The results of surgical treatment combined with intra-arterial infusion of anti-cancer agents in osteosarcoma.

Since 1963, regional intra-arterial infusion of anti-cancer agents combined with surgery has been used in the treatment of 56 patients with osteosarcomas. The histologic examination of amputated limbs after prolonged intra-arterial infusion therapy showed remarkable degeneration and necrosis throughout wide areas of tumor tissue. The overall estimated 5-year survival rate improved from 4 to 31.4 per cent. In cases where the infusion period was of more than 3 weeks duration, the estimated 5-year survival rate was 43.8 per cent. The period from operation to pulmonary metastasis was prolonged and the incidence of pulmonary metastasis within the first year was markedly decreased. The use of intra-arterial infusion prior to surgery coupled with postoperative bronchial arterial infusion and systemic chemotherapy improved the prognosis in osteosarcomas.