Prognostic Markers in Osteosarcoma Patients in the Najaf Province of Iraq

Background: Among the solid malignancies of bone, osteosarcomas are the most common, but unfortunately there has not been solid new therapy for this disease. In this study, we emphasized on the prognostic markers of the disease and our goal was to present the clinical and demographic outcomes of osteosarcoma patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 patients (17 male, 13 female) osteosarcoma patients treated and followed up in Middle Euphrates Cancer Center Therapy in Najaf, Iraq from 2016 to 2017 were reviewed prospectively and retrospectively. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and bone-specific ALP (bsALP) were analyzed both before and after chemotherapy. Patients were also examined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results: Seventeen male and thirteen female patients were diagnosed with metastatic (except one male and one female) osteosarcoma located at extremities. The patients showed an increase in the level of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), bone specific ALP. A strong correlation was demonstrated between LDH and MRI results. Conclusions: In this study, LDH and MRI were found to be the most important prognostic factors in osteosarcoma patients. An increase in serum level of ALP, LDH, and bone specific ALP was observed. A Significant correlation was indicated between LDH and MRI results. An increase in sample size and the use of more effective and active agents of chemotherapy, especially for metastatic cases are needed.