CONCENTRATING ON THE CURE
Advancing Crucial Understanding of Osteosarcoma
Institutional Collaborators
To OSI, No New Options is Not an Option
There have been no new treatment options approved for osteosarcoma in nearly 40 years. This is not acceptable to the Osteosarcoma Institute. Our healthcare visionaries, founders, staff, and board members have all been impacted by osteosarcoma in their personal lives and careers. We are taking on the persistent problem of osteosarcoma with urgency and a new approach because we care deeply about this mission.
It’s not because it’s the right thing to do, it’s because it’s unacceptable not to do it.
-Mac Tichenor, OSI President
The Osteosarcoma Institute’s mission is to dramatically increase treatment options and survival rates in osteosarcoma patients through identifying and funding the most promising and breakthrough osteosarcoma clinical trials and science. The Osteosarcoma Institute funds breakthrough clinical trials and science to identify new treatments, and ultimately a cure for osteosarcoma.
Stay Updated On Osteosarcoma Research
Recent Articles
Facing a Life-Threatening Disease with Your Partner
When Oliver was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at age 20, Carys applied her nursing training to care for him throughout his treatment.
An International Dog Day Tribute to a Man’s Best Friend Lost to Osteosarcoma
“Chief Texan” and popular podcaster, Jay B Sauceda, recalls Carl, his beloved Corgi who suffered from osteosarcoma, the most common bone cancer in adolescents and canines.
Turning a Cancer Diagnosis Into an Opportunity to Raise Awareness
After Oliver was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, he decided to celebrate his 21st birthday with a fund-raiser to help other young people suffering from the disease.
Our Impact
Funding, removing obstacles, raising awareness & working together. The Osteosarcoma Institute funds breakthrough clinical trials and science to identify new treatments, and ultimately a cure for osteosarcoma.
$1,500,000
to Translational Science
$1,300,000
to Clinical Trials
$400,000
to Correlative Research
$128,000
to Patient Support
For
Researchers
Find information on our funded work, grants to translate scientific discoveries into new thereapies, and osteosarcoma science to identify new treatment options for osteosarcoma patients for whom first-line therapy has failed.
For
Patients
Osteosarcoma patients shouldn’t have to face the reality that no new treatments have been approved for OS in almost 40 years. Find information on how we’re supporting patients through the OSI Hotline and pursuing strategies to capitalize on the latest developments in improving the outcomes for patients.
Our Story
The OSI was initially conceived at an osteosarcoma expert panel conference held in Jackson Hole, Wyoming in the summer of 2015. Over the course of the conference, the evidence showed that there had been no progress in osteosarcoma treatments over the past ten years (in fact, over the past 35 years). A stark consensus emerged that the existing, traditional paradigm for seeking advancements had failed and a new paradigm was needed.
The Osteosarcoma Institute Hotline
This free Hotline is for patients who have been diagnosed with osteosarcoma or suffered a relapse after initial treatment. This resource will help patients, families, and caregivers find answers to their questions from experienced, knowledgeable osteosarcoma expert physicians about all aspects of the disease, including available treatments and possible side effects, as well as helpful advice for getting the most out of your visits with your treating physician.
Colette R.
Mother of Osteosarcoma Patient
The Osteosarcoma Hotline is an amazing resource for our family! As a mother with a 13 year old osteowarrior, I couldn’t rest without knowing I am doing absolutely everything to give her the best care. The Osteosarcoma Hotline gave me that peace of mind and the reassurance that I’m doing everything possible for my daughter. They are knowledgeable, kind and compassionate. I can’t thank the Osteosarcoma Institute enough for providing this service.
Nicole K.
Mother of Osteosarcoma Patient
My son, Gavin, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in January of 2020. He began MAP treatment before the cancer unfortunately metastasized to his lungs. We reached out to the Osteosarcoma Institute Hotline for guidance and support as we searched for our next treatment option for Gavin. Thanks to the help from the experts at OSI, we were able to be connected with MD Anderson almost immediately. His and our journey with Osteosarcoma is not over, but he is doing well, and it is so wonderful to see him smile. Our family is so grateful to have access to this free service. The OSI has become like an extended care team for Gavin, and I am comforted knowing that we have support from this group of osteosarcoma expert physicians.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Osteosarcoma?
Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone tumor seen in children/adolescents and young adults, with around 600 cases diagnosed yearly in the United States between the age of 10 and 30, and a peak incidence during the adolescent growth spurt. It can occur anywhere along with the skeleton, but the most common sites are in areas of extensive longitudinal bone growth, around the knee (distal femur and proximal tibia, and shoulder (proximal humerus). The overwhelming majority of OS cases requires both surgery and chemotherapy for curative treatment but about 1/3 of cases will relapse and metastasize. The most common site of metastatic disease in the lung, although metastases to bone also occur.
What are the symptoms of OS?
The most common presenting complaint of patients with OS is pain. The pain is commonly associated with some form of trauma, although there is no association of osteosarcoma with trauma. Since pain is so common among young active children and adolescents as is mild trauma, this presenting sign often is present for weeks to months prior to seeking medical attention, with the pain frequently becoming more persistent and often more severe over time, ultimately leading to medical attention. There may also be associated swelling over the area of pain that may also increase over time. Eventually, imaging of the affected area leads to the diagnosis.
What is a Clinical Trial?
What is Immunotherapy?
Trial Phases
Introduction to Advancements in Cancer Treatments
What is Chemotherapy?
¿Qué es el Osteosarcoma?
El osteosarcoma (OS) es el tumor óseo primario más común observado en niños / adolescentes y adultos jóvenes, con alrededor de 600 casos diagnosticados anualmente en los Estados Unidos entre las edades de 10 y 30, y una incidencia máxima durante el período de crecimiento de la adolescencia. Puede ocurrir en cualquier lugar junto con el esqueleto, pero los sitios más comunes se encuentran en áreas de extenso crecimiento óseo longitudinal, alrededor de la rodilla (fémur distal y tibia proximal, y hombro (húmero proximal). La gran mayoría de los casos de SG requieren cirugía y quimioterapia para el tratamiento curativo, pero aproximadamente 1/3 de los casos recaerán y harán metástasis. El sitio más común de enfermedad metastásica en el pulmón, aunque también se producen metástasis en los huesos.
¿Cuáles son los síntomas del OS?
La queja de presentación más común de los pacientes con SG es el dolor. El dolor se asocia comúnmente con algún tipo de trauma, aunque no existe una asociación de osteosarcoma con trauma. Dado que el dolor es tan común entre los niños y adolescentes activos jóvenes como lo es el traumatismo leve, este signo de presentación a menudo está presente durante semanas o meses antes de buscar atención médica, y el dolor con frecuencia se vuelve más persistente y a menudo más severo con el tiempo, lo que finalmente conduce a problemas médicos. atención. También puede haber inflamación asociada sobre el área del dolor que también puede aumentar con el tiempo. Finalmente, la obtención de imágenes del área afectada conduce a la diagnóstico.