

Bone Cancer Overview (cont.)

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How is bone cancer pain managed?



What is the prognosis for bone cancer?

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The prognosis, or outlook, for bone cancer depends upon the particular type of cancer and the extent to which it has spread. The overall 5-year survival rate for all bone cancers in adults and children is about 70%. Chondrosarcomas in adults have an overall 5-year survival rate of about 80%.

The 5-year survival rate for specifically for localized osteosarcomas is about 60% to 80%. If metastases are present, meaning that the cancer has spread beyond bone, the survival rate is about 15% to 30%, but there are factors that may affect the prognosis. Osteosarcomas tend to have a more favorable prognosis if they are located in an arm or leg, respond well to chemotherapy, and are able to be completely removed at surgery. Younger patients and females also tend to have a more favorable prognosis than males or older patients.

Ewing sarcomas have a 5-year survival rate of about 70% when they are found in a localized stage. If they have spread to other sites (metastasized), the survival rate drops to 15% to 30%. Certain factors have been associated with a more favorable prognosis for Ewing's sarcomas, including smaller tumor size, patient age less than 10, having a tumor in an arm or leg (in contrast to a tumor in the pelvis or chest wall), and having a good response to chemotherapy drugs.

Can bone cancer be prevented?



"Bone Cancer." American Cancer Society.

"Bone Cancer." National Cancer Institute.

Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 2/4/2014

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