10 Things You Need to Know About Bone Cancer

Bones are always changing, with some cells making new bone and others breaking down old bone. Inside bones, marrow makes blood cells. Any of these cells can turn cancerous and cause primary bone cancer.

The condition starts in the bone itself, not from other places in the body. It happens when some cells in the bone begin to grow too much and form tumors.

Types

The main types of the disease include:

• Osteosarcoma: It typically appears in the arms, legs or pelvis.
• Ewing tumor: This type is found in the ribs, spine, hip, or long bones of the legs.
• Chondrosarcoma: It develops in the arm, pelvic, or leg bones, but can occur in cartilage-containing areas, such as the ribs or trachea.
• Giant cell tumor of bone (osteoclastoma): It mostly shows up near the ends of long bones in your arms and legs, often near your knee.
• Chordoma: It usually forms at the base of the spine.

Who Gets Primary Bone Cancer?

According to the National Cancer Institute:

• Osteosarcoma: It’s most common among young people aged 10 to 30, with a higher incidence in males.
• Ewing tumor: It’s prevalent in children and young adults under 30, especially in white individuals.
• Chondrosarcoma: It primarily affects adults, and the risk increases with age.
• Giant cell tumor of bone: It typically afflicts individuals in their 20s and 30s.
• Chordoma: It’s most common in adults.

Facts and Stats You Need to Know About Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma presents distinct demographic patterns.

According to a 2022 study:

• Metastatic osteosarcoma (bone cancer that has spread to other parts of the body) is more prevalent among individuals aged over 60 years
• The incidence of metastatic osteosarcoma is higher among males (24.4%) than females (20.2%)
• Hispanics (24.6%) and Blacks (23.6%) exhibit slightly higher rates of metastatic osteosarcoma compared to Whites (21.2%)

When you have this disease, you might experience bone pain, a persistent ache that doesn’t go away. You may also experience swelling and tenderness near the affected area.

If you notice that a bone seems weakened, making it prone to fractures, that could be a sign of this condition as well.

Feeling unusually tired, even after getting enough rest, might also be a symptom to watch out for.

Another sign to look out for is unintended weight loss, where you’re losing weight without trying to do so.

Treatment

Your doctor may perform surgery to remove the entire cancerous growth. Before, or after the surgery, your doctor may administer potent anti-cancer drugs, usually delivered through a vein.

Additionally, your doctor might prescribe radiation therapy, where high-energy beams will be delivered for a few minutes to destroy cancer cells that might have spread beyond the primary site.

Relative Five-Year Survival Rates

Five-year relative survival rates indicate the percentage of people with the condition who are still alive after five years of diagnosis, compared to the survival rate of the general population.

For example, if the five-year survival rate for a specific type and stage of this disease is 50%, it indicates that, on average, individuals with that type of cancer have about a 50% chance of living for at least five years after being diagnosed, compared to individuals in the general population without the cancer.

These rates provide insight into the prognosis and potential outcomes of the disease. Note that they don’t predict how long you will live, but they can help you and your family understand the likelihood of survival so you can make informed decisions about treatment options.

This understanding can enable informed discussions with healthcare providers about treatment options and assists with coping with the emotional and practical challenges associated with diagnosis and treatment.

Here are the relative five-year survival rates for some types of this condition, according to the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database:

• For Chondrosarcoma, if the cancer has not spread, you have a 91% of surviving for five years after diagnosis. However, if the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, the likelihood of surviving for five years after diagnosis drops to 17%.
• For Chordoma, if the cancer has not spread, there is an 87% chance of surviving for five years after diagnosis. Conversely, if the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, the chance of surviving for five years after diagnosis decreases to 69%.
• For Giant cell tumor of bone, if the cancer has not spread, individuals have a 90% chance of surviving for five years after diagnosis. Yet, if the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, the probability of surviving for five years after diagnosis decreases to 36%.

It’s also worth noting that for osteosarcoma, five-year relative survival rates are higher in females than males.

After your treatment, your doctors will want to see you regularly. They will ask you how you’re feeling and may do tests to make sure the cancer hasn’t come back.

Initially, you may undergo monthly tests, but this frequency could change over time. Your medical team will consistently monitor for any side effects resulting from your treatment. Don’t hesitate to talk to them about any concerns you have.

If you had bone surgery, you might undergo rehabilitation or be fitted with a prosthetic limb to help you move about.

Who Treats Primary Bone Cancer?

Your case will be managed by a multi-disciplinary team of experts. The treatment team may consist of:

• An orthopedic surgeon (oncologist): This specialist will do surgery to address bone and joint issues
• A radiation oncologist: This specialist will use radiation therapy to target and treat the cancer
• A medical oncologist: They will prescribe chemotherapy and other medications for you
• A physiatrist: A specialist who will help you with rehabilitation and physical therapy

Additionally, your care team may include:

• Physician assistants
• Psychologists
• Nurse practitioners
• Nurses
• Social workers
• Rehabilitation specialists
• Other healthcare providers

According to the Newcastle University, a recent study has revealed a promising breakthrough in bone cancer research. The researchers identified a gene called RUNX2, which is activated when one has the disease and promotes cancer spread.

Subsequently, they developed a new drug that inhibits the activity of the RUNX2 protein. Notably, this drug can increase survival rates by 50% without surgery or chemotherapy.

This breakthrough could potentially provide doctors with a more targeted and less invasive treatment option. With continued investigation and development, this research may one day lead to more effective therapies that improve the prognosis and quality of life for individuals battling this disease.

In another significant advancement, researchers at UC Davis have pioneered the creation of engineered bone marrow, commonly referred to as eBM.

This breakthrough holds immense promise in enhancing osteosarcoma treatment strategies. With eBM, it will be feasible to culture a patient’s tumor, test cancer treatments, and determine an effective treatment before starting a regimen.

Takeaway

Amidst the complexities of living with this disease, hope persists. With advancements in medical science and personalized treatment approaches, there are avenues for optimism.

Recognizing symptoms early, seeking prompt medical care, and embracing treatment options can greatly improve outcomes.

Furthermore, ongoing research endeavors are constantly refining therapies. Surrounded by a supportive network of healthcare professionals, family, and friends, patients can navigate their journey with resilience and positivity.

Each day presents opportunities for progress, and with unwavering determination, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow beyond primary bone cancer.

American Cancer Society. (2021, June 17). What Is Bone Cancer?

National Cancer Institute. (2018, November 20). Primary Bone Cancer.

American Cancer Society. (2022). Osteosarcoma: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program-based analysis from 1975 to 2017. American Cancer Society Journals, 128(11), 2107-2118.

American Cancer Society. (2021, June 17). Signs and Symptoms of Bone Cancer.

American Cancer Society. (2021, June 17). Surgery for Bone Cancer.

American Cancer Society. (2021, June 17). Chemotherapy for Bone Cancer. American Cancer Society. (2021, June 17). Radiation Therapy for Bone Cancer. American Cancer Society. (2023, March 1). Survival Rates for Bone Cancer. American Cancer Society. (2018, February 5). Living as a Bone Cancer Survivor. American Cancer Society. (2019, August 7). Health Professionals Associated with Cancer Care.

Newcastle University. (2023, March 8). Revolutionary new bone cancer drug could save lives.

UC Davis Health. (2023, September 18). Engineered bone marrow shows promise as cancer treatment.