Growth and hormone control mechanisms in osteosarcoma. Evidence for a new therapeutic approach.

The association between osteosarcoma and growth, including altered carbohydrate metabolism has been investigated in 5 osteosarcoma patients. Serum from an adolescent osteosarcoma patient has been noted to consistently enhance 3-H-thymidine uptake in cultured chondrocytes and tumor cells. Females survive osteosarcoma more frequently than males. In vitro serum-enhanced proliferation of osteosarcoma cells is suppressed by estradiol.