Prior to surgery, chemotherapy is given. This is strong medication, injected intravenously (into the vein) to make the tumor shrink. Surgery is then used to remove any remaining tumor, while attempting to spare the affected limb. Chemotherapy also treats any cancer cells which may have spread to other parts of the body.
Limb-saving surgery is usually possible, but more radical surgery (such as amputation) may be necessary for a permanent cure.
Common chemotherapy medicines include:
- High dose methotrexate with leucovorin
- Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
- Cisplatin
- Carboplatin (Paraplatin)
- Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
- Ifosfamide (Ifex)
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