Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells. External beam radiation therapy uses radiation delivered from outside the body that is focused on the cancer. This is the type of radiation therapy that has been tried as a treatment for osteosarcoma.

However, osteosarcoma cells are not easily killed by radiation. Radiation therapy does not play a major role in treating this disease. Studies have found that radiation given in addition to surgery in osteosarcoma patients with lung metastasis did not improve their survival.

Radiation therapy may be useful, however, in some cases where the tumor cannot be completely removed by surgery. For example, osteosarcoma can develop in pelvic bones or in the bones of the face -- particularly the jaw. In these situations, it is often not possible to completely remove the cancer.. As much as possible will be removed then radiation will be given to kill the remaining cancer. Chemotherapy may be used after radiation. Radiation is also helpful in controlling local symptoms like pain and swelling if the cancer has come back or surgery is not possible.

Bone-seeking radioactive chemicals are sometimes used to treat osteosarcoma. These deliver more radiation than the low doses used for bone scans. Samarium-153, one of these chemicals, may be given in addition to external beam radiation therapy. It is injected intravenously and attaches to active areas of bone formation such as in osteosarcomas. Its main side effect is lowering of the white blood cells and platelets because of the radiation effects on the bone marrow. It is also useful in treating advanced disease and is particularly helpful in reducing pain.

Last Medical Review: 01/14/2009
Last Revised: 01/14/2009