not everyone will experience the same symptoms, side effects, or respond to treatment the same way. That is why we work with all of our patients to ensure that they not only understand their options, but can participate in creating an individualized treatment plan based on their needs.
If you would like to learn more about CTCA and our approach to treating osteosarcoma, call 800-615-3055 to speak with an Oncology Information Specialist. They can tell you more about our innovative approach to cancer treatment and help you decide of CTCA may be the right treatment facility for you. You can also Discuss Your Treatment Options Online through our live chat feature.
What is Osteosarcoma?
Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer. Usually found in people between the ages of 10-25, osteosarcoma generally develops in new tissue within growing bones and is often found in the bones around the knee. Another related type of cancer, chondrosarcoma, arises in cartilage, usually in the pelvis, upper legs and shoulders.
How is Osteosarcoma Treated?
Osteosarcoma treatment depends on a number of factors, including the stage of the disease. However, because osteosarcoma can spread to other parts of the body, even if the tumor is detected when it is very small, osteosarcoma treatment requires treatment to the whole body. The most common forms of treatment include chemotherapy and surgery.
At CTCA, you will find comprehensive care delivered in a welcoming environment of compassion and support, helping you to relax and focus on your healing. We are much more that a network of cancer hospitals and facilities. We understand that you are fighting for your life, and will do everything we can to provide you with every choice, offer you every chance, and empower you to victory. We battle this disease with many weapons and we never give up. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, we fight to win.
If you are exploring your treatment options, we encourage you to call 800-615-3055 and learn more about CTCA and our innovative and comprehensive approach to treating cancer. Our dedicated Oncology Information Specialists can help you explore your treatment options and determine if CTCA may be the right facility for you.
Potential Osteosarcoma Symptoms
Although the symptoms of osteosarcoma will vary from person to person depending on a number of factors, including the size and stage of the cancer, the most common symptoms associated with osteosarcoma are pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected bone or the area around it. Other potential symptoms may include anemia, fever, weight loss, restricted movement and prolonged increased pain around the affected area. In addition, because osteosarcoma can weaken bones, fractures may occur. If you experience any of these potential symptoms of osteosarcoma, it is important that you see a medical professional. Only they can tell you if your symptoms are the result of osteosarcoma.
Risk Factors for Developing Osteosarcoma
Although the exact causes of osteosarcoma are not known, there are risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing the disease. Younger people who have been treated with radiation or chemotherapy for other conditions develop osteosarcoma more frequently than those who have not. Paget's disease of the bone may also increase an individual's risk for developing the disease. Genetics may also play a role in increasing your chances of developing osteosarcoma.
Treating Cancer at CTCA
At CTCA, we understand that cancer affects every aspect of your life - not just part of it. So that is how we treat it. Top to bottom, inside and out, it’s total care for your mind, body and spirit. We assemble a team of dedicated experts who will work with you to understand how your cancer affects you, and create a plan based on your unique needs. We will make sure that you not only understand the treatment options available to you, but that you also have the opportunity to be as involved as you want in creating your treatment plan.
To learn more about the treatment options available at CTCA, visit our Cancer Treatment Options Page.
At CTCA, fighting cancer is all we do. We know that you are fighting for your life, and we are committed to helping you overcome cancer. By offering long-established conventional treatments, combined with complementary therapies, such as nutritional, psychological and physical support options, we fight your cancer on many fronts. We will never stop searching for and providing powerful and innovative treatment options designed to fight cancer, improve your quality of life and restore hope.
At CTCA, you and your healing are at the center of our actions everyday. We will rally our team around you to deliver compassionate, integrative cancer care for your body, mind and spirit - designed around your needs. Whether you are exploring your treatment options for the first time, or are unhappy with the treatment you are currently receiving, call us today at 800-615-3500 or Discuss Your Osteosarcoma Treatment Options Online with an Oncology Information Specialist. They can help you explore treatment options and determine if CTCA may be the right facility for you.
(Cáncer infantil: Osteosarcoma)
Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer, and the sixth most common type of cancer in children. Although other types of cancer can eventually spread to parts of the skeleton, osteosarcoma is one of the few that actually begin in bones and sometimes spread (or metastasize) elsewhere, usually to the lungs or other bones.
Because osteosarcoma usually develops from osteoblasts (the cells that make growing bone), it most commonly affects teens who are experiencing a growth spurt. Boys are more likely to have osteosarcoma than girls, and most cases of osteosarcoma involve the knee.
Most osteosarcomas arise from random and unpredictable errors in the DNA of growing bone cells during times of intense bone growth. There currently isn't an effective way to prevent this type of cancer. But with the proper diagnosis and treatment, most kids with osteosarcoma do recover.
Risk for Childhood Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is most often seen in teenage boys, and evidence shows that teens who are taller than average have an added risk for developing the disease.
Kids who have inherited one of the rare cancer syndromes also are at higher risk for osteosarcoma. These syndromes include retinoblastoma (a malignant tumor that develops in the retina, usually in children younger than age 2) and Li-Fraumeni syndrome (a kind of inherited genetic mutation). Because exposure to radiation is another trigger for DNA mutations, children who have received radiation treatments for a prior episode of cancer are also at increased risk for osteosarcoma.
Symptoms of Osteosarcoma
The most common symptoms of osteosarcoma are pain and swelling in a child's leg or arm. It occurs most often in the longer bones of the body — such as above or below the knee or in the upper arm near the shoulder. Pain may be worse during exercise or at night, and a lump or swelling may develop in the affected area up to several weeks after the pain starts. Pain that persistently wakes the child up at night or pain at rest are of particular concern. In osteosarcoma of the leg, the child may also develop an unexplained limp. In some cases, the first sign of the disease is a broken arm or leg, because the cancer has weakened the bone to make it vulnerable to a break.
If your child or teen has any of the above symptoms, it's important to see a doctor.
Diagnosing Osteosarcoma
To diagnose osteosarcoma, the doctor will likely perform a physical exam, obtain a detailed medical history, and order X-rays to detect any changes in bone structure. The doctor may also order a magnetic resolution imaging (MRI) scan of the affected area, which will find the best area to biopsy and show whether the osteosarcoma has spread from the bone into nearby muscles and fat. The doctor will also order a bone biopsy to obtain a sample of the tumor for examination in the lab. This is best done by an orthopedic surgeon experienced in the treatment of osteosarcoma (orthopedic oncologist).
Sometimes the doctor does a needle biopsy, using a long hollow needle to take a sample of the tumor. A local anesthesia is typically used in the area that's being biopsied. Alternatively, the doctor may order an open biopsy, in which a portion of the tumor is removed in the operating room by a surgeon while the child is under general anesthesia.
If a diagnosis of osteosarcoma is made, the doctor will order CT chest scans as well as a bone scan and, sometimes, additional MRI studies. These will show if the cancer has spread to any part of the body beyond the original tumor. These tests will be repeated after treatment starts to determine how well it is working and whether the cancer is continuing to spread.
Treating Osteosarcoma
Treatment of osteosarcoma in children includes chemotherapy (the use of medical drugs to kill cancer cells and shrink the cancer) followed by surgery (to remove cancerous cells or tumors) and then more chemotherapy (to kill any remaining cancer cells and minimize chances of the cancer coming back). Surgery often can effectively remove bone cancer, while chemotherapy can help eliminate remaining cancer cells in the body.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical treatments for osteosarcoma consist of either amputation or limb-salvage surgery.
Currently, most teens with osteosarcomas involving an arm or leg can be treated with limb-salvage surgery rather than amputation. In limb-salvage surgery, the bone and muscle affected by the osteosarcoma are removed, leaving a gap in the bone that is filled by either a bone graft (usually from the bone bank) or more often a special metal prosthesis. These can be appropriately matched to the size of the bone defect. The risk of infection and fracture is higher with bank bone replacement and therefore metal prostheses are more commonly used for reconstruction of the bone after removal of the tumor.
If the cancer has spread to the nerves and blood vessels surrounding the original tumor on the bone, amputation (removing part of a limb along with the osteosarcoma) is often the only choice.
When osteosarcoma has spread to the lungs or elsewhere, surgery may also be performed to remove tumors in these distant locations.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is usually given both before and after surgery. It eliminates small pockets of cancer cells in the body, even those too small to appear on medical scans. A child or teen with osteosarcoma is given the chemotherapy drugs intravenously (through a vein) or orally (by mouth). The drugs enter the bloodstream and work to kill cancer in parts of the body where the disease has spread, such as the lungs or other organs.
Short-Term and Long-Term Side Effects
Amputation carries its own short-term and long-term side effects. It usually takes at least 3 to 6 months until a young person learns to use a prosthetic (artificial) leg or arm, and this is just the beginning of long-term psychological and social rehabilitation.
With a limb salvage surgery, one usually starts bending the knee or the affected body part almost immediately. A continuous passive motion (CPM) machine, that continuously bends and straightens the knee may be used to improve motion for tumors around the knee. Physical therapy and rehabilitation for 6 to 12 months following surgery usually enables the child to walk initially with a walker or crutches and then without any assistive devices. Early complications after surgery include infection and slow healing of the surgical wound, and the metal prosthetic device or the bank bone may need to be replaced in the long term. Other late problems might include fracture of the bank bone or failure of the bank bone to heal to the child's bone, which might require more surgery.
Many of the medications used in chemotherapy also carry the risk of both short-term and long-term problems. Short-term effects include anemia, abnormal bleeding, and increased risk of infection due to destruction of the bone marrow, as well as kidney damage and menstrual irregularities. Some drugs carry a risk of bladder inflammation and bleeding into the urine, hearing loss, and liver damage. Others may cause heart and skin problems. Years after chemotherapy for osteosarcoma, patients have an increased risk of developing other cancers.
Chances for a Cure
Recent studies have reported that survival rates of 60% to 80% are possible for osteosarcoma that hasn't spread beyond the tumor, depending on the success of chemotherapy.
Osteosarcoma that has spread cannot always be treated as successfully. Also, a child whose osteosarcoma is located in an arm or leg generally has a better prognosis than one whose disease involves the ribs, shoulder blades, spine, or pelvic bones.
New Treatments
Treatments are being developed and researched with new chemotherapy drugs. Other research is focused on the role certain growth factors might play in the development of osteosarcoma. This research may be used to develop new medications to slow these growth factors as a way to treat the cancer.
For osteosarcomas that cannot be removed surgically, studies are now underway to test treatments that use new combinations of chemotherapy and localized, high-dose radiation.
Reviewed by: Mihir Thacker, MDDate reviewed: January 2008Originally reviewed by: Donna Patton, MD
Osteosarcoma in Children
This information is about osteosarcoma (also called osteogenic sarcoma) in children. It is helpful to read it alongside our general information on children's cancer, which contains more information about cancers in children, their diagnosis and treatment, and the support services available.
Osteosarcoma
Causes of osteosarcoma
Signs and symptoms
How it is diagnosed
Grading
Staging
Treatment
Side effects of treatment
Clinical trials
Follow-up
Your feelings
References
Osteosarcoma
Around 30 children develop osteosarcomas in the UK each year. These tumours occur more commonly in older children and teenagers, and are very rarely seen in children under five. They are more common in boys than girls.
Osteosarcoma is a cancer that starts in the bone. It often starts at the ends of the bones, where new bone tissue forms as a young person grows. Any bone in the body can be affected, but the most common sites are the arms or legs, particularly around the knee joint.
There are several different types of osteosarcoma. Most occur in the centre of the bone. There are also rare subtypes, such as parosteal, periosteal telangiectatic, and small cell osteosarcoma.
Causes of osteosarcoma
As with most cancers, the cause of osteosarcoma is unknown. Children who have hereditary retinoblastoma (a rare tumour of the eye) have an increased risk of developing osteosarcoma. Children who have had previous radiotherapy and chemotherapy also have an increased risk of developing osteosarcoma.
It is not caused by injuries or damage to the bone, although an injury may draw attention to a bone tumour.
Signs and symptoms
Pain in the affected bone is the most common symptom. This pain may initially come and go, and then gradually become more severe and constant. There may also be swelling around the affected bone.
How it is diagnosed
A variety of tests and investigations may be needed to diagnose an osteosarcoma. An x-ray of the painful part of the bone will usually identify a tumour, although sometimes they can be difficult to see. A small piece of the tumour will be removed and looked at under a microscope (biopsy). This is done during a small operation, under a general anaesthetic.
Other tests are taken to check whether the cancer has spread elsewhere in the body. These include a chest x-ray, blood tests, a bone scan, a bone marrow aspirate and an MRI or CT scan.
Any tests and investigations that your child needs will be explained to you. Our general information on children’s cancers gives details of what the tests and scans involve.
Grading
Grading refers to the appearance of the cancer cells under the microscope, and gives an idea of how quickly the cancer may develop. Low-grade cancer cells look very like normal cells, and are usually slow-growing and less likely to spread. In high-grade tumours, the cells look very abnormal, are likely to grow quickly, and are more likely to spread.
Most osteosarcomas are high-grade, but a type known as parosteal osteosarcoma is usually low-grade. A further subtype (periosteal osteosarcoma) is usually treated as though it was high-grade.
Staging
The 'stage' of a cancer is a term used to describe its size and whether it has spread beyond its original site. Knowing the particular type, and stage, of the cancer helps the doctors to decide on the most appropriate treatment.
Most patients are grouped depending on whether cancer is found in only one part of the body (localised disease), or whether the cancer has spread from one part of the body to another (metastatic disease).
A commonly-used staging system for osteosarcomas is described below:
Stage 1A The cancer is low-grade and is found only within the hard coating of the bone.
Stage 1B The cancer is low-grade, extending outside the bone and into the soft tissue spaces that contain nerves and blood vessels.
Stage 2A The cancer is high-grade and is completely contained within the hard coating of the bone.
Stage 2B The cancer is high-grade and has spread outside the bone and into surrounding soft tissue spaces that contain nerves and blood vessels. Most osteosarcomas are stage 2B.
Stage 3 The cancer can be low- or high-grade and it is found either within the bone or extends outside the bone. The cancer has spread to other parts of the body, or to other bones not directly connected to the bone where the tumour started.
If the cancer comes back after initial treatment, this is known as recurrent or relapsed cancer.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on a number of factors including the size, position, and stage of the tumour.
Surgery is a very important part of treatment for osteosarcoma. Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells, and is usually given to shrink the main tumour before surgery. It is also given after the tumour has been removed by surgery, to help reduce the risk of the cancer coming back (recurring). It is common for a combination of drugs to be used.
Radiotherapy may occasionally be given. Radiotherapy treats cancer by using high-energy rays to destroy the cancer cells, while doing as little harm as possible to normal cells.
Surgery
The type and extent of surgery depends on the position and size of the tumour in the body. This surgery may need to be carried out at a specialist orthopaedic centre, and your child may be referred to one.
Surgery may include removing the whole limb (amputation) or part of the affected bone, which is then replaced by some form of false limb (prosthesis). If only part of the affected bone is removed, this is known as limb-sparing surgery.
Amputation of the limb is sometimes unavoidable if the cancer is affecting the surrounding blood vessels and nerves. After amputation, a false limb will be fitted and will be regularly adjusted as your child grows. False limbs can work very well. It should be possible for them to join in with normal activities and even sport.
Limb-sparing surgery preserves the limb. There are two ways in which this may be done:
replacing the bone with a prosthesis (a specially designed artificial part)
replacing the affected bone with bone taken from another part of the body.
After this type of surgery, children will usually be able to use their limbs almost normally. However, they are advised not to participate in any contact sports, as, if the bone graft or prosthesis is damaged, another major operation might be needed to repair or replace it. If your child is growing, the limb prosthesis will need to be lengthened as the bone grows. This will mean further short stays in hospital.
Side effects of treatment
Treatment often causes side effects, and your child’s doctor will discuss these with you before treatment starts. Possible side effects will depend upon the particular treatment being used and the part of the body that is being treated. Side effects can include feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting), hair loss, an increased risk of infection, bruising and bleeding, tiredness and diarrhoea.
Late side effects
A small number of children may develop late side effects, sometimes many years later, caused by their treatment for an osteosarcoma. These include reduction in bone growth, infertility, a change in the way the heart and lungs work, and a slight increase in the risk of developing another cancer in later life. Your child’s doctor or nurse will explain more about any possible late side effects. There is more detailed information about these late side effects in the general information on children’s cancers.
Clinical trials
Many children have their treatment as part of a clinical research trial. Trials aim to improve our understanding of the best way to treat an illness (usually by comparing the standard treatment with a new or modified version of the standard treatment). Specialist doctors carry out trials for children's cancer. Your child's medical team will talk to you about taking part in a clinical trial (if appropriate) and will answer any questions you may have. Written information is often provided to help explain things. Taking part in a research trial is completely voluntary, and you'll be given plenty of time to decide if it is right for your child. Currently, the main trial for osteosarcoma is the EURAMOS 1 trial. Your child's doctor or specialist nurse can tell you more about this.
Follow-up
Many children with osteosarcoma are cured. However, the child may need to have surgery to lengthen the affected limb from time to time. Your child will have regular check-ups, both in the paediatric or adolescent oncology clinic, and at the orthopaedic centre.
If you have specific concerns about your child’s condition and treatment, it is best to discuss them with your child’s doctor, who knows the situation.
Your feelings
As a parent, the fact that your child has cancer is one of the worst situations you can be faced with. You may have many different emotions, such as fear, guilt, sadness, anger and uncertainty. These are all normal reactions, and are part of the process that many parents go through at such a difficult time.
Your child may have a range of powerful emotions throughout their experience of cancer. Our booklet, Peppermint Ward, is a storybook for younger children with cancer. It looks at the issues that they and their family may face, and helps them to explore their feelings. You can order the booklet online.
References
This section has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources, including:
Cancer in Children: Clinical Management (5th ed). Eds PA Voute et al. Oxford University Press, 2005.
For further references, please see the general bibliography.
ONCOEMATOLOGIA PEDIATRICA - PADOVA
Oncoematologia pediatrica. A Padova uno strumento innovativo per diagnosi e cura 18 maggio 2007Si chiama AUSTON 2470 ARRAYER la nuova speranza per i bambini – ma anche per gli adulti – malati di cancro. Questo strumento innovativo ed estremamente sofisticato ha infatti la capacità di studiare in tempi molto rapidi quali proteine sono attivate in modo aberrante nelle cellule cancerose, identificando così quelle alterazioni che caratterizzano l’aggressività del tumore in ogni singolo paziente.Le informazioni derivate da queste ricerche potranno così essere usate per disegnare una terapia personalizzata per ciascun paziente, adulto o bambino, sulla base del proprio specifico difetto genetico. Si potrà così incrementare la specificità della terapia, migliorare la risposta individuale alle cure, e contestualmente diminuirne la tossicità.AUSTON 2470 ARRAYER è stato recentemente acquisito, grazie al finanziamento dell’Istituto Superiore di Sanità, dal Laboratorio di Oncoematologia pediatrica dell’Università di Padova diretto dal professor Giuseppe Basso, nell’ambito di un programma che prevede un costante rinnovamento e implementazione delle tecniche diagnostiche per i bambini ammalati di cancro. Si tratta del primo Laboratorio in Italia ad avere questo strumento, il terzo in Europa, e il sesto nel mondo, in virtù anche del fatto che il Laboratorio diretto dal professor Basso è l’unico del suo genere nel nostro paese certificato UNI EN ISO 9001-2000 per “L’erogazione di servizi di diagnosi in oncoematologia pediatrica”.Oltre all’oncologia pediatrica di Padova, questo progetto coinvolge anche la Clinica Chirurgica II diretta dal Prof. Donato Nitti e l’Oncologia sperimentale diretta dal Prof A. Colombatti del CRO di Aviano. Attualmente solamente un altro gruppo al mondo sta applicando questa innovativa tecnologia nelle leucemie, l’MD Anderson Cancer Center dell’University of Texas.
Pediatric Oncoematologia. To Padova one innovative instrument for diagnosis and cure 18 May 2007AUSTON is called 2470 ARRAYER the new hope for the children - but also for the adults - sick of cancer. This innovative and extremely sophisticated instrument has in fact the ability to study in times many expresses which proteins is activated in aberrant way in the cancerose cells, identifying therefore those alterations that characterize the aggressiveness of the every tumor in single patient.The information derived from these searches could therefore be used in order to design one therapy personalized for every patient, adult or child, on the base of the just specific genetic defect. The specificity of the therapy will be able therefore to be increased, to improve the answer characterize them to the cures, and contextually to diminish of the toxicity.AUSTON 2470 ARRAYER has been recently acquired, thanks to the financing of the Higher Institute of Health, from Laboratory of pediatric Oncoematologia of the University of Padova directed from professor the Giuseppe Basso, within a program that previews a constant renewal and implementazione of the diagnostic techniques for the children sickens you of cancer. Draft of the first Laboratory in Italy to having this instrument, the third party in Europe, and sixth in the world, virtue also of the fact that the Laboratory directed from the professor Low is the only one of its kind in our certifyd country UNI EN ISO 9001-2000 for “the distribution of services of diagnosis in pediatric oncoematologia”.Beyond to the pediatric oncologia of Padova, this plan is involved also Clinical Surgical the II directed from the Prof. Donated Nitti and the Oncologia experiences directed them from the Prof To. Colombatti of the CRO of Aviano. Currently only an other group to the world is applying this innovative technology in the leukaemias, the MD Anderson Cancer Center of the University of Texas.
. A Padova uno strumento innovativo per diagnosi e cura 18 maggio 2007Si chiama AUSTON 2470 ARRAYER la nuova speranza per i bambini – ma anche per gli adulti – malati di cancro. Questo strumento innovativo ed estremamente sofisticato ha infatti la capacità di studiare in tempi molto rapidi quali proteine sono attivate in modo aberrante nelle cellule cancerose, identificando così quelle alterazioni che caratterizzano l’aggressività del tumore in ogni singolo paziente.Le informazioni derivate da queste ricerche potranno così essere usate per disegnare una terapia personalizzata per ciascun paziente, adulto o bambino, sulla base del proprio specifico difetto genetico. Si potrà così incrementare la specificità della terapia, migliorare la risposta individuale alle cure, e contestualmente diminuirne la tossicità.AUSTON 2470 ARRAYER è stato recentemente acquisito, grazie al finanziamento dell’Istituto Superiore di Sanità, dal Laboratorio di Oncoematologia pediatrica dell’Università di Padova diretto dal professor Giuseppe Basso, nell’ambito di un programma che prevede un costante rinnovamento e implementazione delle tecniche diagnostiche per i bambini ammalati di cancro. Si tratta del primo Laboratorio in Italia ad avere questo strumento, il terzo in Europa, e il sesto nel mondo, in virtù anche del fatto che il Laboratorio diretto dal professor Basso è l’unico del suo genere nel nostro paese certificato UNI EN ISO 9001-2000 per “L’erogazione di servizi di diagnosi in oncoematologia pediatrica”.Oltre all’oncologia pediatrica di Padova, questo progetto coinvolge anche la Clinica Chirurgica II diretta dal Prof. Donato Nitti e l’Oncologia sperimentale diretta dal Prof A. Colombatti del CRO di Aviano. Attualmente solamente un altro gruppo al mondo sta applicando questa innovativa tecnologia nelle leucemie, l’MD Anderson Cancer Center dell’University of Texas.
Pediatric Oncoematologia. To Padova one innovative instrument for diagnosis and cure 18 May 2007AUSTON is called 2470 ARRAYER the new hope for the children - but also for the adults - sick of cancer. This innovative and extremely sophisticated instrument has in fact the ability to study in times many expresses which proteins is activated in aberrant way in the cancerose cells, identifying therefore those alterations that characterize the aggressiveness of the every tumor in single patient.The information derived from these searches could therefore be used in order to design one therapy personalized for every patient, adult or child, on the base of the just specific genetic defect. The specificity of the therapy will be able therefore to be increased, to improve the answer characterize them to the cures, and contextually to diminish of the toxicity.AUSTON 2470 ARRAYER has been recently acquired, thanks to the financing of the Higher Institute of Health, from Laboratory of pediatric Oncoematologia of the University of Padova directed from professor the Giuseppe Basso, within a program that previews a constant renewal and implementazione of the diagnostic techniques for the children sickens you of cancer. Draft of the first Laboratory in Italy to having this instrument, the third party in Europe, and sixth in the world, virtue also of the fact that the Laboratory directed from the professor Low is the only one of its kind in our certifyd country UNI EN ISO 9001-2000 for “the distribution of services of diagnosis in pediatric oncoematologia”.Beyond to the pediatric oncologia of Padova, this plan is involved also Clinical Surgical the II directed from the Prof. Donated Nitti and the Oncologia experiences directed them from the Prof To. Colombatti of the CRO of Aviano. Currently only an other group to the world is applying this innovative technology in the leukaemias, the MD Anderson Cancer Center of the University of Texas.
Pediatric Oncoematologia. To Padova one innovative instrument for diagnosis and cure 18 May 2007AUSTON is called 2470 ARRAYER the new hope for the children - but also for the adults - sick of cancer. This innovative and extremely sophisticated instrument has in fact the ability to study in times many expresses which proteins is activated in aberrant way in the cancerose cells, identifying therefore those alterations that characterize the aggressiveness of the every tumor in single patient.The information derived from these searches could therefore be used in order to design one therapy personalized for every patient, adult or child, on the base of the just specific genetic defect. The specificity of the therapy will be able therefore to be increased, to improve the answer characterize them to the cures, and contextually to diminish of the toxicity.AUSTON 2470 ARRAYER has been recently acquired, thanks to the financing of the Higher Institute of Health, from Laboratory of pediatric Oncoematologia of the University of Padova directed from professor the Giuseppe Basso, within a program that previews a constant renewal and implementazione of the diagnostic techniques for the children sickens you of cancer. Draft of the first Laboratory in Italy to having this instrument, the third party in Europe, and sixth in the world, virtue also of the fact that the Laboratory directed from the professor Low is the only one of its kind in our certifyd country UNI EN ISO 9001-2000 for “the distribution of services of diagnosis in pediatric oncoematologia”.Beyond to the pediatric oncologia of Padova, this plan is involved also Clinical Surgical the II directed from the Prof. Donated Nitti and the Oncologia experiences directed them from the Prof To. Colombatti of the CRO of Aviano. Currently only an other group to the world is applying this innovative technology in the leukaemias, the MD Anderson Cancer Center of the University of Texas.
. A Padova uno strumento innovativo per diagnosi e cura 18 maggio 2007Si chiama AUSTON 2470 ARRAYER la nuova speranza per i bambini – ma anche per gli adulti – malati di cancro. Questo strumento innovativo ed estremamente sofisticato ha infatti la capacità di studiare in tempi molto rapidi quali proteine sono attivate in modo aberrante nelle cellule cancerose, identificando così quelle alterazioni che caratterizzano l’aggressività del tumore in ogni singolo paziente.Le informazioni derivate da queste ricerche potranno così essere usate per disegnare una terapia personalizzata per ciascun paziente, adulto o bambino, sulla base del proprio specifico difetto genetico. Si potrà così incrementare la specificità della terapia, migliorare la risposta individuale alle cure, e contestualmente diminuirne la tossicità.AUSTON 2470 ARRAYER è stato recentemente acquisito, grazie al finanziamento dell’Istituto Superiore di Sanità, dal Laboratorio di Oncoematologia pediatrica dell’Università di Padova diretto dal professor Giuseppe Basso, nell’ambito di un programma che prevede un costante rinnovamento e implementazione delle tecniche diagnostiche per i bambini ammalati di cancro. Si tratta del primo Laboratorio in Italia ad avere questo strumento, il terzo in Europa, e il sesto nel mondo, in virtù anche del fatto che il Laboratorio diretto dal professor Basso è l’unico del suo genere nel nostro paese certificato UNI EN ISO 9001-2000 per “L’erogazione di servizi di diagnosi in oncoematologia pediatrica”.Oltre all’oncologia pediatrica di Padova, questo progetto coinvolge anche la Clinica Chirurgica II diretta dal Prof. Donato Nitti e l’Oncologia sperimentale diretta dal Prof A. Colombatti del CRO di Aviano. Attualmente solamente un altro gruppo al mondo sta applicando questa innovativa tecnologia nelle leucemie, l’MD Anderson Cancer Center dell’University of Texas.
Pediatric Oncoematologia. To Padova one innovative instrument for diagnosis and cure 18 May 2007AUSTON is called 2470 ARRAYER the new hope for the children - but also for the adults - sick of cancer. This innovative and extremely sophisticated instrument has in fact the ability to study in times many expresses which proteins is activated in aberrant way in the cancerose cells, identifying therefore those alterations that characterize the aggressiveness of the every tumor in single patient.The information derived from these searches could therefore be used in order to design one therapy personalized for every patient, adult or child, on the base of the just specific genetic defect. The specificity of the therapy will be able therefore to be increased, to improve the answer characterize them to the cures, and contextually to diminish of the toxicity.AUSTON 2470 ARRAYER has been recently acquired, thanks to the financing of the Higher Institute of Health, from Laboratory of pediatric Oncoematologia of the University of Padova directed from professor the Giuseppe Basso, within a program that previews a constant renewal and implementazione of the diagnostic techniques for the children sickens you of cancer. Draft of the first Laboratory in Italy to having this instrument, the third party in Europe, and sixth in the world, virtue also of the fact that the Laboratory directed from the professor Low is the only one of its kind in our certifyd country UNI EN ISO 9001-2000 for “the distribution of services of diagnosis in pediatric oncoematologia”.Beyond to the pediatric oncologia of Padova, this plan is involved also Clinical Surgical the II directed from the Prof. Donated Nitti and the Oncologia experiences directed them from the Prof To. Colombatti of the CRO of Aviano. Currently only an other group to the world is applying this innovative technology in the leukaemias, the MD Anderson Cancer Center of the University of Texas.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Bloggers Delight - High Tech..!!
at First, i was amazed, a bit confused about this BLOGS that i've always seen in the internet.. What's this? another delicacy of the lattest technology.. my God, do i still have time to learn all this at my age now? ha ha ha ha... but there's no harm in trying!! For those who rejected to learn this.. Sorry for them.. coz the lattest technologies still continue to BLOOM, as a simple mushroom in the market.. but for those who wanted to learn. Nice, and God Bless..
this is enought for today.. My first Blog.. till next, and God Bless us all..
this is enought for today.. My first Blog.. till next, and God Bless us all..
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