Bones are always changing, with some cells making new bone and others breaking down old bone. Inside bones, marrow makes blood cells. Any of these cells can turn into cancer cells and cause primary bone cancer . The condition begins in the bone itself, rather than elsewhere in the body. This occurs when some cells in the bone begin to grow large and form tumors.
The main types of the disease include:
1. Osteosarcoma : It usually appears in the arms, legs, or pelvis.
2. Ewing's tumor : This type is found in the ribs, spine, hip, or long bones in the legs.
Who gets primary bone cancer?
1. According to the National Cancer Institute, osteosarcoma: It is more common among young people between the ages of 10 to 30 years, and its incidence increases in males.
2. Ewing's tumor: It is common in children and young people under the age of 30, especially in white individuals.
4. Giant cell tumor of the bone: It usually affects people in their twenties and thirties.
Symptoms of bone cancer
- When you have this disease, you may feel bone pain, which is a constant pain that does not go away. You may also experience swelling and pain near the affected area. If you notice that your bones appear weak, making them vulnerable to fractures, that could be a sign of this condition as well.
- Feeling unusually tired, even after getting enough rest, may also be a symptom to watch out for.
- Another sign to watch out for is unintended weight loss, where you lose weight without trying to do so.
Treatment of bone cancer
Your doctor may perform surgery to remove the entire cancerous growth. Before or after surgery, your doctor may prescribe strong anti-cancer medications, usually delivered intravenously. In addition, your doctor may prescribe radiation therapy, in which high-energy beams will be directed for a few minutes to destroy cancer cells that may have spread beyond the primary site.
Post-treatment follow-up
After treatment, doctors will want to see you regularly. They will ask you how you are feeling and may do tests to make sure the cancer has not returned.
Who treats primary bone cancer?
Your case will be managed by a multidisciplinary team of experts. The treatment team may consist of:
- Orthopedic surgeon (oncologist): This specialist will perform surgery to treat bone and joint problems.
- Radiation oncologist: This specialist will use radiation therapy to target and treat cancer.
- Oncologist: He will prescribe chemotherapy and other medications.
- Physiatrist: A specialist who will help you with rehabilitation and physical therapy.
The future in bone cancer treatment
According to Newcastle University, a recent study has revealed promising progress in bone cancer research. The researchers identified a gene called RUNX2, which is activated when a person has the disease and promotes the spread of cancer. Next, they developed a new drug that blocks the activity of the RUNX2 protein. It is worth noting that this drug can increase survival rates by 50% without surgery or chemotherapy.
This breakthrough holds tremendous promise in advancing osteosarcoma treatment strategies. Using eBM, it will be possible to culture a patient's tumor, test cancer treatments, and determine effective treatment before starting a treatment regimen.
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