Orthopedic Oncology

Radiation Damage and Preserving Bone Growth after Radiotherapy

(Inv: Damron, Spadaro, Farnum (Cornell)): The rat growth plate is being used to study the cellular mechanisms, extent of radiation damage, and ways to preserve growth with radioprotectants given during exposure. We use histomorphometry, radiography, densitometry and immunohistochemistry with the aim of improving treatment options in children with cancer. (National Institutes of Health and the Children's Miracle Network.)

Radioprotectant Strategies in Pediatric Musculo-skeletal Neoplasms

(Inv: Allen, Hahn (Radiation Oncology) and Damron) The long-term goal of this work is to develop drug therapies that provides selective protection of the growth plate in pediatric patients undergoing radiation therapy for musculo-skeletal tumors such as Ewing's sarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. Current studies are focused on establishing whether candidate radioprotectant drugs have any protective effects on cell lines derived from these tumors. (Children's Miracle Network).

Effects of Radiation Therapy on Bone Metastases from Breast Cancer

(Inv: Allen, Hahn (Radiation Oncology), Mann and Damron) Bone metastases are the most common complication in women with advanced breast cancer. Bone pain, hypercalcemia and pathological fracture are important causes of morbidity and mortality in these patients. Although radiation therapy is effective in controlling bone pain it is not effective in preventing pathological fracture. Our research seeks to characterize the cellular and molecular effects of radiation on bone metastases and to use this information to develop improved therapies for women with bone metastases. (NY State Department of Health, The Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund, and the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation).

Chemotherapy Induced Osteopenia and Correction

(Inv: Damron, Spadaro, Allen) The exact mechanisms for osteopenia and osteoporosis in survivors of childhood cancer are poorly studied. The rat model is used to examine individual potentially important variables, including toxic chemotherapeutic agents and cranial irradiation, as well as their prevention and correction.

Bone Mineral Density in Survivors of Childhood Cancer

(Inv: Damron, Spadaro, Cherrick (Peds Oncology)) A cross-sectional population study in young adult survivors of solid pediatric tumors such as sarcomas and lymphomas is being undertaken. The purpose is to determine the occurrence of osteopenia/osteoporosis in this large group of patients from the Kids Now Off Therapy (K.N.O.T.) clinic that has previously been studied elsewhere only in small numbers. (Joseph C. Georg Fund of the Central New York Community Foundation)

Bisphosphonates for Low Bone Density in Childhood Cancer Survivors

(Inv: Damron, Spadaro, Allen, Cherrick (Peds Oncology), Stred (Peds Endocrinology), Moses (Endocrinology)) This prospective, randomized trial examines a subset of childhood cancer survivors with documented osteopenia due to growth hormone deficiency from cranial irradiation. The purpose is to determine whether the use of bisphosphonates in these young individuals is beneficial in correcting the low bone density when compared to Vitamin D and calcium alone. (Genentech, Proctor and Gamble)

Effect of Large Muscle Group Excision on Post-operative Function in Soft Tissue Sarcoma Patients

(Inv: Ordway, Seymour (PT), Kulkarni-Lambore (PT), Camporesi (Anesthesiology), Damron) Patients with soft tissue sarcomas require radical resection of large muscle groups which affect overall function, but in ways that are not well studied. This prospective study analyzes the change in gait, EMG, and physiologic function from pre-operatively to early and late post-operatively in order to determine the effects of and recovery process from this type of radical surgery. (Gait Analysis Facility funded by Children's Miracle Network)

Prophylactic Stabilization of Impending Proximal Femur Fractures

(Inv: Damron, Werner) Metastatic carcinoma and multiple myeloma frequently result in destruction of bone, particularly in the proximal femur where the risk of fracture is high. In order to avoid painful, debilitating fractures, intramedullary stabilization with rods is often undertaken. This laboratory study examines commonly utilized rods placed in human femurs to determine the most biomechanically desirable construct for this situation. (Howmedica/Osteonics)