Osteosarcoma: A Review of 345 Cases

345 cases of osteosarcoma are reviewed. The long term results are known in 240. The overall ten year survival rate was 5 per cent. This is analysed in relation to age, site of tumour, radiographic grading, and method of treatment. There were no survivors in patients under the age of fifteen; in tumours of the proximal half of the femur and humerus; or tumours of the trunk. If these cases are excluded, amputation gave a ten year survival rate in 11 per cent. The radiographic grading expressed in relation to expansion of the tumour has a significant relationship to the prognosis. In the authors' experience histological grading of the tumour is not feasible and probably has no bearing on the prognosis. The authors express their preference for treatment based on their analysis of this series.