Adjuvant Therapies (Chemo, RT)
Adjuvant therapies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy are critical components of multidisciplinary oncological treatment, enhancing tumour control and improving survival in various musculoskeletal malignancies.
Main Content:
Chemotherapy is essential in the management of high-grade sarcomas, particularly osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (pre-operative) helps reduce tumour size, facilitates surgical resection, and provides early systemic control. Adjuvant (post-operative) chemotherapy targets micrometastatic disease. Common agents include doxorubicin, cisplatin, methotrexate, and ifosfamide.Radiotherapy is frequently used in radiosensitive tumours like Ewing sarcoma, lymphoma, and some soft tissue sarcomas. It can be employed as a definitive, neoadjuvant, adjuvant, or palliative modality. Advances such as IMRT and proton therapy allow for more precise dose delivery with reduced collateral damage.Proper timing, sequencing, and coordination with surgery are vital. Complications such as wound healing delays, fibrosis, and secondary malignancies must be considered.
