The problems in assessment of new treatment regimens of osteosarcoma.

The locations of the tumors that have been treated must be known if one is to sensibly assess the validity of therapeutic modalities. How the presence of metastases was excluded must be given, because patients without known metastases constitute the usual group of greatest interest. An indication of the validity of any series relates to the number of patients studied. Survivorship data based on projected five-year results should be assessed cautiously. Accuracy of the pathologic diagnosis is mandatory. Subtypes of osteosarcoma with behavior known to be different from the ordinary must be excluded. Specific details as to how the series was selected for study are necessary. It is impossible to assess accurately any published series unless the information specified in the foregoing is provided.