Fifty-three patients who had a high-grade osteosarcoma had either a
limb-salvage resection or an amputation. They all received adjuvant therapy
that consisted of administration of Adriamycin (doxorubicin) and whole-lung
irradiation. At the time of follow-up, the surgical margin was assessed by
examination of the surgical specimen. Each patient was followed for at
least three years or until death. The data suggested that a wide surgical
margin is adequate to control a primary osteosarcoma. When a wide surgical
margin can be used and a functional limb can be salvaged, an amputation
probably is not required.