TriangleFOR PATIENTS · SOURCE READING
Chemotherapy
Source: Osteosarcoma Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: February 25, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.
Context: Treatment Option Overview / The following types of treatment are used:
Chemotherapy (also called chemo) uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy either kills the cancer cells or stops them from dividing. Chemotherapy may be given alone or with other types of treatment.
Chemotherapy for osteosarcoma and UPS is injected into a vein. When given this way, the drugs enter the bloodstream and can reach cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy is usually given before and after surgery to remove the tumor.
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Chemotherapy drugs used alone or in combination to treat osteosarcoma include:
carboplatin
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cisplatin
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cyclophosphamide
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docetaxel
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doxorubicin
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etoposide
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gemcitabine
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ifosfamide
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methotrexate
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Other chemotherapy drugs not listed here may also be used.
Learn more about how chemotherapy works, how it is given, common side effects, and more at Chemotherapy to Treat Cancer.
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Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice