Impact of limb salvage versus amputation on overall survival in patients with osteosarcoma of the extremities: an update in the modern era using the National Cancer Database
Abstract Background: Historically, amputation was the primary surgical treatment for osteosarcoma of the extremities; however, with advancements in surgical techniques and chemotherapies limb salvage has replaced amputation as the dominant treatment paradigm. This study assessed the impact of the type of surgical resection on overall survival in the era of modern limb salvage. Methods: Utilizing the largest registry of primary osteosarcoma, the National Cancer Database (NCDB), we retrospectively analyzed patients with high grade osteosarcoma of the extremities from 2004 through 2015. Unadjusted five-year overall survival between patients who received limb salvage and amputation was assessed utilizing Kaplan Meier curves. A multivariate Cox proportional hazard model and propensity matched analysis was used to determine the variables independently correlated with survival. Results: From a total of 3,421 patients, 2,634 underwent limb salvage and 787 underwent amputation. After controlling for confounders, limb salvage was associated with a significant survival benefit over amputation (HR: 0.70; p<0.001). This survival benefit remained significant after propensity matched analysis of all significantly different independent variables (HR: 0.74; p=0.001). Chemotherapy and negative surgical margins were also independently associated with survival.Conclusion: Limb salvage is associated with a significant survival benefit over amputation, even when controlling for potentially confounding variables and differences between cohorts.