Gemcitabine with or without docetaxel and resection for recurrent osteosarcoma: the experience at Children's Memorial Hospital

It remains unclear how to optimally incorporate gemcitabine and docetaxel into the management of patients with recurrent osteosarcoma. We describe 4 pediatric patients with recurrent osteosarcoma who were treated with gemcitabine ± docetaxel and resection. One patient had a partial response and 2 had stable disease. Two patients subsequently underwent surgical resections. Median duration of response was 8 months and was longer for patients who underwent resection. One patient remains disease-free 57 months from recurrence. Our limited series provides additional support for the use of gemcitabine ± docetaxel for recurrent osteosarcoma and suggests benefit of concurrent local control measures if possible.