Dec 16, 2008 Scott Rupp

Stethoscope and medical form – istock photoA new drug may be effective in fighting bone cancers; however, it needs more study, and eventually, approval from the FDA.

Oregon Health & Science University in Portland announced in December 2008 the results of a study that indicate an experimental drug called CYT387 blocks an enzyme that causes bone marrow cancers. The tests were conducted in mice and human cells.

Researchers from the university reported that they found that CYT387 was very effective against a specific type of cancer cell driven by an enzyme mutation called JAK2-V617F. The drug binds to the V617F mutation in the JAK2 enzyme.

In the mouse model, the drug blocked JAK2-V617F, normalized blood counts and reduced enlarged spleens back to a normal size.

There is a very good chance that the drug will enter clinical trials as early as 2009, said investigator Dr. Michael Deininger.

What is Bone Cancer?

According to Jason C. Eck, DO, MS of MedicineNet.com, bone cancer is caused by a problem with the cells that make bone. The most common bone tumors include osteosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma, chondrosarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, fibrosarcoma, and chordoma.

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone cancer. It most commonly affects males between 10 and 25-years-old. It often occurs in the long bones of the arms and legs at areas of rapid growth around the knees and shoulders of children. This type of cancer is often very aggressive with risk of spread to the lungs. The five-year survival rate is about 65 percent.

Ewing’s sarcoma is the most aggressive bone tumor and affects younger people between 4 to 15-years of age. It is more common in males and is very rare in people over 30 years old. It most commonly occurs in the middle of the long bones of the arms and legs. The three-year survival rate is about 65 percent, but this rate is much lower if there has been spread to the lungs or other tissues of the body.

Chondrosarcoma is the second most common bone tumor and accounts for about 25 percent of all malignant bone tumors. These tumors arise from the cartilage cells and can either be very aggressive or relatively slow-growing. unlike many other bone tumors, chondrosarcoma is most common in people over 40 years old. Chondrosarcoma most commonly affects the bones of the pelvis and hips. The five-year survival for the aggressive form is about 30 percent, but the survival rate for slow-growing tumors is 90 percent.

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) affects the soft tissues including muscle, ligaments, tendons, and fat. It is the most common soft-tissue malignancy in later adult life, usually occurring in people 50-60 years of age. It most commonly affects the extremities and is about twice as common in males as females. MFH also has a wide range of severity. The overall five-year survival rate is about 35 to 65 percent.

Fibrosarcoma is much more rare than the other bone tumors. It is most common in people 35 to 55-years of age. It most commonly affects the soft tissues of the leg behind the knee. It is slightly more common in males than females.

Chordoma is a very rare tumor with an average survival of about six years after diagnosis. It occurs in adults over 30 years of age and is about twice as common in males as females. It most commonly affects either the lower or upper end of the spinal column.

According to Healthline.com, bone marrow is “the tissue that makes blood cells. It is found in the hollow part of most bones.”

What are the Symptoms of Bone Cancer?

Eck says the most common symptom of bone tumors is pain.

“in most cases, the symptoms become more severe with time,” Eck wrote. “Initially, the pain may only be present either at night or with activity and depending on the growth of the tumor, those affected may have symptoms for weeks, months, or years before seeking medical advice.”

In some cases, a mass or lump may be felt either on the bone or in the tissues surrounding the bone. Bones can become weakened by the tumor and lead to a fracture after little or no trauma or just from standing on the affected bone.

• Stethoscope and medical form – istock photo