Measurement method for the objective and early detection of the osteosarcoma tumors

This paper deals with the characterization, by means of measurement techniques typically used for ceramics and polymeric materials, of human bone samples affected by two aggressive tumors: osteolitic osteosarcoma and sclerotic osteosarcoma. These two common forms of osteosarcoma often affects children and young teenagers. To distinguish between healthy and diseased bone tissue, the Hydroxyapatite/Collagen ratio and the Hydroxyapatite composition (Calcium/Phosphorus molar ratio) are evaluated. The results allow two considerations to be drawn on the analysis of human bone samples. The first consideration is that the bone affected by osteosarcoma has a greater amount of Collagen with respect to the healthy one. This can be used to evaluate the pathologic status of bone tissues. The second consideration is that the Calcium/Phosphorus molar ratio is, with respect to the one of healthy bone, higher in bone tissue affected by osteolitic osteosarcoma, while is lower in the one affected by sclerotic osteosarcoma. On the basis of these considerations, a promising measurement method is proposed to support the early and objective detection of the osteosarcoma tumor and to distinguish between osteolitic and sclerotic forms. The proposed measurement method can be executed in a few minutes and by using few milligrams of bone tissue that can be drawn with a needle under local anesthesia.