Abstract
BACKGROUND: We aim to investigate the prognostic implications of synchronous skip metastases in osteosarcoma by presenting the largest single centre series to date. METHODS: Retrospective study of 21 osteosarcoma patients with skip metastases treated between 1983 and 2004. RESULTS: No statistical difference in overall survival was demonstrated when comparing presence of lung metastases to those without (p = 0.859). No statistical difference was found in overall survival according to age group (<18yrs vs >18yrs; p = 0.126), or to percentage chemotherapy-induced bone necrosis (<90% vs >90%; p = 0.056). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of skip metastases confers a very poor prognosis as an independent variable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.