X rays Regular X rays, which may be referred to as plain films of the bones, are taken of the affected area and any other areas of concern. Efforts will be made to minimize your child’s exposure to X rays. Blood Tests Blood tests are done to monitor the child’s blood cells, body salts, and chemistries. A complete blood count (CBC) is useful in detecting a drop in the number of red blood cells (oxygen carriers), white blood cells (infection fighters), or platelets (cells that help blood clot properly). Alkaline phosphate and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) levels may be high in the blood due to bone growth from the tumor. This blood level is high in 30%–40% of patients diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Blood chemistries such as BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine monitor changes in kidney function. Chemistries like hepatic function panel and bilirubin detect changes in liver function. All these tests are usually done at the time of diagnosis to rule out other diseases, and they are also used throughout therapy to monitor the child’s response to treatment and to detect possible side effects of treatment. Venous Access Device A venous access device (VAD), sometimes called a central line or a port-a-cath, is a permanent intravenous (IV) tube that allows medicine to be given and blood to be removed without painful needle sticks. It can be used to administer medications, chemotherapy, blood products, and nutritional support when needed, as well as to draw blood for testing. It is inserted by a surgeon in the operating room while the child is under anesthesia. You and your child’s doctor will decide whether your child needs a VAD.
n HOW CAN OSTEOSARCOMA BE TREATED? Treatment for osteosarcoma includes both chemotherapy and surgery. Radiation is not usually used to treat this type of cancer. Your child’s doctor will talk with you about the best treatment for your child.
Chemotherapy Chemotherapy involves medicines that will help kill the cancer cells, shrink the tumor, and prevent it from spreading to new places. Several chemotherapy medications are known to be effective in killing osteosarcoma cells, but no single drug can control this disease by itself. As a result, chemotherapy medications are usually given in a specially sequenced combination. Most are given through the VAD. Your child’s treatment, including the possible side effects of the chemotherapy medications, will be explained in detail by your child’s doctor and nurses.
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