CURRENT APPROACHES TO THE DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND PROGNOSIS OF OSTEOSARCOMA

Abstract

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor, predominantly affecting children, adolescents, and young adults. Despite significant advances in oncology, orthopedic surgery, and chemotherapy, osteosarcoma remains a major challenge due to its aggressive biological behavior and high potential for metastasis. The disease most frequently arises in the metaphyseal regions of long bones, particularly around the knee joint. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment approaches have considerably improved survival outcomes over the past decades. However, the prognosis for patients with metastatic or recurrent disease remains poor. The present study examines the epidemiological characteristics, risk factors, diagnostic methods, treatment strategies, and prognostic indicators associated with osteosarcoma. Recent statistical data and findings from international clinical studies are analyzed to evaluate current trends in patient outcomes and future directions in osteosarcoma management.