Treatment of unresectable or metastatic osteosarcoma with cisplatin or cisplatin-doxorubicin.

Responses and toxicity after treatment with cisplatin and cisplatin-doxorubicin were compared in two groups of patients with unresectable or metastatic osteosarcoma. Complete or partial responses developed in 3 of 18 individuals treated with cisplatin, and in 5 of 19 after the two-drug combination. Hematologic and gastrointestinal complications were more frequent and severe in patients who received both agents. The combined use of cisplatin and doxorubicin is justified for patients with unresectable or metastatic osteosarcoma at diagnosis because of the potential therapeutic benefits for these individuals.