Bone Cancer Treatment

Who Needs Bone Cancer Treatment?

Bone cancer treatment is necessary for patients who experience:

• Persistent bone pain, especially at night
• Swelling or a lump over a bone
• Unexplained fractures or bone weakness
• Fatigue and unintended weight loss
• X-rays or scans showing suspicious bone lesions

People diagnosed with primary bone cancer or secondary bone tumors (such as from breast, prostate, or lung cancer) need timely treatment to control the disease and prevent spread.

Types of Bone Tumors

Bone tumors can be divided into the following two types:

1. Primary bone tumors (sarcomas) 
   • Osteosarcomas
   • Chondrosarcomas
   • Ewing Sarcomas
2. Secondary bone tumors (metastases)

Pre-Treatment Evaluation and Diagnostics

Proper diagnosis is the first step in treating bone cancer. Before your treatment journey starts, your doctor will order some tests, including:

• X-rays and MRI/CT scans
• Bone scans or PET scans
• Biopsy (needle or surgical) to confirm cancer
• Blood tests to check markers or organ function

These tests help determine the type and stage of the cancer.

Selection and Treatment Planning

Once diagnosed, a multidisciplinary team, including oncologists, orthopedic surgeons, and radiologists, develops a personalized treatment plan. Factors considered include:

• Type and stage of bone cancer
• Location and size of the tumor
• Age and general health
• Potential impact on limb function and mobility

The treatment aims to remove or destroy the cancer while preserving as much bone and function as possible.

Process of Bone Cancer Treatment 

There are various treatment options available for the treatment of bone cancer. The treatment may involve one of the following or a combination of two treatments:

1. Surgery - The tumor is surgically removed with or without limb reconstruction. It may include:
   • Limb-sparing surgery
   • Amputation (in severe cases)
   • Reconstructive surgery
2. Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy involves the use of strong drugs to kill cancer cells. It is commonly used for osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma.
3. Radiation Therapy - In radiation therapy, high-energy rays (external beam radiation) are delivered in sessions to destroy cancer cells. This is especially used when surgery is not an option.
4. Targeted Therapy - In targeted therapy, the patients take medicines (orally or by IV) that target specific genes or proteins in cancer cells.
5. Cryosurgery - Freezing cancerous tissue, used in selected cases.

There are chances of drug resistance and disease recurrence with traditional therapies such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical resection. Therefore, a multidisciplinary team decides the best combination of treatments for each patient. Patients will be closely monitored post-treatment for response and side effects throughout the treatment journey.

Risks & Potential Complications of Bone Cancer Treatment

There are certain risks involved with each and every treatment. Possible risks vary by treatment type and may include the following:

• Infection after surgery
• Nerve damage or mobility loss
• Chemotherapy side effects (nausea, fatigue, hair loss)
• Radiation burns or tissue scarring
• Amputation in advanced cases

Your doctor and their team will closely monitor your condition post-treatment. They will manage side effects (if they occur) throughout the treatment process.

What to Expect After Bone Cancer Treatment?

You can expect the following after you undergo treatment for bone cancer:

• You may need physical therapy after surgery to regain limb strength.
• Regular blood tests and scans are done to monitor recovery.
• Some may require reconstructive surgeries or prosthetics.
• Long-term medication or hormone therapy may be prescribed in some cases.

Post-Treatment Recovery & Long-Term Care

Recovery depends on the treatment type and overall health:

• Surgical recovery: May take 6–12 weeks with regular physiotherapy.
• Chemotherapy/Radiation: May cause fatigue for weeks after treatment ends.
• Follow-up care: Regular checkups for recurrence and side effects.

Long-term care includes maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding injury to treated limbs, and providing psychological support.

Bone Cancer Treatment Success Rate in India

The success rate of a bone cancer treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer. India sees encouraging outcomes:

• Early-stage bone cancer: 70-80% 5-year survival rate
• Advanced stage or metastatic: 40-60% with aggressive treatment

Success is higher with early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care.

Bone Cancer Treatment Cost in India (in USD)

Here’s an estimated cost range for different treatment options:

Note: Costs depend on the hospital, cancer stage, and length of treatment.

Why Choose India for Bone Cancer Treatment?

India is a preferred destination for bone cancer treatment due to:

• World-class oncology centers: Many Indian hospitals are internationally accredited and have specialized cancer units with high success rates.
• Affordable pricing compared to Western countries: Indian hospitals offer treatment for bone cancer at a much lower price without compromising the quality of healthcare. The treatment is much more affordable in India than in other Western nations such as the USA, the UK, Australia, etc.
• Experienced oncologists and orthopedic surgeons: Most of the hospitals and cancer care centres in India comprise renowned, qualified, and internationally trained oncologists.
• Advanced radiation technologies and surgical tools: Indian hospitals equip themselves with advanced radiation technologies and surgical tools to aid in the bone cancer treatment journey. The first Stryker Nav 3 Navigation system for orthopedic oncology in India was set up at Max Institute of Cancer Care, Saket.
• Personalized care for international patients: International patients visiting India for bone cancer treatment receive personalized treatment tailored to their needs. They are provided with bilingual staff who help them with every requirement.

Getting bone cancer treatment in India is easy. You just have to go through the documentation process for a hassle-free treatment journey in India.

Documents Required for Patients Traveling to India for the Bone Cancer Treatment Procedure

For international patients contemplating bone cancer treatment in India, it is necessary to present certain documentation to have a smooth medical journey. These include:

• Valid Passport: Valid for a minimum of six months after the date you travel.
• Medical Visa (M Visa): Granted by the Indian Embassy/Consulate on medical grounds.
• Invitation Letter from Indian Hospital: A formal letter explaining the course of treatment and how long it will last.
• Recent medical records: X-rays, MRIs, blood tests, and a referral note by a doctor in the home country.
• Completed visa application form: With passport-size photographs according to specifications.
• Proof of means: Bank statements dated in the past few months or health insurance.
• Medical Attendant visa: Needed for a companion or caregiver traveling with the patient.

It is advisable to refer to the Indian consulate or your medical facilitator for the latest information and help in documentation.

Top Bone Cancer Specialists in India

Some of India’s top bone cancer specialists include:

• Dr. S. H. Advani - Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai
• Dr. Akshay Tiwari - Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket
• Dr. Haresh Manglani - Fortis Hospital, Mulund, Mumbai
• Dr. Rajat Gupta - Fortis Hospital, Mohali
• Dr. Ramesh Nimmagadda - Apollo Hospitals, Chennai

These specialists have vast experience in treating rare cancers like bone tumors.

Best Hospitals for Bone Cancer Treatment in India

Best cancer hospitals in India offering specialized bone cancer care:

• Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram
• Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai
• Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi
• Apollo Cancer Centre, Chennai
• Medanta - The Medicity, Gurugram

These hospitals are equipped with advanced cancer care technologies and comprehensive cancer care teams.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is bone cancer curable?

Yes, many cases of bone cancer are curable if diagnosed early and treated properly.

How long does treatment take?

Treatment duration varies but typically lasts 3 to 6 months, depending on the type and stage.

Can bone cancer return after treatment?

Yes, recurrence is possible. Regular follow-ups help catch it early if it returns.

Will I lose my limb during surgery?

In most cases, limb-sparing surgery is done. Amputation is rare and only used when absolutely necessary.

Is treatment painful?

Some pain and discomfort are expected, but pain management is a key part of cancer care.