Bone Cancer Treatment in South Africa

Some cancers are treated with surgery or chemotherapy or a combination of both. Radiation therapy is used in cases where surgery is difficult. Biological therapy may also be used in some cancers in children and young adults.

• Surgery: Surgical treatment to remove bone cancer is the mainstay of bone cancer treatment. It can remove the cancer without amputation of the affected limb. Many times, removal of muscles or other surrounding tissue may be required. Surgical removal with reconstruction is done in cases where part of bone is removed or amputation is done. Rehabilitation with physical therapy follows amputation.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy destroys cancer cells and prevents further cancer growth or recurrence. It is given into the blood stream via veins, either one drug or a combination is given in cycles. Sometimes, chemotherapy is given before surgery to shrink the cancer and helps easy removal.
• Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy uses high- energy x-rays or other particles to destroy bone cancer cells. It can be given as an internal beam or external beam radiation therapy. It can be used along with chemotherapy or alone, before or after surgery
• Biotherapy: Certain medications are targeted at specific cancer cells. They include monoclonal antibodies like denosumab.

Chemotherapy increases the survival in bone cancer patients. Around 90% patients can be treated without the need for amputation.