How is osteosarcoma treated?
Our team will work with you to create a treatment plan, based on the stage of the tumor, your child’s overall health, your preferences and other factors. Treatment may include:
- Chemotherapy to shrink the tumor and prevent new ones from forming. Chemotherapy uses medicine that goes through the body to kill cancer cells wherever they are. Children who undergo chemotherapy at Miami Cancer Institute can choose from a variety of interactive experiences in our child-friendly Infusionarium.
- Surgery if the tumor is contained enough to be removed. Our surgeons are leaders in procedures completely remove tumors while preserving healthy tissue. We may also perform limb-lengthening procedure if needed to help restore the bone.
- Radiation therapy if the tumor can’t be removed in surgery or if needed to treat recurrent osteosarcoma.
Because treatment can be confusing and stressful for children, our child life specialists are on hand to answer questions and help ease anxiety.
Clinical Trials
Miami Cancer Institute can provide access to clinical trials not widely available elsewhere. Clinical trials find new ways to treat and diagnose cancer and are ongoing. If an appropriate trial is available, we will talk to you about the benefits and risks.
Tumor Board
A multidisciplinary team of cancer experts including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, plastic reconstructive surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, genetic counselors, medical geneticists, social workers, patient navigators and clinical trials staff meet weekly to discuss select complex cases and determine the best course of care. Bone Marrow Transplant experts and hematologic oncology experts are also available to discuss complex cases.
Pediatric Support Services
Our Pediatric Support Center team addresses the social and emotional needs of your child and provides support to the whole family, including siblings. We provide a compassionate environment, engaging activities and a range of complementary therapies to make sure your child remains psychologically healthy during the treatment process and beyond.
Pediatric Infusionarium
Miami Cancer Institute designed a space where kids can receive the necessary treatments while being immersed in a technological experience that positively affects their outcomes. The Infusionarium uses virtual reality and live feeds to connect patients to an experience that can help ease the effects of chemotherapy.