Latin America

Dr Sidnei Epelman has developed a protocol for the treatment of osteosarcoma which does not entail the use of high dose methotrexate. A pilot study conducted in both Brazil and the USA (in conjunction with the Children's Cancer Study Group) gave similar results to protocols which do use high dose methotrexate. High dose methotrexate is both expensive and difficult to handle in developing countries. In August, an INCTR Osteosarcoma Strategy Group meeting will take place in order to plan for the implementation of this or a similar protocol in several other countries.