Functional Biomaterials Meet Osteosarcoma Treatment

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly aggressive primary bone malignancy with high incidences of pulmonary metastasis and mortality, predominantly affecting children and adolescents. Current treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, face challenges such as high recurrence rates, drug resistance, and limited efficacy in metastatic cases. Nanotechnology and nanomaterials have shown significant promise in improving OS diagnosis and treatment. They offer innovative solutions for targeted drug delivery, photothermal therapy, immunotherapy, and modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, they can be engineered to specifically target tumor cells, deliver therapeutic agents with high precision, and improve overall treatment efficacy. Functional bone implants are crucial for providing mechanical support, preventing recurrence after surgical resection, and promoting bone regeneration. This comprehensive review provides a detailed overview on the current state of OS treatment, highlighting the critical role of advancements in clinical and material science for improving outcomes. By integrating insights from clinical bone oncology and biomedical engineering, this review offers a holistic perspective on the challenges and opportunities in treating OS. Additionally, it highlights the importance of addressing the limitations of traditional treatments and the need for innovative strategies to improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce recurrence rates.