Latest research on Bone Cancer

Executive Summary

Several research studies have been conducted to seek more information on bone cancer, their related prevention method, their diagnostic approach at the initial phase, and the best treatments strategies. Immunotherapy is used to treat bone sarcoma by integrating Mifamurtide (Mepact), a nonspecific immune system stimulator approved for bone sarcoma in some countries. PARP (poly ADP-ribose polymerase) inhibitors are 1 type of targeted therapy studied to treat Ewing sarcoma. Myeloablative therapy is an intense administration of very high doses of chemotherapy. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) are the radiation therapy techniques used to control and destroy small tumor areas. Palliative care is integrated among the patients for improving their comfort and quality of life.

Advancement in Bone Cancer Research

Based on Latest research on Bone Cancer The areas of research may include new options for patients through clinical trials:

Immunotherapy

Mifamurtide (Mepact) is a nonspecific immune system stimulator approved for bone sarcoma ^​1​in some countries but not in the United States. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have been a topic of research in cancer research. These drugs block a specific molecule, taking the brakes off the immune system and allowing the immune system to fight the cancer cells. The blocked molecules have CTLA4, PD-1, OX40, LAG3, and TIM3. They are known to be helpful in many other types of cancers. 

Also Read: Dietary Approaches for Cancer.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy aims at any factor contributing to cancer cells’ growth and development. It can be a specific protein, gene or tissue environment. PARP (poly ADP-ribose polymerase) inhibitors are 1 type of targeted therapy studied to treat Ewing sarcoma ^​2​.

Myeloablative therapy

Myeloablative therapy is an intense administration of very high doses of chemotherapy. It aims to kill all cells that divide rapidly ^​3​. It can include cancer cells but also some healthy cells. 

A patient may receive bone marrow or stem cell transplants after myeloablative therapy to rapidly renew their blood cells. During the transplant, stem cells are taken from the bone marrow or blood of the patient or a relative. Stem cells create all other types of cells in the body, which will help new blood cells be made faster.

Radiation therapy techniques

Based on the Latest research on Bone Cancer, Clinical trials evaluate the usefulness of radiation therapy given inside the body during surgery for some Ewing sarcoma tumors. Other methods are used when bone sarcoma recurs at a distant or metastatic location in the body. These include radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), which uses a small number of very focused, very intense radiation treatments to control or destroy a small tumor area ^​4​.

Palliative care

Clinical trials are underway to find better ways to reduce symptoms and side effects of current bone sarcoma treatments to improve patients’ comfort and quality of life.

References