Objective: To develop a new noninvasive limb-salvaging method in the treatment of primary malignant bone tumor in the extremities.
Methods: Forty-four patients with primary malignant bone tumor were treated by extracorporal high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) with or without chemotherapy, with a mean follow-up of 17.6 months.
Results: The overall survival and complication rates were 84.1% and 18.2%. In 34 patients with stage II b disease, 30 were disease-free, with 2 died of tumor metastasis to brain and lung and 3 developed local recurrence. In 10 patients with stage III b disease, 5 survived with tumor, with 1 developed local recurrence and 5 died of lung metastasis. Thirty-six of 44 patients were > or = 15 points by Enneking system.
Conclusion: High intensity focused ultrasound combined with chemotherapy for primary malignant bone tumor in the extremity is proved to be effective and safe, preserving good function in the limbs. HIFU may possibly become a new limb-salvaging treatment for this tumor.