Survival Rate for Rare Form of Bone Cancer Improving

the Cancer Therapy Advisor take:

The survival rate for mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, a rare form of cancer found in young adults that begins in bone cartilage, is not as dismal as previously reported, according to research out of Loyola University Medical Center.

At the recent Mid-America Orthopedic Association annual meeting in South Carolina, researchers led by Lukas Nystrom, MD, presented findings that looked at 205 cases of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma from 1973 to 2011. Data was taken from the SEER program database administered through the National Cancer Institute.

They found that 51 percent of these patients survived at least five years, and 43 percent at least 10 years.

In addition, survival rates depended on where tumors were located. Those with tumors on the spine, pelvis or trunk, for instance, were found to have worse outcomes than those with tumors in the arms or legs. Dr. Nystrom stated that this is likely due to tumors being located in inoperable areas.

Overall improvement in survival was likely due to improved CT and MRI imaging, as well as the chemotherapy administration in the treatment regimen.